PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11543856-B1
Application Number: US-202117364253-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Modular electronic device system

Abstract:
A modular electronic device system includes an electronic device and a cover for the device that allows the device to be mechanically and electrically mounted to a stand or device adapter on the rear side of the cover. The cover or device adapter can be connectable to modularly attachable and removable accessory devices and can provide electrical ports for powering and operating the accessory devices. While mounted to a stand, power and data communications can be provided to the electronic device, cover, and accessory devices from the stand or an external source. The modular components of the system can be interchangeable to allow the system to be adapted to many different settings and use cases based on the types of components included as the accessory devices and based on the number of accessory devices used.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An expansion hub for a portable electronic device, the expansion hub comprising:
 a housing having a rear side; 
 a first electrical connector to connect to an electronic device; 
 a second electrical connector on the rear side of the housing and configured to mate to a third electrical connector in a rear direction relative to the housing, the second electrical connector being in electrical communication with the first electrical connector; and 
 a mounting connector to mate the housing to a second mounting connector positioned external to the rear side of the housing in response to movement of the housing in the rear direction; 
 wherein with the mounting connector mated to the second mounting connector, the second electrical connector is in electrical communication with the third electrical connector. 
 
     
     
       2. The expansion hub of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the housing is configured to enclose a rear surface of the electronic device; 
 the first electrical connector is configured to engage the electronic device in a direction perpendicular to the rear direction; 
 the mounting connector is configured to mate to the second mounting connector using a biased latch; and 
 the second electrical connector is configured to mate to the third electrical connector using at least one biased pin. 
 
     
     
       3. The expansion hub of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is positioned in a cover configured to enclose a rear side of the electronic device. 
     
     
       4. The expansion hub of  claim 3 , wherein the cover comprises a rear casing and a front casing, the housing being positioned between the rear casing and the front casing. 
     
     
       5. The expansion hub of  claim 3 , wherein the housing is reversibly removable from the cover. 
     
     
       6. The expansion hub of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting connector comprises a magnetic component to magnetically attract the mounting connector to the second mounting connector. 
     
     
       7. The expansion hub of  claim 1 , further comprising a device hub and an accessory electrical connector;
 wherein the first electrical connector, the second electrical connector, and the accessory electrical connector are configured for electrical communication with each other by the device hub. 
 
     
     
       8. The expansion hub of  claim 6 , wherein the accessory electrical connector is positioned peripherally external to the housing. 
     
     
       9. The expansion hub of  claim 6 , further comprising an accessory device movable relative to the accessory electrical connector between a first position electrically connected to the accessory electrical connector and a second position electrically disconnected from the accessory electrical connector. 
     
     
       10. The expansion hub of  claim 1 , wherein the first electrical connector is configured to connect to the electronic device along a direction perpendicular to the rear direction. 
     
     
       11. A modular electronic device system, comprising:
 a case for an electronic device, the case including:
 a first case electrical connector to engage an electrical contact of the electronic device; 
 a second case electrical connector facing a rear direction from the case and in electrical communication with the first case electrical connector; 
 a third case electrical connector in electrical communication with the second case electrical connector; 
 a first case latching portion; and 
 a second case latching portion; 
 
 a support base including:
 an arm portion having an arm latching portion releasably connectable to the first case latching portion; 
 a first base electrical connector to connect to a power source; 
 a second base electrical connector positioned on the arm portion and in electrical communication with the first base electrical connector; and 
 
 an accessory device including:
 an accessory latching portion releasably connectable to the second case latching portion; and 
 an electronic component configured to electrically connect to the third case electrical connector. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The modular electronic device system of  claim 11 , further comprising a device adapter including:
 a housing having a front side and a rear side; 
 a first adapter electrical connector on the front side and configured to electrically engage the second case electrical connector; 
 a second adapter electrical connector on the rear side and configured to electrically engage the second base electrical connector; and 
 an accessory port for providing electrical communication with at least one of the first and second adapter electrical connectors. 
 
     
     
       13. The modular electronic device system of  claim 12 , wherein the device adapter is positionable between the case and the support base with the first adapter electrical connector electrically engaging the second case electrical connector and with the second adapter electrical connector electrically engaging the second base electrical connector. 
     
     
       14. The modular electronic device system of  claim 11 , wherein the first case latching portion is configured to blind-mate with the arm latching portion by movement of the first case latching portion parallel to the rear direction. 
     
     
       15. The modular electronic device system of  claim 11 , further comprising a sensor to detect attachment of the case to the support base. 
     
     
       16. The modular electronic device system of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the first case latching portion and the arm latching portion are adjustable between a locked state and an unlocked state; 
 in the locked state, the case is locked to the arm portion; and 
 in the unlocked state, the case is suspended by the arm portion with the rear direction being substantially horizontal. 
 
     
     
       17. A tablet computing system, comprising:
 a computing device having a touchscreen interface positioned in a housing and having an input port; 
 a cover configured to enclose at least a rear surface of the housing; 
 a hub positioned in the cover, the hub including a first electrical connector connected to the input port of the computing device and a second electrical connector exposed at an edge of the cover, wherein an accessory device is electrically connectable to the input port via contact with the second electrical connector. 
 
     
     
       18. The tablet computing system of  claim 17 , further comprising a mechanical connection interface at the second electrical connector, the mechanical connection interface being attachable to the accessory device. 
     
     
       19. The tablet computing system of  claim 17 , wherein the second electrical connector is configured to provide power to the accessory device. 
     
     
       20. The tablet computing system of  claim 17 , wherein the cover further comprises a panel positioned between the computing device and the hub.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to electronic accessories and covers for computing devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to a modular expansion hub and related system for attaching accessories to a computing device or for mounting the computing device to a stand. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable computing devices have grown in popularity and ubiquity worldwide in recent years. Users of these devices have found applications for many different types of work and in settings in nearly all parts of life. In some ways, these devices have been used to replace or improve other devices, such as flashlights, cash registers, lab equipment, scientific instruments, cameras, and other electronic devices. The convenience and adaptability of portable computing devices such as tablet computers and smart phones have therefore helped serve many needs of users for many purposes. 
     Such portable computing devices often have batteries that need to be regularly charged between uses. Thus, although the devices can provide great benefits in remote areas and when used in mobile applications, they also frequently need to be connected to power to restore charge. In these times, users often find it difficult to quickly and easily control the charging of the device while still operating the device, particularly in settings where the portable computing devices are under heavy duty loads and operating cycles. 
     Although the computing devices can be very effective on their own, it is also common to use a case or cover on the computing device to protect it from bumps, drops, scrapes, scratches, and other damage. The presence of a cover can make the mounting and securement of a computing device or a charger complex, unreliable, slow, or otherwise challenging. These covers also similarly inhibit the usage of electronic accessories that are connected to the computing device due to interference from the cover or an undesirable connection to the computing device. There is a constant need for improvements in portable computing devices, covers, and related parts of these systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an expansion hub for a portable electronic device, wherein the expansion hub includes a housing having a rear side, a first electrical connector to connect to an electronic device, a second electrical connector on the rear side of the housing and configured to mate to a third electrical connector in a rear direction relative to the housing, with the second electrical connector being in electrical communication with the first electrical connector, and a mounting connector to mate the housing to a second mounting connector positioned external to the rear side of the housing in response to movement of the housing in the rear direction. With the mounting connector mated to the second mounting connector, the second electrical connector can be in electrical communication with the third electrical connector. 
     In some embodiments, the expansion hub housing can be configured to enclose a rear surface of the electronic device, the first electrical connector is configured to engage the electronic device in a direction perpendicular to the rear direction, the mounting connector is configured to mate to the second mounting connector using a biased latch, and the second electrical connector is configured to mate to the third electrical connector using at least one biased member. 
     In some embodiments, the housing can be positioned in a cover configured to enclose a rear side of the electronic device. The cover can include a rear casing and a front casing, with the housing being positioned between the rear and front casings. The housing can be reversibly removable from the cover. The mounting connector can include a magnetic component to magnetically attract the mounting connector to the second mounting connector. 
     In some embodiments, the expansion hub can further include a device hub and an accessory electrical connector, wherein the first, second, and accessory electrical connector can be configured for electrical communication with each other by the device hub. In some embodiments, the accessory electrical connector can be positioned peripherally external to the housing. The expansion hub can also further include an accessory device movable relative to the accessory electrical connector between a first position electrically connected to the accessory electrical connector and a second position electrically disconnected from the accessory electrical connector. Furthermore, the first electrical connector can be configured to connect to the electronic device along a direction perpendicular to the rear direction. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a modular electronic device system including a case for an electronic device, with the case including a first case electrical connector to engage an electrical contact of the electronic device, a second case electrical connector facing a rear direction from the case and in electrical communication with the first case electrical connector, a third case electrical connector in electrical communication with the second case electrical connector, a first case latching portion, and a second case latching portion. The system can also include a support base including an arm portion having an arm latching portion releasably connectable to the first case latching portion, a first base electrical connector to connect to a power source, and a second base electrical connector positioned on the arm portion and in electrical communication with the first base electrical connector. The system can also include an accessory device including an accessory latching portion releasably connectable to the second case latching portion, and an electronic component configured to electrically connect to the third case electrical connector. 
     In some embodiments, the system can further include a device adapter including a housing having a front side and a rear side, a first adapter electrical connector on the front side and configured to electrically engage the second case electrical connector, a second adapter electrical connector on the rear side and configured to electrically engage the second base electrical connector, and an accessory port for providing electrical communication with at least one of the first and second adapter electrical connectors. The device adapter can be positionable between the case and the support base with the first adapter electrical connector electrically engaging the second case electrical connector and with the second adapter electrical connector electrically engaging the second base electrical connector. 
     The first case latching portion can be configured to blind-mate with the arm latching portion by movement of the first case latching portion parallel to the rear direction. In some embodiments, the system can further include a sensor to detect attachment of the case to the support base. The first case latching portion and the arm latching portion can be adjustable between a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein in the locked state, the case is locked to the arm portion, and wherein in the unlocked state, the case is suspended by the arm portion with the rear direction being substantially horizontal. 
     Yet another aspect of the disclosure relates to a tablet computing system including a computing device having a touchscreen interface positioned in a housing and having an input port, a cover configured to enclose at least a rear surface of the housing, and a hub positioned in the cover. The hub can include a first electrical connector connected to the input port of the computing device and a second electrical connector exposed at an edge of the cover, wherein an accessory device is electrically connectable to the input port via contact with the second electrical connector. 
     In some embodiments, the system can further include a mechanical connection interface at the second electrical connector, with the mechanical connection interface being attachable to the accessory device. The second electrical connector can be configured to provide power to the accessory device. The cover further can include a panel positioned between the computing device and the hub. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows an exploded perspective view of a modular electronic device system. 
         FIG.  2    shows an exploded perspective view of a cover for an electronic device. 
         FIG.  3    shows a schematic side section view of a set of connector devices for use in a modular electronic device system. 
         FIG.  4    shows a schematic perspective section view of an accessory device and a cover for use in a modular electronic device system. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 E  schematically show various configurations and combinations of modular electronic device system components. 
         FIG.  6    shows a block diagram of electronic components of the modular electronic device system of  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates to modular electronic device systems that can enable smoother and more intuitive, seamless, durable, and adaptable interfacing between a portable computing device and a cover, a stand, an expansion device hub, and accessories mountable to the computing device or to the cover. In example embodiment, the modular electronic device system can include a case or cover for electronic device, wherein the case includes an electrical connector to engage in electrical contact with the electronic device, an electrical connector facing in a rear direction from the case (i.e., facing in a direction perpendicular to the rear surface of the case or perpendicular to a rear surface of the electronic device), and latching portions on the case for attaching the case to a support base arm or to an accessory device. 
     The support base can be releasably connectable to the latching portion of the case and can provide an electrical connection to a power source, such as a power source used to charge the electronic device through the electrical connectors embedded or held by the case. An accessory device can include a latching portion that is releasably connectable to a latching portion of the case and can electronically connected to an electrical connector on the case. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device can be protected by case while being easily attachable and detachable from the support base and the accessory device without having to remove the electronic device from the case and without having to connect and disconnect sensitive plugs at a side or end portion of the electronic device. Thus, with an electrical connector on the case and facing in rear direction, the case can be mounted to the support base with the arm latching portion facing the rear-facing electrical connector on the case. This orientation allows a user to make a pushing motion to attach the case to the support base arm for easy mounting. In other words, the user can hold the electronic device with the front of the user interface facing the user&#39;s face, and, while in that orientation, can move the electronic device in a rear direction to latch to the mount of the arm without having to look behind the electronic device or case. Additionally, the stand latching portion of the case can support the case at the center of the rear of the case so that the case and any electronic device within it will be balanced as it is supported by the arm/stand. 
     Accessory devices can be modularly attached and detached from the case and, simultaneously, attached and detached from electrical communication with electrical connectors extending through the case so that power and information can be exchanged between the accessory device and electronic device positioned in the case. Accessory devices can include devices such as credit card readers, light sensors, antennas, laser scanners, oxygen sensors, air sensors, printers, related devices, and combinations thereof. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure relates to an expansion hub for portable electronic device, wherein the expansion hub includes a housing with a rear side, a first electrical connector to connect to the electronic device, and a second electrical connector on the rear side of the housing and configured to mate or mount to a third electrical connector in a rear direction relative to the housing. The second electrical connector can be in electrical communication with the first electrical connector. The hub can also include a mounting connector to blindly mate the housing to a second mounting connector positioned external to the rear side of the housing in response to movement of the housing in the rear direction. 
     With the mounting connector mated to the second mounting connector, the second electrical connector can be in electrical communication with a third electrical connector. The expansion hub can therefore provide electrical connection to an electronic device and an electrical connection to an external (i.e., third) electrical connector that is to the rear of the housing of the hub. For example, the first electrical connector can plug into or otherwise connect to an electrical interface of the portable electronic device, and the second electrical connector can plug into or otherwise connect to an electrical interface of the separate device, such as a stand, accessory, or additional expansion hub. 
     The rear positioning of the second electrical connector can allow the expansion hub to be moved in a rearward direction as it establishes a connection to the separate device. In this way, a person using the expansion hub can make the electrical connection to the separate device without having to look at the connector as it mounts to the separate device. Furthermore, with the expansion hub integrated into a case or cover for the portable electronic device, the user can hold the sides of the electronic device or cover and move the electronic device in a rear direction (i.e., along a direction extending perpendicular to the rear side of the device or hub) to mount the electronic device and cover to the separate device. While the electronic device and cover are moved in this manner, the mounting connector of the expansion hub can “blindly mate” with the second mounting connector, wherein mechanically latching, magnetically engaging, or otherwise securing or locking parts on the separate device and the expansion of engage with each other, interlock with each other, or provide an attractive force to each other while the user is positioned on the front side of the device and the connectors on the rear side are not visible to the user (i.e., the user is visually “blind” to their mating). In some configurations, the expansion hub can have a mounting connector that mates with the second mounting connector using a biased latch system, and the second electrical connector can meet with the third electrical connector using an interface including at least one biased pin (e.g., a pogo pin) or other biased member or electrical conductor. The biased latch system can have a feature that prevents the electronic device and cover from unintentionally falling off of the stand when the latch is initially unlocked. 
     Modular systems such as those disclosed herein can take on a wide array of different configurations based on which modules are connected to the system at a given time. For example, the system can include an electronic device, a case, an accessory hub or device adapter, a stand, and one or more accessory devices. In another example, the system can include the electronic device, a case, and the stand. In another example, the system can include electronic device, a case, and the accessory hub. The one or more accessories can be added as a supplement to other components to provide different types of expansion via new sensors, batteries, storage devices, and other useful components. The electronic device and case can be used while mounted to the stand directly or while the device adapter is positioned between the case and the stand, and, in either situation, power or data can be exchanged between the electronic device, the stand, and/or accessories connected to the case, electronic device, or device adapter. Thus, the modular system can be used while mounted to a stand or while disconnected from and separated from the stand. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. 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. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature including at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood as referring to a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature that can include one of each listed option (e.g., only one of the first option, only one of the second option, or only one of the third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more of the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one of the first option and one of the second option), or combination thereof (e.g., two of the first option and one of the second option). 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a modular electronic device system  100 . The system  100  can include a cover  102  for an electronic device  104 . The cover  102  can be mountable to a stand  106  or to a device adapter  108  (i.e., an expansion hub or modular accessory hub) that is also mountable to the stand  106 . The cover  102  can be attachable and electrically connectable to an accessory device  110  (e.g., a card reader), and the device adapter  108  can be attachable and electrically connectable to a second accessory device  112 . The stand  106  can be attachable and electrically connectable to an additional electronic component  114 . The devices shown in the system  100  can be connected and used in various different collections and combinations. See, e.g.,  FIGS.  5 A- 5 E  and their related descriptions herein. Thus, in some embodiments, the system  100  can include a cover  102 , electronic device  104 , and an accessory device  110 . In another embodiment, the system  100  can include the cover  102 , electronic device  104 , and stand  106 . Similarly, the system  100  can include the cover  102 , electronic device  104 , stand  106 , and device adapter  108 . The system  100  can alternatively include the cover  102 , electronic device  104 , and device adapter  108  (and, optionally, accessory device  110  and/or  112 ). 
     The electronic device  104  can be a computing device, such as, for example, a tablet computer, a smart phone, an all-in-one computer, a remote terminal, a remote control, similar devices, and combinations thereof. The electronic device  104  can be an independently operable device, wherein a user can interact with a display and input devices of the electronic device  104  while the electronic device  104  is separated from the rest of the modular electronic device system  100 . For example, the electronic device  104  can be a tablet computer having its own onboard processor (e.g., a central processing unit  114  (CPU)), memory device  116  (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), electronic storage device  118  (e.g., an HDD or SSD), power source  120  (e.g., a battery), a housing  122 , a display screen  124  (e.g., an LCD), input device  126  (e.g., a touchscreen layer for the LCD), buttons  128 , audio output devices  130  (e.g., speakers), cameras, at least one electronic port  132  for input and/or output of electronic communications and/or power (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) port), an electronic bus  134  connecting the electronic components to each other, an input device adapter  136  connected to the electronic bus  134  and to the input devices, an output device adapter  138  connected to the electronic bus  134  and to the output devices, and similar computer components and elements known in the art. Some of these devices are shown schematically in  FIG.  1   . 
     The electronic device  104  can have a front surface  138  through which the display  124  and main user interface is viewed and a rear surface  140  positioned opposite the front surface  138  and configured to face away from a user that is directly facing the display  124 . The rear surface  140  can therefore face away from the user in a rear-facing direction  142  that is perpendicular to the rear surface  140  of the electronic device  104 . 
     The cover  102  can be referred to as a reversibly removable (i.e., non-destructively removable and without adhesive) case, skin, or protector for the electronic device  104  that is added to the housing  122 . The cover  102  can have a rear portion  144  configured to overlap and at least partially cover or enclose the rear surface  140  of the electronic device  104 . In some embodiments, the rear portion  144  can cover all of the rear surface  140  or substantially all of the rear surface  140  (e.g., all of the rear surface  140  except for a cutout for the camera  133  or another rear-facing sensor). The cover  102  can therefore act as a barrier preventing other objects from contacting and potentially damaging the rear surface  140 . 
     In some embodiments, the cover  102  can include one or more sidewalls  146 ,  148 ,  150 ,  152  configured to at least partially wrap around lateral sides of the electronic device  104  (e.g., the sides through which the buttons  128  are positioned, through which the speaker  130  is exposed, or through which the electronic port  132  is positioned). In this manner, the cover  102  can enclose or house multiple sides of the electronic device  104  and can protect the electronic device  104  from impacts or contact with other potentially damaging exposure on its lateral sides. See also cover  502  of  FIGS.  5 A- 5 E . In some embodiments, the cover  102  can include a material that is water-resistant, caustic-chemical-resistant, or anti-bacterial to provide additional durability and protection for the electronic device  104  and its users. In some cases, the cover  102  can include a material that is easily cleanable. These features can be especially beneficial in hospitals and other health-related and dirty settings. 
     The cover  102  can include an expansion hub  154  positioned in and protruding from the center of the rear portion  144 . In some embodiments, the expansion hub  154  can be positioned centered within a range of about 10 percent the overall width and/or length from the center point of the rear portion  144 . The expansion hub  154  can have a rear electrical connector  156  and a latching or mounting connector  158  (e.g., a biased latch), as described in further detail below in connection with  FIGS.  2  and  3   . The expansion hub  154  can also have an electronic device connector  160  configured to make electronic contact with the electronic port  132  of the electronic device  104 . For example, the device connector  160  can include a plug that is inserted into the port  132  to establish electrical communication between the connector  160  and the expansion hub  154 . As used herein, two parts can be in “electrical communication” with each other when they are electrically connected to each other in a manner providing transfer of power or data signals between the parts. In some examples, the electrical communication can be through electrical contact between the parts, such as by conductive structures engaging with each other. In some examples, the electrical communication can be provided through wireless electrical pairing or exchange, such as by paired inductive coils providing power or by a wireless data communications antenna/transceiver. In some configurations, the device connector  160  can engage the electronic device in a direction perpendicular to the rear direction. For instance, the connector  160  can be configured to make a connection with (e.g., plug into) the electronic device  104  parallel to an axis perpendicular to direction  142 . 
     The cover  102  can also include multiple outer perimeter edges (e.g.,  162 ,  164 ). In some embodiments, these outer perimeter edges are simply part of the material used to enclose the electronic device  104 , but in some embodiments, one or more outer perimeter edges can include an accessory connector (e.g.,  166 ,  168 ,  170 ) configured to mount and attach an accessory device  110  and to provide electrical communication between the accessory device  110  and the expansion hub  154 . Accordingly, the accessory connectors can be positioned at the peripheral parts of the cover  102  and can mechanically mount accessory devices while also providing electrical contacts for the accessory devices to be powered and to provide or receive signals from the electronic device  104  via the expansion hub  154  and connector  160 . An example accessory connector system is described in further detail below in connection with  FIG.  4   . 
     The stand  106  can be configured to provide support to the electronic device  104  and cover  102  and to suspend them above a support surface (e.g., a tabletop, desk, or wall) to which the stand  106  is attached or on which the stand  106  is resting. For instance, the stand  106  and its arm portion can suspend the case or cover with the rear direction of the cover  102  being substantially horizontal (i.e., with the front- and rear-facing surfaces being vertical). The stand  106  can therefore be referred to as a support device that supports one or more modular components of the system  100 , a base station configured to provide a “home” or base location for the attachment of modular components of the system  100  to a support surface. 
     The stand  106  can include an arm portion  172  extending from a vertical beam  174  and a base portion  176 . A distal end  178  of the arm portion  172  can include an arm electrical connector to establish an electrical connection to the rear electrical connector  156  of the expansion hub  154  or to a rear electrical connector of the device adapter  108 . See, e.g., the connection system of  FIG.  3    and its related description below. The arm portion  172  can include a hinge  180  configured to pivot the distal end  178  relative to the vertical beam  174 , such as by pivoting the distal end  178  about a horizontal pivot axis  182 . In some embodiments, the arm portion  172  can pivot relative to the base portion  176  about a vertical pivot axis  183 . Additionally, in some cases, the distal end  178  can rotate relative to the hinge  180 , such as by allowing the distal end  178  to pivot between a first orientation (e.g., a landscape orientation) and a second orientation (e.g., a portrait orientation rotated 90 degrees relative to the landscape orientation), as indicated by arrow  181 . The connected cover  102  and device adapter  108  can therefore also rotate between those rotated positions while being connected to the distal end  178 . 
     The additional electronic component  114  can provide a connection to an external device or power source for the system  100 . In some embodiments, the additional electronic component  114  can therefore be a plug or cord connecting the base portion  176  to a power grid or other power source. In some embodiments, the base portion  176  can include a power bank (e.g., a battery) or other electronic components (e.g., an electronic storage device or auxiliary device connector hub) configured to supplement or add to the capabilities of the electronic device  104  and that are therefore connected to the electronic device  104  via the distal end  178  of the arm portion  172 . 
     The device adapter  108  can be referred to as a device hub. The device adapter  108  can be mountable to the cover  102  and can electrically connect to the rear electrical connector  156  using a front-facing electrical connector on the device adapter  108 . See, e.g.,  FIG.  5 B . The device adapter  108  can also include a rear electrical connector  184  and a device hub configured to extend the capabilities of the cover  102  when added to the cover  102 . The device adapter  108  can therefore provide a pass-through connection from the rear electrical connector  156  to rear electrical connector  184  for the transfer of power and electronic communication (e.g., from the stand  106 ) to the electronic device  104  through the cover  102  and device adapter  108 . 
     In some embodiments, a module hub (e.g., a USB device hub) can be positioned in the device adapter  108  to manage the provision of power and data from accessories (e.g.,  112 ) and the stand  106  to the cover  102 . The device hub of the device adapter  108  can be connected to the front- and rear-facing electrical connectors of the device adapter  108  and can control the transfer of power and data connections through the device adapter  108 . 
     In some embodiments, the device adapter  108  includes one or more peripheral or accessory connection ports, plugs, pins, or mounting positions (e.g., latching portions  186 ) configured to couple with and electrically connect the accessories (e.g.,  110 ,  112 ) to the device adapter  108 . The latching portions  186  can therefore include electrical connections to the device hub and, via the device hub, to the front- and rear-facing electrical connectors. In this manner, the electronic device  104  can exchange, send, or receive signals from the accessories attached to the device adapter  108 . 
     The addition of the device adapter  108  to the cover  102  can increase the overall number or connection types of the mounting points for accessories as compared to the cover  102  alone. For example, plugs or sockets for connection to accessories on the device adapter  108  can be different types (e.g., one-way versus two-way data transfer, audio versus video, VGA versus HDMI display ports, etc.) or can provide different power levels than the cover  102  or relative to each other. In some embodiments, the cover  102  lacks any accessory connectors, and the addition of the device adapter  108  therefore introduces the possibility for accessory expansion of the capabilities of the electronic device  104 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, the device adapter  108  can include integrated components (e.g., a battery, camera, etc.) that, rather than using a latching portion  186  to attach to the system  100 , are an integrated part of the device adapter  108  itself and are usable by the electronic device via the device adapter  108  and cover  102  when the device  104  is mounted in the cover  102  and the device adapter  108  is mounted to the cover  102 . 
     The accessory devices  110 ,  112  can include input devices (e.g., sensors, thermometers, keypads, barcode scanners, magnetic strip or chip readers, etc.), output devices (e.g., lights, rangefinding emitters, printers, external device controls, displays or display connections, etc.), electronic storage components (e.g., flash memory), energy storage devices (e.g., batteries), similar devices, and combinations thereof. The accessory devices  110 ,  112  can be attachable to the cover  102 , to the device adapter  108 , or to either one interchangeably. In some embodiments, the mounting or latching positions on the cover  102  and device adapter  108  can therefore be consistent in their attachment mechanisms and electrical connections so that a device (e.g., a card reader accessory  110 ) can be mounted to the cover  102  or device adapter  108  interchangeably. In some embodiments, the cover  102  and device adapter  108  can provide different kinds of connection points so that different kinds of accessories can be connected to the system  100  based on the needs of the user. 
     The accessory devices  110 ,  112  can generally be configured to be portable with the electronic device  104 , cover  102 , and device adapter  108  so that their addition to the system  100  does not force the user to remain stationary or in a limited range of nearby locations (e.g., as would be the case if an accessory  110  included a chain or cord to another external device). Additionally, accessories  110 ,  112  can be configured to draw power from the electronic device  104  or from other power-supplying accessories connected to the system  100 . Thus, in some embodiments, the accessories  110 ,  112  may not need their own internal power source (e.g., their own battery) to operate. Furthermore, accessories  110 ,  112  can be configured to establish electronic communication with the electronic device  104  via a wired connection (e.g., through the cover  102 ) or by a wireless connection (e.g., via a wireless communications system and protocol known in the art (e.g., BLUETOOTH®, RFID, WI-FI®, infrared transceiver, radio frequency transceiver, etc.)). 
     Accessory devices  110 ,  112  provide modular customizability and adjustability to the system  100  by allowing the electronic device  104  to take on new functions and capabilities depending on the needs of an individual user or enterprise user. Furthermore, accessories can be changed or exchanged to permit the users to adapt the system  100  for new purposes and settings over time. For example, a first set of accessory devices can be used by the electronic device  104  at a first time, a change of conditions can be detected, and then the user can exchange, add, or remove an accessory device from the first set to define and use a second set of accessory devices for the electronic device  104 . 
       FIG.  2    shows an example embodiment of a cover  200 . The cover  200  has the properties and features of cover  102  described above, and the properties and features of cover  200  are used in cover  102 . The cover  200  is shown in an exploded view, wherein the cover  200  includes a rear housing  202  (i.e., a rear casing), an expansion hub  204 , and a front housing  206  (i.e., a front casing). In some embodiments, the rear housing  202  (i.e., a rear casing) and front housing  206  (i.e., front casing) can be integrally formed as a single part, and the expansion hub  204  can be attached to that single part. In some embodiments, the expansion hub  204  can be formed within (e.g., co-molded within) the rear housing  202  and front housing  206 , thereby integrating the expansion hub  204  amongst the other parts of the housing and embedding the parts of the expansion hub  204  within the surfaces and protection of the housing portions. 
     The expansion hub  204  can include a central housing  208  that is electrically joined to a first electrical connector  210 . A rear side of the central housing  208  can include the second electrical connector  212  including a plurality of electrical contacts or pins positioned on the housing  208 . The central housing  208  can also include a mounting connector  214  to mate the central housing  208  to a second mounting connector positioned external to the rear side of the central housing in response to movement of the central housing in a rearward direction (i.e., along axis Z). For example, the second mounting connector can be positioned on the distal end  178  of the stand  106  or on the front-facing surface of the device adapter  108 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  2   , the mounting connector  214  includes two diagrammatically shown elongated rectangles which represent openings or latches configured to connect to respective latches or openings of the second mounting connector external to the central housing  208 . The central housing  208  can also be configured to contain a device controller or hub module configured to manage connections to optional peripheral accessories at accessory mounts  216 ,  218 ,  220  that are spaced away from the central housing  208  but are electrically connected back to the central housing  208 . See also  FIG.  6    and its related descriptions herein. The accessory mounts  216 ,  218 ,  220  can be positioned peripherally external to the housing  208 . 
     The central housing  208  can be positioned in an opening  220  in the center of the rear side  222  of the rear housing  202  so that the second electrical connector  212  and mounting connector  214  are exposed and accessible through the rear housing  202 . The accessory mounts  216 ,  218 ,  220  are structures positioned in portions of the cover  200  where accessories (e.g.,  110 ,  112 ) can be conveniently retained and used. In some embodiments, the accessory mounts  216 ,  218 ,  220  are positioned centered in the edges of the rear side  222  of the rear housing  202 , such as by being positioned in openings  224 ,  226 ,  228  along the peripheral edges of the rear surface  222 . The openings  224 ,  226 ,  228  can at least partially extend around the peripheral edges, wherein a portion of the opening is on the rear side of the rear housing  202  and a second portion of the opening is formed through the lateral sides  230 ,  232 ,  234  of the rear housing  202 . In this way, at least one accessory mount (e.g.,  218 ) can define a recess (e.g.,  236 ) that opens laterally (e.g., through the lateral side  232 ) and rearwardly (e.g., through rear side  222 ). In other words, a recess  236  can be accessible through the lateral side  232  and through the rear side  222  due to the shape of opening  225  cutting into each of the sides  222 ,  232  and due to the recess  236  having a similar shape. An accessory device therefore can be inserted into the accessory mount (e.g.,  218 ) and into the opening (e.g.,  226 ) parallel to a direction extending perpendicular to the lateral side (e.g.,  232 ). This can allow the accessory device to be installed using tracks or grooves in the recess (e.g.,  236 ) that guide or automatically align the device into place on the accessory mount (e.g.,  218 ) and that prevent it from falling out of the accessory mount while attached. See, e.g.,  FIG.  4    and its related connection system  400 . 
     An accessory device in the recess  236  can also be exposed to the rear direction due to the opening (e.g.,  226 ) having an open rear portion. This rear exposure can be advantageous to allow the accessory device to be thicker than the cover  202  or recess  236  in the rear direction, such as by at least partially protruding from the rear side  222  when mounted to the recess  236 . The increased thickness can be used with large accessory devices such as batteries, barcode scanners, devices with moving parts, etc. Additionally, sensors or output devices (e.g., a secondary camera lens or flash) can be exposed on the rear side of the accessory device and can be accessible or visible through the rear part of the opening (e.g.,  226 ) so that they can receive their input or provide their output without necessarily having to protrude from the lateral side (e.g.,  232 ) or rear side  222 . 
     The first electrical connector  210  can be positioned in a portion of the rear housing  202  and can be configured to be aligned with and connected to a connector on the electronic device  104  when the device  104  is mounted to the cover  200 . For instance, the first electrical connector  210  can include a support portion  238  and a connector plug  240  supported and protected by the support portion  238 . The support portion  238  can keep the connector plug  240  from being damaged due to twisting or bending by partially surrounding and bracing the connector plug  240  against the electronic device  104  while the plug is inserted into the electronic device  104 . This can be beneficial when the rear housing  202  is made of an at least partially flexible material and would not otherwise provide a rigid housing to protect the connector plug  240  while it is in the electronic device  104 . 
     The first electrical connector  210  and accessory mounts  216 ,  218 ,  220  can each be connected to the central housing  208  of the expansion hub  204  by flexible cables  242 ,  244 . The flexible cables  242  can be positioned on opposite sides of the central housing  208  (enabling them to have a minimized length to the edges of the cover  200 ) and can be routed through wire-guiding channels or recesses in the rear housing  202  or can be co-molded, adhered, or otherwise attached to the rear housing  202 . The flexibility of the cables  242 ,  244  can allow a manufacturer of the cover  200  to position the first electrical connector  210  and accessory mounts  216 ,  218 ,  220  wherever they are needed in the cover  200 . For instance, if the size and layout of the electronic device  104  changes over time due to changes in features over product cycles (e.g., change in position or size of camera  133 , buttons  128 , speaker  130 , size of housing  122 , etc.), cover manufacturers are enabled to adapt to those changes by using existing expansion hubs  204  and merely changing the positions of the first electrical connector  210  and openings  220 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228  as needed to accommodate a new electronic device  104  (e.g., to position the accessory mounts  216 ,  218 ,  220  in a new cover without covering a speaker  130  that is repositioned when a new electronic device  104  is released). 
     Additionally, the number of accessory mounts  216 ,  218 ,  220  can be customized by the manufacturer, wherein any number of accessory mounts can be used (including zero) in a cover  200 . In some embodiments, three accessory mounts are used to provide a user with access to accessory mounts on each side of the electronic device  104  that is not occupied by the first electrical connector  210 . In some embodiments, one or more accessory mounts can be used on the same side as the first electrical connector  210 . In some embodiments, multiple accessory mounts can be used on a single side or edge of the rear housing  202 . This customization of the cover  200  is enabled at least in part by the flexible cables  242 ,  244  and their connectability to (or disconnectability from) the central housing  208  for each accessory mount. 
     The front housing  206  can be positioned on a front side of the rear housing  202  and expansion hub  204  to cover the front-facing surfaces of the rear housing  202  and expansion hub  204 . The end user of the cover  200  and electronic device can therefore use the entire cover  200  as a single unit, and the wiring and electronic components of the expansion hub  204  can be aesthetically hidden and also protected from damage due to exposure. Thus, the front housing  206  can hide the central housing  208  and cables  242 ,  244  when the cover  200  is viewed from the front. The front housing  206  can include a soft, compliant, non-marring material configured to contact the rear surface of the electronic device  104  without scratching or blemishing the device, such as felt, fabric, foam, velvet, flexible plastic, leather, similar materials, and combinations thereof. An example positioning of a front housing  206  is shown in front housing  534  of  FIG.  5 A . The front housing  206  can have its width, length, and depth dimensions arranged to fit within the rear housing  202  with the rear housing  202  covering the sides of the front housing  202  (as shown in  FIG.  5 A ). In some embodiments, the front housing  206  can have its dimensions arranged to cover all or substantially all of the width and length dimensions of the rear housing  202 . In that case, the rear housing  202  can be prevented from contacting the electronic device due to the interposed front housing  206 . 
     Furthermore, although  FIG.  2    shows an expansion hub  204  configured to be positioned in a cover  200 , aspects of the expansion hub  204  can be used in other modular devices of the system  100 . For example, the device adapter  108  can include a central housing (e.g.,  208 ) with its related components, flexible cables (e.g.,  244 ), and accessory mounts (e.g.,  216 ,  218 ,  220 ) in their own front and rear housings. As shown in  FIG.  1   , for example, the device adapter  108  can have three device connections  186  that can correspond to the accessory mounts of  FIG.  2    or that can be used with accessories of a different type (e.g., the male connectors shown extending to the left and bottom directions from the device adapter  108  in  FIG.  1    and the female connector opening to the right direction from the device adapter  108  in  FIG.  1   ). 
     A central housing  208  used in a device adapter  108  or similar modular component may include a rear electrical connector  184  and a front electrical connector. See, e.g., connectors  538  and  540  in  FIGS.  5 A,  5 B, and  5 D . The front electrical connector can enable the device adapter  108  to connect to a rear electrical connector  212  of a cover  102 / 200  and to thereby provide paths for electrical communication between the device adapter  108 , the cover  102 / 200 , and the electronic device  104 , as further described below. 
       FIG.  3    shows a schematic side section view illustrating features of a connection system  300  with electrical connectors and mechanical latches usable with the covers  102 / 200 , device adapter  108 , and stand  106 . The system  300  can have a male connector  302  configured to attach and connect to a female connector  304 . In an example embodiment, the male connector  302  can be positioned on the stand  106 , and the female connector  304  can be positioned on the rear side of a central housing  208  of an expansion hub  204 . In some embodiments, their positioning can be reversed. Furthermore, a device (e.g., device adapter  108 ) can include a male connector  302  on one side (e.g., the front side) and a female connector  304  on the opposite side (e.g., the rear side) thereof, such as the device adapter  508  of  FIG.  5 A .  FIG.  3    schematically shows features that are implemented in system  100  and cover  200 . 
     Each connector  302 ,  304  can include a set of electrical contacts  306 ,  308  configured to engage each other upon attachment of one connector to the other. These electrical contacts  306 ,  308  can thereby establish electrical communication across the connectors  302 ,  304 . A first set of the electrical contacts (e.g.,  306  in this embodiment, but can be  308  in another embodiment) can include a set of biased members configured to extend at least partially away from an outer surface  310  of the connector  302 . For instance, the biased members can be a set of pogo pins that are depressible into the outer surface  310  to ensure a consistent connection with the other electrical contacts (e.g.,  308 ). Corresponding pairs of contacts can electrically couple electrical traces, wires, or other conductors in the connectors  302 ,  304 . In some embodiments, the contacts  306 ,  308  can include other electrical connector designs, such as, for example, a plug having prongs and an electrical socket configured to receive and make an electrical connection with the prongs. 
     In some embodiments, the number of pins or contacts corresponds to the expansion capability of the system. For instance, a pair of contacts can be used for ground, a pair can be used for power (e.g., 5-watt or 7.5-watt power per accessory device), a pair can be used for a first data stream (e.g., between the electronic device and the stand), another pair can be used for a second data stream (e.g., between the electronic device and an accessory device), and another pair can be used for a third data stream (e.g., between the electronic device and a device adapter accessory device). In various embodiments, the number of contacts can therefore be designed and optimized based on the expandability of the modular system. In an example embodiment, the number of pairs can match the number of pairs in a standardized connector system such as, for example, USB-C or similar standards. Thus, although five pairs of contacts are shown in  FIG.  3    and a set of eight contacts is shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , any number of contacts that would fit on the central housing  208  or stand  106  and within the connectors  302 ,  304  can be used. In some embodiments, a set of separate data stream connections can be used for each accessory mount (e.g.,  216 ,  218 ,  220 ), and a ground connection and power connection can also be provided to each mount. The central housing  208  can include an electronic expansion hub to manage the distribution of power and the transmission of data streams to the accessory devices on the cover, to the stand (and any devices attached to or positioned in it), and to the device adapter (and any devices attached to or positioned in it). See, e.g., expansion hub  602  in  FIG.  6   . 
     A portion of each connector  302 ,  304  can be used for mechanically latching the connectors  302 ,  304  to each other. In this embodiment, the male connector  302  includes a set of latching hooks  312 ,  314  on each side of the contacts  306 , and the female connector  304  includes a set of receiving slots  316 ,  318  configured to align with and receive the latching hooks  312 ,  314 . The hooks  312 ,  314  can be referred to as first and second latching portions (e.g., arm latching portions when they are located on a support arm), and the slots  316 ,  318  can also be referred to as first and second latching portions (e.g., case latching portions when they are located on a case or cover). In some embodiments, one of the latching hooks  312  is stationary on the connector  302 , and one of the hooks  314  is movable relative to the connector  302 . Thus, when the male connector  302  approaches the female connector  304 , the hooks  312 ,  314  can be inserted to the slots  316 ,  318  as the stationary hook  312  moves into slot  316  and the movable hook  314  moves into slot  318 . The movable hook  314  can deflect radially inward (along direction  320 ) as the hooks  312 ,  314  move into the outermost portions of the respective slots  316 ,  318 , and then, once the hook  314  is inserted into the inner cavity of the slot  318 , a biasing device  322  can bias the hook  314  radially outward (opposite direction  320 ) to latch the hook  314  in slot  318 . Simultaneously, the hook  312  can be fully inserted into the inner cavity of slot  316 . In this position, the male connector  302  can have its contacts  306  in electrical communication with the corresponding contacts  308  of the female connector  304 . The hooks  312 ,  314  can prevent unintentional withdrawal or disconnection of the connectors  302 ,  304  from each other due to the hooks engaging against latching surfaces  324 ,  326  within the slots  316 ,  318 . 
     When the connectors  302 ,  304  need to be separated from each other, a detachment slide  328  can be moved in a direction parallel to the direction  320  to overcome the biasing force of the biasing device  322  and to move the hook  314  into position where it can be pulled or slide out of the slots  318  without engaging the latching surface  326 . Accordingly, one side of the connection system  300  can be disengaged while the opposite side with hook  312  remains engaged with latching surface  324 . This one-sided unlatching system can help prevent the connectors  302 ,  304  from disconnecting from each other prematurely, especially when the weight of the electronic device, cover, or similar structures are being borne by the mechanically interlocking hooks  312 ,  314 . Thus, an additional step can be needed to fully disconnect the connectors  302 ,  304  from each other, wherein, after moving the hook  314  to a disconnecting position that is not engaging the latching surface  326 , the connector  302  having hook  312  can laterally slide hook  312  away and out of engagement with surface  324  or can be rotated to pivot the released hook  314  out of slot  318 , then to slide the other hook  312  out of its slot  316 . In some embodiments, both hooks  312  can have respective biasing devices and slides  328  to deflect them in each of the slots  316 ,  318 . Thus, two latches may need to be simultaneously deflected by the user to separate the connectors  302 ,  304  from each other. 
     The connectors  302 ,  304  can also include a set of magnetic structures  330 ,  332  that are configured to be positioned around a perimeter or outer portion of the connectors  302 ,  304 . The magnetic structures  330 ,  332  can be configured to be magnetically attracted to each other and to therefore apply attractive magnetic forces between the connectors  302 ,  304  to help guide and secure the connectors  302 ,  304  to each other when they are brought into close proximity with each other. In some embodiments, the magnetic structures  330 ,  332  can include permanent magnets, electromagnets, ferromagnetic materials, similar structures, and combinations thereof. A set of durable, non-marring material layers  334 ,  336  can overlay the magnetic structures  330 ,  332  to help cushion the engagement of connectors  302 ,  304 , to prevent engagement of harsh scratching or marring structures in the connectors  302 ,  304 , and to keep the magnetic structures  330 ,  332  protected. For instance, the material layers  334 ,  336  can include a rubber, rubberized, or plastic material, such as a self-healing plastic that minimizes scratches and/or absorbs them non-permanently, whereas other portions of the connectors  302 ,  304  can include metal (e.g., aluminum) or other materials that would scratch more easily or would scrape against each other, thereby providing a less comfortable user experience than connectors using plastic material layers as guards or bumpers. 
     The inclusion of the magnetic structures  330 ,  332  can also help make the connectors  302 ,  304  capable of blindly mating with each other. In other words, the magnetic structures  330 ,  332  can use their magnetic attraction to each other to align the connectors  302 ,  304  within a certain range of distances without the user having to look at the connectors  302 ,  304  to ensure their proper alignment. The magnetic structures  330 ,  332  can guide the user&#39;s hands even if the connectors are out of view (i.e., the user is “blind”). This magnetic guiding force, in conjunction with the mechanical latches using hooks  312 ,  314  and slots  316 ,  318 , can allow a user to completely couple and attach the connectors  302 ,  304  to each other by using his or her sense of touch and feeling the combined force feedback provided by the magnetic attraction and the hooks engaging the slots. 
     Furthermore, the connectors  302 ,  304  can have the magnetic structures  330 ,  332  and their covering material layers  334 ,  336  positioned around a perimeter or outer circumference of the connectors  302 ,  304  in a manner that prevents the contacts  306 ,  308  from being seen or accessed while the connectors  302 ,  304  are coupled to each other. In other words, the presence of the magnetic structures  332  can visually block a user from seeing between the connectors  302 ,  304  once the material layer  336  is laterally adjacent to a protrusion  338  containing a slot  316 ,  318 , and the protrusions  338  can visually block the contacts  306 ,  308  from view at the side of the connectors  302 ,  304 . The visual barriers provided by the protrusions  338  and protruding magnetic structures  332  also help show that these connectors  302 ,  304  are blind mating connectors because they prevent a user from seeing the connections when they are about to be made. 
     At least one of the connectors  302 ,  304  can include a connector sensor  340  is configured to detect the presence of a coupling of the connectors  302 ,  304  relative to each other. In an example embodiment, the connector sensor  340  can include a Hall-effect sensor used to measure and detect magnetic field output by magnetic structures  330  or the change in the magnetic field of the magnetic structures  332  has caused by introduction of the protrusion  338  near to the connector sensor  340 . A sensor data line  342  can connect to a controller (e.g., of the expansion hub or stand) for providing power to the contacts  306 ,  308  to ensure that power provided to the contacts is disabled when the connectors  302 ,  304  begin to separate from each other. This connector sensor  340  can help ensure physical mating before the contacts  306 ,  308  are powered and can help thereby to avoid dendrite growth. In some embodiments, the connector sensor can be a biased pin that is depressed when the connectors  302 ,  304  are attached to each other or another mechanical switch configured to make an electrical connection when the connectors  302 ,  304  are joined. In some embodiments, the connector sensor  340  can be used to detect the connection of the connectors  302 ,  304 , and its signal can be used to initiate or authenticate on-attachment pairing of electronic devices (e.g., on-attach wireless BLUETOOTH® pairing of the electronic device to accessory devices or the stand). 
       FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an accessory connection system  400  according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The connection system  400  can include an accessory device  402  configured to slide into an accessory mount  404 . The accessory device  402  can be one of the various accessory devices disclosed elsewhere herein, and the accessory mount  404  can be one of the other accessory mounts disclosed elsewhere herein. The accessory device  402  accessory mount  44  are not shown to scale in order to improve clarity in disclosure of the features of the connection system  400 .  FIG.  4    schematically shows features that are implemented in system  100  and cover  200 . 
     The accessory device  402  can include an enlarged width portion  406  and a narrowed width portion  408 . The narrowed width portion  408  be configured to be inserted into a recess  410  of the accessory mount  404 . In some embodiments, the enlarged width portion  406  is omitted or has the same width as the narrowed width portion  408 . The accessory device  402  can also include one or more ridges  412  or tongues configured to make sliding engagement with corresponding grooves such as groove  414  adjacent to the recess  410  in the accessory mount  404 . In  FIG.  4   , the ridge  412  extends laterally (i.e., perpendicular to the Y and Z axes), and a second ridge  412  can be used on the opposite side of the accessory device  402  (i.e., also perpendicular to the Y and Z axes). In this manner, the ridges  412  and grooves  414  can permit bidirectional sliding motion of the accessory device  402  relative to the accessory mount  404  (i.e., along axis Z). Once ridge  412  is positioned in groove  414 , the accessory device  402  can thereby be prevented from moving relative to the accessory mount  404  along a front-rear axis Y shown in  FIG.  4   . Thus, when accessory mount  404  is used as an accessory mount in one of the embodiments shown above (e.g., as mount  216 ), for example, the accessory device  402  is insertable through lateral side  416  of the mount  404  and is not insertable into the recess  410  through the rear side  418  (which corresponds to a rear-facing surface of rear portion  144  or a surface such as rear surface  222 ). 
     The connection system  400  can also include at least first and second retaining elements configured to prevent the accessory device  402  and accessory mount  404  from disconnecting unintentionally. For example, the narrowed width portion  408  can include a detent  418  configured to be facing inward toward a wall  420  of the recess  410  upon insertion of the accessory device  402 . When the accessory device  402  has been sufficiently inserted into the recess  400  along axis Z, the detent  418  can align with and receive a pin, ball, or other biased protrusion  422 . In other words, the biased protrusion  422  can partially retract into surface  420  as the narrowed width portion  408  approaches and contacts biased protrusion  422 , thereby applying a force to the biased protrusion  422  that overcomes a biasing force applied by a biasing spring member  424 . Accordingly, with the accessory device  402  fully engaged with the detent  418  receiving the tip of the biased protrusion  422 , a minimum pull force along direction Z is required to remove the accessory device  402  from the accessory mount  404  that will overcome the force applied by biasing member  424  and will retract the biased protrusion  422  into surface  420  again to release the accessory device  402 . 
     A set of electrical contacts  426  can be positioned on an inward facing surface of the accessory device  402 , and a corresponding set of electrical contacts  428  can be configured to engage with the electrical contacts  426  of the accessory device  402 . The sets of electrical contacts  426 ,  428  can be electrically connected to each other when the accessory device  402  is inserted into the position wherein the protrusion  422  soft-locks the accessory device  402  in place in the recess  410 . The electrical contacts  426  of the accessory device can provide power and data connections for the sensors, input devices, output devices, etc. of the accessory device  402 , and the electrical contacts for  28  can provide corresponding connections to an expansion hub module is part of the cover to which the accessory mount  404  is attached or to a device adapter (e.g.,  108 ). In some embodiments, three total electrical connections between contacts  426 ,  428  are established, with one for ground, one for power, and one for data communication between the accessory device  402  and the mount  404 . In some embodiments, a single electrical connector can be used for both power and data communication (e.g., using power over Ethernet (PoE) or similar technologies) to simplify connectors, enable smaller connectors, and reduce manufacturing costs. 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 E  illustrate schematic side section views of various configurations of the components of embodiments of the modular computing systems disclosed herein. The system  500  can include a cover  502 , electronic device  504 , stand  506 , device adapter  508 , a first accessory device  510 , a second accessory device  512 , and a third accessory device  514 . In  FIG.  5 A , all of the components, aside from the cover  502  and electronic device  504 , are shown in exploded view and separated from each other. As shown in  FIGS.  5 B through  5 E , the components of the system  500  can be arranged in various combinations to provide different degrees and types of functionality for a user of the system  500 . 
     The cover  502  can include an expansion hub  516  embedded in the rear housing  518  and joined to an electrical connection  520  at a lateral side  522  of the electronic device  504 . An electrical path  524  can extend through the cover  502  to provide electrical communication between these parts. A second electrical path  526  can connect the expansion hub  516  to an accessory mount  528 . Accessory device  510  or accessory device  514  can be mounted to accessory mount  528 , as shown in  FIGS.  5 B through  5 E . In these figures, the accessory mount  528  is only exposed and accessible through a lateral side  530  of the cover  502  rather than also being open at the rear surface  532 . The cover  502  can also include a front housing  534  shown positioned between the electronic device  504  and the expansion hub  516 . The cover  502  is shown with a female connector portion  536  the faces rearward, i.e., downward in  FIG.  5 A .  FIG.  5 A  also shows that the cover  502  can have its structure (e.g., the rear housing  518 ) at least partially wrap around and partially enclose or cover a portion of the front-facing surface of the electronic device  504 . This configuration can further enhance device protection, can improve the user&#39;s grip on the cover  502  and electronic device  504 , and can protect the electrical connector  520 . 
     The device adapter  508  includes a male connector portion  538  on its front side that is attachable to the female connector portion  536  of the expansion hub  516 , as shown in  FIGS.  5 A,  5 B, and  5 D . The rear side of the device adapter  508  can include a female connector portion  540  connectable to another male connector portion (e.g.,  542 ). The male and female connector portions  538 ,  540  can be positioned on a hub  542  of the device adapter  508 . The hub  542  to be connected to a first accessory mount  544  similar to accessory mount  528  and a second accessory mount  546  configured to connect to a different type of accessory device, such as, for example, device  512 . The first accessory mount  544  can be attachable to accessory devices  510 ,  514 . Thus, as shown in  FIGS.  5 A through  5 E , accessory mounts  528  and  544  can be configured as female accessory mounts configured to at least partially receive a portion of the accessory devices  510 ,  514 . The accessory mounts  528 ,  544  can have connection systems such as systems  300  or  400 . 
     The stand  506  can include a male connector portion  548  to engage and connect to the device adapter  508  or the cover  502 . A connection line  550  can extend through the stand  506  to internal electronic components of the stand  506  or to provide a connection to external devices or power sources. 
       FIG.  5 B  shows a configuration of the system  500  with the cover  502  attached to the electronic device  504 , attached to the accessory device  510 , and attached to the device adapter  508 . The device adapter  508  is itself connected to two accessory devices  512 ,  514  which are separate from the accessory device  510  directly attached to the cover  502 . The configuration shown in  FIG.  5 B  is portable and movable since it is not mounted to a stand  506  and provides a large amount of accessory device compatibility via multiple accessory mounts and accessory mounts of different kinds (e.g., two female mounts and one additional face-to-face engaging mount for device  512 ). 
       FIG.  5 C  shows another configuration that is similar to  FIG.  5 B  accept that the device adapter  508  and its related accessory devices  512 ,  514  are disconnected from the cover  502 . This configuration minimizes weight of the modular system, which can be beneficial in certain applications. 
       FIG.  5 D  shows the entire set of modular components in the system  500  all assembled together to work as a unified computing system. In this embodiment, power routed from the stand  506  to the other components can electrically supply operation of the electronic device and the accessory devices. Furthermore, because the stand  506  is supporting the weight of the rest of the system  500 , the overall weight of the system  500  would not fatigue a user who would otherwise need to hold the system  500  in his or her arms. 
       FIG.  5 E  shows a related embodiment wherein the cover  502  includes a side-located charging connector  560 . The charging connector  560  can be in electrical communication with the expansion hub  516  via a connection path  562  through the cover  502 . The cover  502  and electronic device  504  can be mounted to a stand  564  with a lateral side  566  of the cover  502  inserted into a recess  568  in the stand  564 . A cover  502  with a side-located charging connector  560  can be easily connected to a charging connector  570  within the recess  568  to provide a power connection to the cover  502  while multiple covers  502  and or electronic devices  504  are stacked or otherwise approximated in a front-to-back in a gang-charging stand apparatus (e.g., stand  564 ) or vertical stand. 
       FIG.  6    shows a block electrical diagram for electronic device systems disclosed herein. The diagram diagrammatically shows the cover  600  (with its expansion hub  602 ), an accessory device  638 , and a stand  630 . An additional hub (e.g., device adapter  108  having its own expansion hub similar to hub  602  and/or controller  626 ) can be added between the blind mating connectors  628 ,  632 . The circuit layout can extend through the cover  600  and its expansion hub  602 , with the first electrical connector  604  being a USB connector or similar structure configured to connect to the electronic device. The expansion hub  602  can also incorporate a USB hub  606  (i.e., a device hub or port routing hub) with an upstream port  608  connected to the first electrical connector  604  and a group of downstream ports  610 ,  612 ,  614 ,  616  controllable by a controller  618  (e.g., a microcontroller, processor, or control logic) that is part of the USB hub  606 . The controller  618  can manage the transfer of data and power between the first electrical connector  604  and accessory mount connectors  620 ,  622 , and  624 . The expansion hub  602  can further include a power management microcontroller unit (MCU) and/or dual port power delivery (PD) controller  626  configured to route power through the cover  600  and between the first electrical connector  604 , expansion hub  602 , the accessory mount connectors  620 ,  622 ,  624 , and the second electrical connection  628 . The second electrical connection  628  can also be connected to the USB hub  606  for data routing through the stand  630  to the first electrical connector  604 . As discussed above, the stand  630  can include a connector  632  to an external power source  634  or to connectable devices in or on the stand, such as by a USB receptacle  636 . In an example embodiment, the external power source  634  can provide about 5-15 watts of power to the system per accessory device used, about 30 watts for the electronic device, and about 50 watts total in a typical implementation. When the external power source  634  is disconnected or turned off, power from an internal battery of the electronic device can be routed to the accessory devices and expansion hub via the USB plug  604 . Furthermore, if an accessory includes an energy storage device (e.g., external battery), power from that device can be routed to other devices using the USB hub  606  and controller  626 . High voltage or wattage can be provided to the electronic device while accessory devices are afforded less voltage or wattage, such as 15 volts to the electronic device and 5 volts to the accessory devices. 
     An accessory device  638  can include its own microcontroller unit  640  in electronic communication with a connector  642  attachable to one or more of the accessory mounts  620 ,  622 ,  624 . The accessory device  638  can have its own input or output device  644 , such as, for example, a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) transceiver for wireless communications with other devices (e.g., the electronic device  104  or other accessories). In some embodiments, an authentication coprocessor  646  can be included with the accessory device for key-based encryption and device authentication. These electronic components of the accessory device can electrically connect to a mount (e.g.,  624 ) to enable their operation via a port (e.g.,  614 ). 
     To the extent applicable to the present technology, gathering and use of data available from various sources can be used to improve the delivery to users of invitational content or any other content that may be of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, TWITTER® ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information. 
     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.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210630
Publication Date: 20230103
Grant Date: 20230103
Priority Date: 20210630
Inventors: PARSIAN, MOHAMMADALI
GOLDBERG, J. GERSON
HUYNH, NICOLAS
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R13/6272", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6272", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/266", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R27/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F13/4068", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6271", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2201/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R31/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6275", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1639", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1633", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/266", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1607", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 84693185