PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8966408-B2
Application Number: US-201113180433-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Removable clip with user interface

Abstract:
Various embodiments of removable user interfaces, electronic computing devices, and systems are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a body having a bend and a user interface area, a connector adapted to couple to a corresponding connector on an electronic device, and a plurality of conductive elements. The bend enables the user interface area to wrap around a portion of the electronic device when the connector is coupled to the corresponding connector on the electronic device. In another embodiment, a portable electronic system includes a removable user interface and an electronic computing device having a display surface, where the removable user interface is couplable to the electronic computing device such that the removable user interface is disposed over at least a part of the display surface.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus adapted to be operatively coupled to a separate electronic device, the apparatus comprising:
 a body having an engagement end, a user interface area, and a bend located between the engagement end and the user interface area; 
 a connector located at the engagement end, the connector adapted to couple to a corresponding connector on the electronic device; 
 a user interface element carried by the body in the user interface area, the user interface element operable to perform at least one of: receiving a user input and displaying information; 
 a plurality of conductive elements coupled between the user interface element and the connector for communicating electrical signals between the user interface element and the connector; and 
 a plurality of tactile feedback elements provided proximate to the user interface element for providing tactile feedback to a user; 
 wherein the bend enables the user interface area to wrap around a portion of the electronic device when the connector is coupled to the corresponding connector on the electronic device; and 
 wherein the tactile feedback elements are located on opposite surfaces of the body. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1  wherein the user interface area of the body is transparent. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1  wherein the connector is a 30-pin connector, a USB connector, a firewire connector, an audio jack, a serial connector, a parallel connector, a monitor connector, or a magnetic connector. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1  wherein the connector includes:
 an upper surface; 
 a lower surface arranged opposite the upper surface; 
 contact electrodes arranged on the upper surface for establishing an electrical connection with the electronic device when the connector is coupled to the electronic device in a first orientation; and 
 contact electrodes arranged on the lower surface for establishing an electrical connection with the electronic device when the connector is coupled to the electronic device in a second orientation. 
 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1  wherein the tactile feedback elements include at least one protrusion or cutout. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1  wherein the user interface element is an electronic display. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 6  wherein the electronic display is a light-emitting diode display, electroluminescent display, plasma display panel, liquid crystal display, thin-film transistor display, organic light-emitting display, swept-volume display, varifocal mirror display, emissive volume display, or holographic display. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 1  wherein the user interface element is a touch pad operable to both display information and receive a user input. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 1  wherein the bend includes at least one of a curved portion and a straight portion such that the bend is approximately 180 degrees. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 1  wherein the bend includes at least one rotatable element for rotatably coupling the user interface element to the connector. 
     
     
       11. A removable clip for providing a removable user interface to a portable electronic computing device having a display surface and a rear surface arranged opposite the display surface, the clip comprising:
 a body including an interface portion and an engagement end, the interface portion including first and second surfaces opposing one another and having a plurality of touch-sensitive regions; 
 a plurality of tactile feedback elements arranged on or formed by the first surface, each tactile feedback element being arranged over one of the plurality of touch-sensitive regions, 
 a connector located at the engagement end for mechanically and electrically coupling the body to the electronic computing device; and 
 a plurality of conductive traces extending within the body to the connector and operable to communicate electrical signals indicative of user-engagement with the touch-sensitive regions to the electronic computing device; 
 wherein the clip is operable to communicate the electrical signals to the electronic computing device when the connector engages the electronic computing device such that the first surface is exposed to receive user input and the second surface is oriented to face the display surface of the electronic computing device. 
 
     
     
       12. The removable clip of  claim 11  wherein the clip is operable to removably attach the electronic computing device to an object when the connector engages the electronic computing device such that the second surface is oriented to face the rear surface of the electronic computing device. 
     
     
       13. A portable electronic system comprising:
 an electronic computing device including a device connector, a display surface, and a rear surface, the rear surface being arranged opposite the display surface; and 
 a removable user interface including:
 a body having an engagement end; 
 an interface connector located at the engagement end for mating with the device connector so as to couple the body to the electronic computing device; 
 a user interface element for displaying information or receiving a user input; 
 a conductive element extending between the user interface element and the connector for communicating an electrical signal between the user interface element and the electronic computing device, 
 
 wherein the removable user interface is couplable to the electronic computing device such that the removable user interface is disposed over at least a part of the display surface; and 
 wherein the removable user interface further includes a plurality of tactile feedback elements, and the electronic computing device is operable to display icons on the display surface at locations corresponding to the plurality of tactile feedback elements. 
 
     
     
       14. The portable electronic system of  claim 13  wherein the electronic computing device is operable to select a displayed icon in response to a user engagement with a corresponding tactile feedback element. 
     
     
       15. The portable electronic system of  claim 13  wherein the connector is configured so that the removable user interface is couplable to the electronic computing device in a plurality of different orientations. 
     
     
       16. The portable electronic system of  claim 13  wherein the removable user interface further includes at least one rotatable element located between the interface connector and the user interface element, wherein the rotatable element is operable to rotate the removable user interface from an orientation where the removable user interface is proximate the display surface of the electronic computing device to an orientation where the removable user interface is proximate the rear surface of the electronic computing device. 
     
     
       17. A method comprising:
 monitoring a connector of an electronic computing device; 
 identifying a removable user interface when the user interface is coupled to the connector; 
 determining an orientation of the removable user interface when the user interface is coupled to the connector; and 
 displaying information on an electronic display of the electronic computing device based on the determined orientation of the removable user interface; and 
 wherein displaying information includes displaying icons on the electronic display in locations corresponding to locations of tactile feedback elements included with the removable user interface. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17  wherein determining an orientation includes detecting a rotation of the removable user interface relative to the electronic computing device. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17  further comprising detecting a user engagement with a surface of the removable user interface. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 19  further comprising executing a function in response to the detected user engagement. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 17  wherein the removable user interface can be coupled to the connector in either a first or a second orientation and determining an orientation includes detecting whether the removable user interface is connected in the first or the second orientation.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to removable clips with user interfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to a clip that provides a user interface to an electronic computing device and is operable to selectively attach the device to an object. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Various types of clips are provided today with portable electronic computing devices such as media players (e.g., music player or video player). The clips today typically serve only one function, which is to clip the device to various objects such as a person&#39;s clothing. As a result of such typical purposes of clips, clips usually only operate to mechanically connect the electronic computing device to another object. In some cases, the clips are used with electronic computing devices having electronic displays. In such cases, the clips are necessarily provided on a surface of the device other than the surface having the display, since doing otherwise would result in the clip undesirably interfering with the display. Often, the clip is physically integrated with the electronic computing device such that the clip and device form a single unit. Such a unit necessarily has a thicker width than the electronic computing device alone, which is in many cases disadvantageous for marketing purposes. 
     While today&#39;s clips provide a valuable function for portable electronic computing devices, they are deficient in that the real estate used by the clips is underutilized in that the clips are only used to attach electronic computing devices to other objects. Such underutilization is particularly undesirable as technology continues to miniaturize since even the smallest amount of real estate used by a device is often considered burdensome by a consumer. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally concern systems, apparatus&#39;s, and methods for providing a removable clip with a user interface to electronic computing devices. In one embodiment, the user interface may be configured to operate as a clip, thereby enabling the electronic computing device to be removably attached to an object such as a person&#39;s clothing. The user interface may also be operable to receive user inputs (via, e.g., a touch pad) and thereby control an electronic computing device. In some embodiments, the user interface may be transparent. As a result, information such as icons displayed on the electronic computing device may be visible to the user via the transparent user interface. The electronic computing device may then be responsive to user engagement with the clip based on locations of the user engagement and their correspondence to the icons displayed on the electronic computing device. In this fashion, a portable user interface may be provided that significantly enhances the functionality and usability of existing devices, and in some cases may also advantageously operate as a clip. 
     In one embodiment, the user interface may be configured to operate as a clip, and the user interface may be operable to display information (via, e.g., an LCD). By coupling the clip to an electronic computing device, the electronic computing device may thereafter display information on the clip via the user interface. In some embodiments, the display capability of the clip may be combined with the ability to receive user inputs (e.g., a touch pad may be layered over an LCD). In this fashion, a significant amount of functionality may be added to existing devices, and in some cases the device may also advantageously operate as a clip. 
     Various other features may also provide numerous other advantages over the state of the art. For example, the user interfaces may include tactile feedback elements such as rubber domes. In this fashion, a user may be able to easily cause the electronic device to perform a function without visually seeing the device or user interface. 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of embodiments of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings. Other aspects, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and detailed description that follows. However, the scope of the invention will be fully apparent from the recitations of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a portable electronic system according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective view of a portable electronic system having a removable user interface coupled to an electronic computing device in a first orientation. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of the portable electronic system shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of a portable electronic system having a removable user interface coupled to an electronic computing device in a second orientation. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a side view of the portable electronic system shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  shows a removable user interface having a side profile according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  shows a removable user interface having a side profile according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 4C  shows a removable user interface having a side profile according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 4D  shows a removable user interface having a side profile according to a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 4E  shows a removable user interface having a side profile according to a fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 5A  shows a removable user interface having tactile feedback elements according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5B  shows a removable user interface having tactile feedback elements according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 5C  shows a removable user interface having tactile feedback elements according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 5D  shows a removable user interface having tactile feedback elements according to a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 6A  shows a top surface of a removable user interface having a according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6B  shows a top surface of a removable user interface according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 6C  shows a top surface of a removable user interface according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 6D  shows a top surface of a removable user interface according to a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 7A  shows a cross-section of a plug according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a cross-section of a plug according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 7C  shows a cross-section of a plug according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 8A  shows a cross section of a receptacle connector according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8B  shows a cross section of a plug suitable to connect with the receptacle connector of  FIG. 8A  in multiple orientations. 
         FIG. 9A  shows a profile view of a removable user interface according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 9B  shows a profile view of a removable user interface according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 9C  shows a profile view of a removable user interface according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a portable electronic system according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 11A  shows a first portion of a method of operating an electronic computing device according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11B  shows a second portion of a method of operating an electronic computing device according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 11B . 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 as embodiments of the invention extend beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a portable electronic system  100  according to a first embodiment. Portable electronic system  100  includes an electronic computing device  110  and a removable user interface  150 . 
     According to this embodiment, electronic computing device  110  is a portable media player. For example, electronic computing device  110  may be an iPod as manufactured by Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.; a Microsoft Zune as manufactured by Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Wash.; a Creative Zen as manufactured by Creative Technology Ltd. of Singapore; etc. According to other embodiments, electronic computing device  110  is not a portable media player. Rather, electronic computing device  110  may be any portable electronic computing device with a receptacle connector for establishing an electrical connection with other devices. For example, electronic computing device  110  may be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a camera, a game player, a laptop computer, a netbook, a tablet, a booklet, a slate, a convertible notebook, etc. 
     Electronic computing device  110  includes a number of surfaces. In one embodiment, electronic computing device  110  includes front surface  112 , a rear surface  114 , and side surfaces  116 . Side surfaces  116  are separate from and arranged perpendicular to front surface  112  and rear surface  114 . However, such an arrangement is not necessary. For example, one or more of side surfaces  112  and rear surface  114  may form a continuous surface. In one embodiment, front surface  112  is arranged opposite to rear surface  114 . Front surface  112  may be parallel to rear surface  114 , but may alternatively be angled with respect to rear surface  114 . 
     According to one embodiment, front surface  112  includes a digital display  118  for displaying information. Digital display  118  could be any suitable display for performing such operation, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, etc. 
     In some embodiments, front surface  112  includes an input element  120 . Input element  120  may be operable to receive user inputs. For example, input element  120  may show icons for play, pause, fast forward, rewind, volume up, and/or volume down. When a user engages any of these elements by, e.g., touch or depression, electronic computing device  110  may respond by performing the requested function, such as increasing the volume of a song or other media. 
     In other embodiments, front surface  112  includes both digital display  118  and input element  120 . Front surface  112  may include more than one digital display  118  and/or more than one input element  120 . Digital display  118  and/or input element  120  need not be provided on front surface  112 . Rather, they may be provided on any suitable surface. For example, one or more input elements  120  may be provided on a side surface  116 . 
     Electronic computing device  110  also includes a receptacle connector  122 . Receptacle connector  122  may be any suitable connector for establishing an electrical connection with other electronic devices, where the electrical connection is operable to communicate information between electronic computing device  110  and the electronic device coupled thereto via receptacle connector  122 . In one embodiment, receptacle connector  122  is a 30-pin connector such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,660, which is commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. In another embodiment, receptacle connector  122  is a magnetic connector such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,526, which is commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. In other embodiments, however, receptacle connector  122  may be any other suitable connector for establishing an electrical connection, such as a USB connector, an audio connector (TRS connector, digital optical audio connector, etc.), a video connector (VGA, DVI, S-Video, etc.), an audio/video connector (RCA, HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.), a data connector (Firewire, eSATA, etc.), etc. In some of these embodiments, a shape of receptacle connector  122 , shape of pins housed by receptacle connector  122 , etc. may operate to provide a resistance force upon disengaging plugs from receptacle connector  122 . In other embodiments, receptacle connector  122  may include one or more magnetic elements that operate to provide a resistance force upon disengaging receptacle connector  122  from plugs that have corresponding magnetic elements. 
     Receptacle connector  122  may be located on any surface of electronic computing device  110 . In one embodiment, receptacle connector  122  is located on side surface  116 . However, receptacle connector  122  may be located on front surface  112 , rear surface  114 , any other side surface  116 , etc. In some embodiments, a number of same or different receptacle connectors  122  are provided on one or more surfaces of electronic computing device  110 . 
     Electronic computing device  110  may also include one or more suitable processors and storage mediums (not shown). The storage medium may be any suitable tangible non-transitory computer readable medium, such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a magnetic medium such as a hard-drive or a floppy disk, a Flash memory device or SSD, or an optical medium such as a CD-ROM. The storage medium may store software code for performing any of the functions described in this application associated with electronic computing device  110 . The software code may be stored in any suitable language, such as Java, Javascript, HTML, C, C++ or Perl using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques. The software code may be stored as a series of instructions or commands. 
     Removable user interface  150  is a user interface that can be selectively coupled with electronic computing device  110 . Removable user interface  150  is further described with reference to  FIGS. 2A to 9C . In general, however, removable user interface  150  is operable to both provide a user interface (e.g., for receiving user input and/or for displaying information) and removably attach electronic computing device  110  to an object. 
     Removable user interface generally includes a body having a plug (i.e., male connector)  152 , a bend  153 , and a user interface element  154 , where user interface element  154  is carried by the body in a user interface area and may include one or more touch-sensitive regions (not shown). At each touch-sensitive region, a tactile feedback element  156  such as a bump or groove may be provided. Plug  152  is located at an engagement end of the body. Plug  152  is configured to mate with or mechanically engage (including a magnetic engagement) with receptacle connector  122  such that, when engaged in at least one orientation, an electrical connection is established between user interface element  154  and electronic computing device  110 . Further, when plug  152  is engaged with receptacle connector  122 , removable user interface  150  is operable to function as a clip. That is, upon engagement, removable user interface  150  is operable to removably attach electronic computing device  110  to an object, such as a person&#39;s clothes, backpack, bicycle, etc. Such functionality may be achieved by the provision of bend  153  which, in one embodiment, is located between the engagement end and the user interface area, and enables user interface element  154  to wrap around a portion of electronic device  110  when plug  152  is mated with connector  122 . 
     In one embodiment, removable user interface  150  may be used to control electronic computing device  110 . In this case, user interface element  154  may include touch-sensitive regions. Tactile feedback elements  156  may also be provided to enable a user to locate the touch-sensitive regions. Upon user-engagement with a tactile feedback element  156 , electronic computing device  110  may be controlled to perform a particular function. In some embodiments, user interface element  154  may be transparent so that at least portions of digital display  118  are visible through user interface element  154 . In this way, function-related information such as icons displayed on digital display  118  may be visible to the user through user interface element  154  so that the user may identify the function associated with each tactile feedback element  156 . 
     In another embodiment, removable user interface  150  may be controlled by electronic computing device  110 . In this case, user interface element  154  may include an electronic display. Electronic computing device  110  may then be operable to display information to the user via user interface element  154 . 
     In other embodiments, removable user interface  150  may control electronic computing device  110  and be controlled by electronic computing device  110 . For example, removable user interface  150  may be operable to control electronic computing device  110  in response to user-engagement with user interface element  154 , and removable user interface  150  may be operable to display information communicated by electronic computing device  110 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective view of a portable electronic system  200  having a removable user interface  150  coupled to an electronic computing device  110  in a first orientation. According to this embodiment, removable user interface  150  is coupled to electronic computing device  110  such that removable user interface  150  extends over at least a portion of digital display  118 . Further, according to this embodiment and further discussed embodiments, input element  120  is not shown although such an element may be included. 
     Upon engaging removable user interface  150  with electronic computing device  110 , electronic computing device  110  may detect the orientation in which removable user interface  150  is engaged with electronic computing device  110 . In this case, electronic computing device  110  detects that removable user interface  150  is engaged such that removable user interface  150  is disposed over at least a portion of digital display  118 . In some embodiments, removable user interface  150  may be disposed over the entire digital display  118 . In other embodiments, there may be no digital display  118 . 
     In response to such a detection, electronic computing device  110  may display icons at locations of digital display  118  that correspond to locations of touch-sensitive regions (e.g., where tactile feedback elements  156  are located). An icon may indicate to a user a functionality that electronic computing device  110  will perform in response to a user-selection of the tactile feedback element corresponding to the icon. For example, icon  124  (“B”) may indicate a play function. In response to a user engagement with that corresponding tactile feedback element, i.e., the tactile feedback element located above or proximate to icon  124 , electronic computing device  110  may perform the play function. 
     According to one embodiment, in response to detecting that removable user interface  150  is engaged such that removable user interface  150  is disposed over at least a portion of digital display  118 , electronic computing device  110  may change an existing display of information. For example, before engagement of removable user interface  150 , electronic computing device may display information such as an image (such as that shown on digital display  118  in  FIG. 1 ) corresponding to a current song being played. In response to detecting engagement of removable user interface  150  such that removable user interface  150  is disposed over at least a portion of digital display  118 , electronic computing device  110  may move the existing image to a different location of digital display  118 . For example, electronic computing device  110  may move the image to a location of digital display  118  not interfered with by removable user interface  150 , such as at a location below removable user interface  150  (such as that shown on digital display  118  in  FIG. 2A ). The image may be moved to provide space to display user-input information such as icons  124 . In some embodiments, the existing display is entirely replaced by user-input information such as icons  124 . 
     By engaging removable user interface  150  with electronic computing device  110  such that removable user interface  150  is disposed over at least a portion of digital display  118 , digital display  118  may advantageously be protected from undesirable contact. Further, removable user interface  150  may advantageously provide a touch-sensitive user interface where such a user interface is otherwise not provided. In embodiments where removable user interface  150  includes tactile feedback elements  156 , removable user interface  150  may advantageously assist user-input where such assistance is not otherwise provided. In embodiments where an electronic display is not provided on electronic computing device  110 , removable user interface  150  may advantageously provide such a display. Further yet, by operating as a clip, removable user interface  150  may advantageously enable attachment to objects, where such attachment may not otherwise be provided. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of the portable electronic system  200  shown in  FIG. 2A . From the side view, it is apparent that removable user interface  150  may be disposed over only a portion of digital display  118 . It is further apparent that user interface element  154  may include one or more touch-sensitive regions  160 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , portable electronic system  200  includes a conductive element  158  extending at least between user interface element  154  and plug  152 . Conductive element  158  is for communicating at least one electrical signal between user interface element  154  and plug  152 . Conductive element  158  may be any suitable element for conducting electrical signals. For example, conductive element  158  may be made of metal, metal alloys, etc., including, e.g., copper, aluminum, nickel, silver, gold, etc. 
     Conductive element  158  may have any suitable arrangement, depending on the operation of user interface element  154  (e.g., display information, receive user input, etc.) and depending on the type of technology used in user interface element  154  (e.g., capacitive touch pad, LCD, etc.). In one embodiment, conductive element  158  may include a plurality of conductive traces extending within removable user interface  150  from user interface element  154  to plug  152 . The conductive traces may extend all the way to touch-sensitive regions  160 . Accordingly, user-engagement with touch-sensitive regions  160  may result in electrical signals being communicated to electronic computing device  110  via plug  152 , where the electrical signals indicate a location on user interface element  154  that a user touches. In another embodiment, user interface element  154  may include an electronic display, and conductive element  158  may communicate electrical signals from electronic computing device  110  indicating information to be displayed on user interface element  154 . 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of a portable electronic system  200  having a removable user interface  150  coupled to an electronic computing device  110  in a second orientation. According to this embodiment, removable user interface  150  is coupled to electronic computing device  110  such that removable user interface  150  extends over a surface of electronic computing device  110  opposite a display surface. For example, removable user interface  150  may extend over rear surface  114 . 
     Upon engaging removable user interface  150  with electronic computing device  110 , electronic computing device  110  may detect the orientation in which removable user interface  150  is engaged with electronic computing device  110 . In this case, electronic computing device  110  detects that removable user interface  150  is engaged such that removable user interface  150  is disposed over a surface other than one including digital display  118 ; for example, rear surface  114 . In some embodiments, removable user interface  150  may be disposed over the entire rear surface  114 . 
     In one embodiment, removable user interface  150  may still be operable to control electronic computing device  110  as previously discussed with reference to  FIG. 2A . In other embodiments, removable user interface  150  may now be inoperable to control electronic computing device  110 . Similarly, in this orientation, electronic computing device  110  may or may not be operable to display information via removable user interface  150 . 
     According to one embodiment, in this orientation, electronic computing device  110  may continue to display full-screen information such as that discussed with reference to  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, existing display information may be moved, resized, or entirely removed, and user-input information such as icons  124  may be displayed, similar to the functionality discussed with reference to  FIG. 2A . Also similar to the discussion with reference to  FIG. 2A , icons  124  may be displayed in locations corresponding to locations of touch-sensitive regions (and/or tactile feedback elements  156 ) of removable user interface  150 . 
     By engaging removable user interface  150  with electronic computing device  110  such that removable user interface  150  is disposed over a surface other than one including digital display  118 , removable user interface  150  may advantageously enable attachment to objects without interfering with digital display  118 . Further, by providing tactile feedback elements  156 , removable user interface  150  may advantageously assist user-input where such assistance is not otherwise provided. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a side view of the portable electronic system  200  shown in  FIG. 3A . From the side view, it is apparent that removable user interface  150  may be disposed over only a portion of rear surface  114 . It is further apparent that user interface element  154  may include one or more touch-sensitive regions  160  as discussed with reference to  FIG. 2B . 
     In some embodiments, plug  152  and receptacle connector  122  may be adapted to mate in only one orientation. For example, with reference to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , they may be adapted to mate in an orientation where removable user interface  150  is disposed over a surface including digital display  118 . For another example, with reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , they may be adapted to mate in an orientation where removable user interface  150  is disposed over a surface other than one including digital display  118 , such as rear surface  114 . 
       FIGS. 4A to 4E  show side views of removable user interface  150  having different shapes according to various embodiments.  FIG. 4A  shows a removable user interface  150  having a side profile according to a first embodiment. Removable user interface  150  according to this embodiment includes a body  400 . Body  400  may be made of any suitable solid material. For example, body  400  may be made of metal, ceramic, polymers, composite materials, etc. Body  400  may also include suitable materials for providing an electronic display and/or touch pad. Some examples of body  400  and its relation to user interface materials are discussed with reference to  FIGS. 9A to 9C . In this embodiment, body  400  may be user interface element  154 , may be separate from user interface element  154 , or may include user interface element  154 , where user interface element  154  is located at a user interface area of body  400 . 
     Body  400  includes an interface portion  402 , a bend portion  403 , and an engagement end  406 . Interface portion  402  is for providing a user interface, and as such may include user interface element  154 . Bend portion  403  is for enabling interface portion  402  to wrap around a portion of an electronic device when body  400  is coupled to the electronic device. Engagement end  406  is for coupling removable user interface  150  to electronic computing device  110 . A plug  408  (corresponding to plug  152 ) is located at engagement end  406 , such that plug  408  may engage receptacle connector  122 . 
     Interface portion  402  includes a number of surfaces. For example, interface portion  402  includes a top surface  410  and a bottom surface  412 . Upon engaging removable user interface  150  with electronic computing device  110 , top surface  410  may be exposed to a user so as to receive user input, and bottom surface  412  may face a surface (e.g., top surface  112 ) of electronic computing device  110 . 
     Bend portion  403  may be any suitable portion for arranging interface portion  402  substantially parallel to a surface (e.g., front surface  112 ) of electronic computing device  110  when removable user interface  150  is engaged with electronic computing device  110 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4A , bend portion  403  may be curved at an angle of approximately 180 degrees such that interface portion  402  is substantially parallel to plug  406 . Bend portion  403  may be curved at other suitable angles that provide such a parallel arrangement upon coupling; for example, it may be curved at an angle of 175 degrees, 178 degrees, 182 degrees, 185 degrees, or in a range from 175 degrees to 185 degrees, or greater than 185 degrees or less than 175 degrees. 
       FIG. 4B  shows a removable user interface  150  having a side profile according to a second embodiment. Removable user interface  150  according to this embodiment is similar to that discussed with reference to  FIG. 4A , with the exception of bend portion  403 . 
     Bend portion  403  according to this embodiment is square-shaped rather than curved. That is, bend portion  403  includes a first portion  403   a  arranged substantially perpendicular to interface portion  402 , and a second portion  403   b  arranged substantially perpendicular to first portion  404   a . As a result of providing plug  408  on second portion  403   b , interface portion  402  may be oriented substantially parallel to a surface (e.g., front surface  112 ) of electronic computing device  110  when removable user interface  150  is engaged with electronic computing device  110 . 
       FIG. 4C  shows a removable user interface  150  having a side profile according to a third embodiment. Removable user interface  150  according to this embodiment is similar to that discussed with reference to  FIG. 4B , with the exception of first portion  403   a.    
     First portion  403   a  of bend portion  403  according to this embodiment is at an acute angle with respect to bottom surface  412 . Second portion  403   b  is at an obtuse angle with respect to first portion  403   a . Any suitable angles may be used so that interface portion  402  is oriented substantially parallel to a surface (e.g., front surface  112 ) of electronic computing device  110  when removable user interface  150  is engaged with electronic computing device  110 . For example, the acute angle may be 45 degrees, and the obtuse angle may be 135 degrees. Any other combinations that sum to approximately 180 degrees (or 175 degrees, 178 degrees, etc.) may be used, and one skilled in the art could readily derive such combinations. 
       FIG. 4D  shows a removable user interface  150  having a side profile according to a fourth embodiment. Removable user interface  150  according to this embodiment is similar to that discussed with reference to  FIG. 4A , except that in this embodiment bend portion  403  includes a first portion  403   a , a rotatable element  403   b , and a second portion  403   c . First portion  403   a  in this embodiment is a curve of approximately 90 degrees. Rotatable element  403   b  rotatably couples first portion  403   a  to second portion  403   c  and may be any suitable element operable to perform such coupling. For example, rotatable element  403   b  may be a hinge. Accordingly, by its combination of elements, bend portion  403  is operable to orient interface portion  402  substantially parallel to a surface (e.g., front surface  112 ) of electronic computing device  110  when removable user interface  150  is engaged with electronic computing device  110 . 
     Any suitable combination of curved portions, straight portions, and rotatable elements may be employed so as to orient interface portion  402  substantially parallel to a surface of electronic computing device  110 . For example, first portion  403   a  may have any suitable angle of curvature, such as 85 degrees, 95 degrees, or in a range from 85 degrees to 95 degrees, or greater than 95 degrees or less than 85 degrees. For another example, second portion  403   c  may also include one or more curves at any suitable angle. For yet another example, first portion  403   a  may be straight or include straight portions. One skilled in the art would recognize the various combinations of curved and straight portions possible and the suitable amount of curvature required, and all such combinations are within the scope of the embodiments described herein. 
     Further, in one embodiment, bend portion  403  is operable to apply a tension force between interface portion  402  and engagement end  406 . For example, rotatable element  403   b  may be or may include a spring. Accordingly, with reference to  FIG. 3B , when plug  408  is connected to receptacle connector  122 , interface portion  402  may apply a force toward rear surface  114 . 
       FIG. 4E  shows a removable user interface  150  having a side profile according to a fifth embodiment. Removable user interface  150  according to this embodiment is similar to that discussed with reference to  FIG. 4D , except that in this embodiment bend portion  403  includes multiple rotatable elements. In this case, bend portion  403  includes a first rotatable element  403   a , a first portion  403   b , a second rotatable element  403   c , and a second portion  403   d . Similar to the embodiments discussed with reference to  FIG. 4D , any suitable combination of curved portions, straight portions, and rotatable elements may be employed so as to orient interface portion  402  substantially parallel to a surface of electronic computing device  110 . This may include employing curves within one or more of first portion  403   b  and second portion  403   d.    
     First rotatable element  403   a  and second rotatable element  403   b  may have the same or different angles of rotation. In one embodiment, first rotatable element  403   a  and second rotatable element  403   b  are configured such that interface portion  402  is nearly 360 degrees rotatable about plug  408 . As a result, in a first orientation, bottom surface  412  may be arranged to face front surface  112  of electronic computing device  110 , and in a second orientation, top surface  410  may be arranged to face rear surface  114  of electronic computing device. 
     Although the embodiments discussed with reference to  FIGS. 4A to 4E  clearly delineate interface portion  402  from bend portion  403 , in some embodiments such a delineation is not necessary. That is, a portion of interface portion  402  may extend into bend portion  403 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 4A , a portion of user interface element  154  may extend at least partially around the curved surface of bend portion  403 . For another example, with reference to  FIG. 4E , a portion of user interface element  154  may be located on or located in or extend to at least one of first portion  403   b  and second portion  403   d.    
       FIGS. 5A to 5D  show side views of removable user interface  150  having different types of tactile feedback elements according to various embodiments.  FIG. 5A  shows a removable user interface  150  having tactile feedback elements  156  according to a first embodiment. Removable user interface includes body  500 , top surface  510 , and bottom surface  512 , similar to those discussed with reference to  FIGS. 4A to 4E . 
     According to this embodiment, removable user interface  150  includes one tactile feedback element  156  for each touch-sensitive region  160 . Each tactile feedback element  156  is located directly above a corresponding touch-sensitive region  160 . The tactile feedback element  156  protrudes from top surface  510  of body  500 . Tactile feedback element  156  may have any suitable shape, including square, rectangular, circular, oval, etc. Tactile feedback element  156  may protrude from top surface  510  any amount sufficient to be recognizable by touch. For example, tactile feedback element  156  may protrude by 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, in a range from 0.75 mm to 1.25 mm, or an amount less than 0.75 mm or greater than 1.25 mm. 
     In one embodiment, each tactile feedback element  156  may be formed from material separate from body  150 , and as such may subsequently be bonded to top surface  510 . In other embodiments, the tactile feedback elements  156  are formed as part of body  500 , and thus may be formed by top surface  510 . Tactile feedback elements  156  may be made of any suitable material. For example, they may be made of a solid material such as glass, ceramic, plastic, etc. 
     According to one embodiment, one or more tactile feedback elements  156  may operate to magnify images. For example, when removable user interface  150  is engaged with electronic computing device  110  such that user interface element  154  extends over at least a portion of digital display  118 , tactile feedback elements  156  may be configured to enlarge information (such as icons) displayed on digital display  118 . 
       FIG. 5B  shows a removable user interface  150  having tactile feedback elements according to a second embodiment. This embodiment is similar to that discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5A . However, in this embodiment, a plurality of tactile feedback elements  156  are grouped together and correspond to a single touch-sensitive region  160 . The plurality of tactile feedback elements  156  corresponding to a single touch-sensitive region  160  may be grouped in any suitable shape, such as a circle, square, rectangle, oval, etc., and each may have any suitable shape, similar to those discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5A . Further, each tactile feedback element in the plurality of feedback elements  156  may protrude from top surface  112  any suitable amount, such as 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, in a range from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, less than 0.1 mm, or greater than 0.3 mm. The groupings of tactile feedback elements  156  may have the same or different shapes, and numerous variations would be recognized by those skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 5C  shows a removable user interface  150  having tactile feedback elements  156  according to a third embodiment. This embodiment is similar to that discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5A . However, in this embodiment, tactile feedback elements  156  are cutouts from body  500 . For example, tactile feedback elements  156  may be cutout from top surface  510 . Similar to the embodiment discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5A , the cutouts may be cut out to any suitable depth, and have any suitable shape. Similar to the embodiment discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5B , a plurality of cutouts may be provided for each touch-sensitive region  160 , where the plurality has any suitable depth and shape. 
       FIG. 5D  shows a removable user interface  150  having tactile feedback elements according to a fourth embodiment. This embodiment is similar to that discussed above with reference to  FIG. 5A . However, in this embodiment, tactile feedback elements  156  are provided on both top surface  510  and bottom surface  512 . The tactile feedback elements  156  located on bottom surface  512  may be arranged below corresponding touch-sensitive regions  160 . In some embodiments, tactile feedback elements  156  on top surface  510  may be any of those discussed with reference to  FIGS. 5A to 5C . 
     Tactile feedback elements  156  located on bottom surface  512  may provide one or more functions. For example, where body  500  includes one or more rotatable elements such as those discussed with reference to  FIGS. 4D and 4E , tactile feedback elements  156  located on bottom surface  512  may be used to provide feedback to a user when removable user interface  150  is rotated. For another example, such tactile feedback elements may provide stops to prevent body  500  from directly contacting a surface of electronic computing device  110 . In such a case, tactile feedback elements  156  may be made of material that is softer than the material which electronic display  118  is made of. For example, they may be made of at least one of silicon, rubber, cloth, soft plastic, etc. 
     Although  FIGS. 5A to 5D  show various embodiments that include tactile feedback elements  156 , in some embodiments, removable user interface  150  does not have any tactile feedback elements  156 . 
       FIGS. 6A to 6D  show top views of removable user interface  150  having different shapes according to various embodiments.  FIG. 6A  shows a top surface  610  of a removable user interface  150  according to a first embodiment. Top surface  610  is similar to that previously discussed with reference to  FIGS. 4A to 5D . 
     Top surface includes a first end  612  and a second end  614 . In one embodiment, first end  612  is an end nearest plug  152 , and second end  614  is opposite first end  612 . In another embodiment, second end  614  is an end nearest plug  152 , and first end  612  is opposite second end  614 . Top surface also includes a first side surface  616  and a second side surface  618  arranged opposite one another. 
     In this embodiment, top surface  610  has a square or rectangular shape. Accordingly, first end  612  and second end  614  are arranged parallel to one another, as are first side surface  616  and second side surface  618 . A width W of top surface  610  and a height H of top surface  610  may be any suitable width and length. For example, the width and height may be 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, or in a range from 30 to 40 mm, or less than 30 mm, or greater than 40 mm. The width and height may be the same or different from one another. 
     Tactile feedback elements  156  may have any suitable shape, as previously discussed, and may have any suitable size. For example, they may each have a diameter of 5 mm, 7.5 mm, 10 mm, or in a range from 5 mm to 10 mm, or less than 5 mm, or greater than 10 mm. The number of tactile feedback elements provided may be any suitable number. For example, one, two, or greater than two may be provided. Tactile feedback elements  156  may be arranged in any suitable pattern. In this embodiment, two columns of three tactile feedback elements  156  are provided. 
       FIG. 6B  shows a top surface  610  of a removable user interface  150  according to a second embodiment. This embodiment is similar to that discussed with reference to  FIG. 6A . However, in this embodiment, first side surface  616  and second side surface  618  include a first cutout portion  616   a  and a second cutout portion  618   a , respectively. Any number of portions may be cutout from one or more of the side surfaces, and they may be cutout at any suitable angle or in any suitable shape. 
       FIG. 6C  shows a top surface  610  of a removable user interface  150  according to a third embodiment. This embodiment is similar to that discussed above with reference to  FIG. 6A . However, in this embodiment, first side surface  616  and second side surface  618  are tapered from first end  612  to second end  614 . One or more of the side surfaces may be tapered, and they may be tapered at any suitable angle. 
       FIG. 6D  shows a top surface  610  of a removable user interface  150  according to a fourth embodiment. This embodiment is similar to that discussed above with reference to  FIG. 6A . However, in this embodiment, first side surface  616  and second side surface  618  are curved between first end  612  and second end  614 . One or more of the side surfaces may be curved, and they may be curved to any suitable degree. 
     Numerous variations on the shape of top surface  610 , number of tactile feedback elements  156 , and arrangement of tactile feedback elements  156  would be recognized by one skilled in the art, and all such variations are within the scope of the embodiments described herein. 
       FIGS. 7A to 7C  show a cross-section of plug  152  according to various embodiments.  FIG. 7A  shows a cross-section of plug  152  according to a first embodiment. Plug  152  has any shape, surfaces, and size suitable to engage and mate with a receptacle connector such as receptacle connector  122 . For example, plug  152  may be a 30-pin connector, a magnetic connector, a USB connector, an audio connector (TRS connector, digital optical audio connector, etc.), a video connector (VGA, DVI, S-Video, etc.), an audio/video connector (RCA, HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.), a data connector (Firewire, eSATA, etc.), etc. In some of these embodiments, a shape of plug  152 , shape of pins housed by plug  152 , provision of locking mechanisms in plug  152 , etc. may operate to provide a resistance force upon disengaging plug  152  from receptacle connector  122 . In other embodiments, plug  152  may include one or more magnetic elements that operate to provide a resistance force upon disengaging plug  152  from receptacle connectors that have corresponding magnetic elements. 
     In this embodiment, plug  152  has a plurality of surfaces including a top surface  700 , a bottom surface  702 , and side surfaces  704 . Top surface  700  is arranged opposite bottom surface  702 , and side surfaces  704  are arranged opposite each other. 
     Plug  152  includes one or more contact electrodes  706  arranged on top surface  700 . Contact electrodes  706  may have any suitable shape and size for engaging with receptacle electrodes provided in receptacle connector  122 . For example, contact electrodes  706  may be in the shape of a pin. Contact electrodes  706  may be made of any suitable conductive material, including one or more metals or metal alloys such as copper, aluminum, nickel, tin, magnesium, gold, etc. 
     Contact electrodes  706  are mechanically and electrically coupled to conductive element  158 . Accordingly, upon engagement with receptacle connector  122 , contact electrodes  706  are operable to communicate electrical signals between electronic computing device  110  and user interface element  154  via conductive element  158 . 
     Plug  152  may include one or more securing elements  708 . Securing elements  708  may have any shape, surfaces, and size suitable to lock plug  152  to receptacle connector  122  upon engagement. Plug  152  may be released from receptacle connector  122  in any suitable fashion such as, e.g., user-activation of a release pin (not shown). In this embodiment, securing elements  708  are provided on side surfaces  704 , however, they may be provided on any suitable surface of plug  152 . 
       FIG. 7B  shows a cross-section of plug  152  according to a second embodiment. Plug  152  according to this embodiment is similar to that discussed with reference to  FIG. 7A . However, in this embodiment, contact electrodes  706  are also provided on bottom surface  702  of plug  152 . Some functionality associated with providing contact electrodes  706  on top surface  700  and/or bottom surface  702  of plug  152  is further discussed with reference to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , and  FIGS. 11A and 11B . 
       FIG. 7C  shows a cross-section of plug  152  according to a third embodiment. According to this embodiment, plug  152  includes electrode  706  which is a TRS connector (i.e., an audio jack) as well as various surfaces such as those discussed with reference to  FIG. 7A . TRS connector  706  may extend from plug  152  further than other surfaces. With reference to  FIG. 4A , TRS connector  706  may extend from engagement end  406  by a predefined distance sufficient to enable the TRS connector  706  to fully engage and mate with receptacle connector  122 . For example, TRS connector  706  may extend from engagement end  406  by 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, or in a range from 2.5 mm to 4 mm, or greater than 4 mm. In this case, the other surfaces of plug  152  (such as top surface  700 , bottom surface  702 , and side surfaces  704 ) are flush with engagement end  406 . Accordingly, TRS connector  706  extends from those other surfaces by the aforementioned amounts. Similar to the embodiment discussed above with reference to  FIG. 7A , TRS connector  706  is mechanically and electrically coupled to conductive element  158 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  show a receptacle connector  800  and a plug  850  suitable for bi-orientation mating according to an embodiment. Bi-orientation mating refers to the ability of plug  850  to connect to receptacle connector  800  in two orientations rather than a single orientation. 
       FIG. 8A  shows a cross section of a receptacle connector  800  according to an embodiment. Receptacle connector  800  may correspond to receptacle connector  122  previously discussed with reference to  FIG. 1 . Receptacle connector  800  is any suitable connector for establishing an electrical connection as previously discussed with reference to  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, receptacle connector includes a housing  802 . Housing  802  has an interior cavity  804 , in which one or more receptacle electrodes  806  are provided. Housing  802  includes a number of surfaces defining interior cavity  804 , such as an upper surface  808 , a lower surface  810 , and side surfaces  812 . 
     Receptacle electrodes  806  may have any suitable shape and size for engaging with contact electrodes provided in plug  408 . For example, receptacle electrodes  806  may be in the shape of a pin. Receptacle electrodes  806  may be made of any suitable conductive material, including one or more metals or metal alloys such as copper, aluminum, nickel, tin, magnesium, gold, etc., and are operable to communicate electrical signals between electronic computing device  110  and other devices such as removable user interface  150 . 
     Side surfaces  812  are shaped so that corresponding plugs may only mate with receptacle connector  800  in a single orientation. For example, a corresponding plug generally has side surfaces corresponding to the shape of side surfaces  812 . In this fashion, pins provided in the typical corresponding plug necessarily contact receptacle electrodes  806  upon engagement in only one orientation. 
     Interior cavity  804  includes a first portion  804   a  that is in the shape of a rectangle having a width W and height H, and a second portion  804   b  that includes portions of cavity excluded by first portion  814 . First portion  804   a  is defined in part by upper surface  808  and lower surface  810 . Second portion  804   b  is defined in part by side surfaces  812 . Second portion  804   b  generally serves to force a single-orientation connection since the shape of second portion  804   b  is not symmetrical about a horizontal axis extending along width W. However, first portion  804   a  may facilitate a dual-orientation connection since first portion  804   a  is in the shape of a rectangle, and thus has a symmetrical shape about the horizontal axis. 
       FIG. 8B  shows a cross section of a plug  850  suitable to connect with receptacle connector  800  of  FIG. 8A  in two orientations. Plug  850  is identical to that discussed with reference to  FIG. 7B , and includes a housing  852 . Housing  852  has an interior cavity  854 , in which one or more plug electrodes  856  are provided. Housing  852  includes a number of surfaces defining interior cavity  854 , such as an upper surface  858 , a lower surface  860 , and side surfaces  862 . 
     Plug electrodes  856  may have any suitable shape and size for engaging with receptacle electrodes provided in receptacle connector  800 , may be made of any suitable conductive material, and are operable to communicate electrical signals between removable user interface  150  and other devices such as electronic computing device  110 . 
     Body  852  is shaped so as to mate with receptacle connector  800  in two orientations. In the first orientation, top surface  858  contacts or is proximate to upper surface  808 . In the second orientation, top surface  858  contacts or is proximate to lower surface  810 . Body  852  has the same symmetrical shape as the first portion  804   a  of cavity  804 . That is, body  852  has a rectangular shape having a width W and a height H. Further, body  852  defines cavity  854  such that receptacle electrodes  806  can enter into cavity  854  upon engagement in either orientation. In this embodiment, electrodes  856  are provided on or proximate to both top surface  858  and bottom surface  860 , such that at least some of electrodes  856  will contact receptacle electrodes  806  upon engagement in either orientation. 
     Accordingly, plug  850  is suitable to connect with receptacle connector  800  in multiple orientations. In the first orientation, contact electrodes  856  provided on or adjacent to bottom surface  860  contact receptacle electrodes  806  upon engaging plug  850  with connector  800 . In the second orientation, contact electrodes  856  provided on or adjacent to top surface  858  contact receptacle electrodes  806  upon engaging plug  850  with connector. 
     In other embodiments, plug  850  may include contact electrodes  856  on only one surface, such as on top surface  858  such as that discussed with reference to  FIG. 7A . In such a case, in the first orientation, contact electrodes  856  would not contact receptacle electrodes  806  upon engaging plug  850  with connector  800 , and in the second orientation contact electrodes  856  would contact receptacle electrodes  806  upon engaging plug  850  with connector  800 . 
     Receptacle connector  800  and plug  850  may be designed to engage one another in a number of different ways for multiple orientation engagement, and may even be designed to engage one another in more than two orientations. For example, receptacle connector  800  may have a square-shaped cavity  804  rather than rectangular, with electrodes arranged on one or more sides of the connector defining the cavity. Plug  850  may then have a corresponding square shape, with electrodes arranged on one or more sides of the plug defining the cavity. In this fashion, up to four different connector orientations may be possible. One skilled in the art may readily derive various connector and plug shapes for various numbers of orientations, and all are within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. 
       FIGS. 9A to 9C  show profile views of removable user interface  150  according to various embodiments. These embodiments illustrate the use of various technology for enabling removable user interface  150  to display information and/or receive user input. 
       FIG. 9A  shows a profile view of removable user interface  150  according to a first embodiment. According to this embodiment, removable user interface  150  may include a capacitive touch pad. 
     Removable user interface  150  includes a body  900  having a bend  901 , an engagement end  902 , and a plug  904  located at the engagement end  902 . Body  900  includes a conductive layer  906  which may be made from any suitable conductive material, for example, a transparent conductor such as indium tin oxide. Body  900  also includes an insulating layer  908 , where insulating layer  908  may be made of any suitable insulating material, for example, a transparent insulator such as glass. Spacing elements (not shown) such as non-conductive separator dots may be provided between conductive layer  906  and insulating layer  908 . A capacitive touch pad may thereby be formed via the interface between conductive layer  906  and insulating layer  908 . 
     In this embodiment, the combined conductive layer  906  and insulating layer  908  may provide a user interface element similar to the previously discussed user interface element  154 . Numerous techniques may be used to communicate changes in capacitance from the capacitive touch pad to plug  904 , where plug  904  may correspond to the previously discussed plug  152 . For example, conductive elements (not shown) may extend from the corners of the capacitive touch pad to plug  904 , and electronic computing device  110  may calculate the location of a users touch based on the voltages provided from each corner. For another example, conductive layer  906  may be etched with a grid pattern for some or all of the surface contacting insulating layer  908  so as to form a grid pattern of electrodes. The grid pattern may then be electrically coupled to plug  904 , and electronic computing device  110  may calculate the location of a users touch based on the voltages provided from the grid pattern. For yet another example, grid pattern electrodes may be provided only at predetermined locations of the capacitive touch pad, such as at locations corresponding to tactile feedback elements  156 . 
       FIG. 9B  shows a profile view of removable user interface  150  according to a second embodiment. According to this embodiment, removable user interface  150  may include a removable capacitive touch pad. 
     Removable user interface  150  includes a body  900  having a bend  901 , an engagement end  902 , and a plug  904  located at the engagement end  902 . Body  900  includes a frame  910  having an aperture  912  formed therethrough. Frame  910  may be made of any suitable solid material, such as metal, ceramic, polymers, composite materials, etc. Aperture  912  is sized and shaped to receive a user interface element such as a capacitive touch pad  914 . Capacitive touch pad  914  includes a conductive layer  916 , insulating layer  918 , and spacing elements similar to those discussed with reference to  FIG. 9A . 
     Capacitive touch pad  914  is sized and shaped to fit into aperture  912 . Touch pad  914  may have a friction fit with aperture  912 , and/or may be bonded to frame  910 . Numerous techniques may be used to communicate changes in capacitance from capacitive touch pad  914  to plug  904 , similar to those discussed above with reference to  FIG. 9A . 
       FIG. 9C  shows a profile view of removable user interface  150  according to a third embodiment. According to this embodiment, a capacitive touch pad is coupled to an engagement end of removable user interface  150 . 
     Removable user interface  150  includes a body  900  having a bend  901 , an engagement end  902 , and a plug  904  located at the engagement end  902 . Body  900  includes a conductive layer  906  and an insulating layer  908  similar to those discussed with reference to  FIG. 9A , which form a capacitive touch pad  914 . In this embodiment, however, engagement end  902  is different than conductive layer  906 . Bend  901  of body  900  may be made of any suitable material as discussed above with reference to frame  910 . Further, touch pad  914  is bonded to bend  901 . Numerous techniques may be used to communicate changes in capacitance from capacitive touch pad  914  to plug  904 , similar to those discussed above with reference to  FIG. 9A . 
     Although the embodiments discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 9A to 9C  are discussed in the context of capacitive touch pads, any suitable components for displaying information and/or receiving user may be provided in place of the capacitive touch pad. For example, a resistive touch pad could be provided in place of capacitive touch pad  914 . For another example, an LCD could be provided in place of capacitive touch pad  914 . For yet another example, suitable layers for forming an LCD could be provided above or below capacitive touch pad  914 . Various replacements and combinations are understandable by those skilled in the art, and all such replacements and combinations are within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a portable electronic system  1000  according to a second embodiment. Portable electronic system  1000  includes an electronic computing device  110 , a cable  130  for establishing an electrical connection with electronic computing device  110 , and a removable user interface  151 . Electronic computing device  110  may be the same as that previously discussed, and removable user interface  151  may be the same as previously discussed removable user interface  150 . In one embodiment, removable user interface  151  does not include bend  153 . In general, removable user interface  151  may be operable to control electronic computing device  110  via cable  130 . 
     Cable  130  includes a cable connector  132  which may be, for example, a receptacle connector similar to the previously discussed receptacle connector  122 . In this case, cable connector  132  includes a housing  132   a  defining a cavity  132   b , where cavity  132   b  includes one or more receptacle electrodes similar to those previously discussed for receptacle connector  122 . Cable connector  132  also includes internal circuitry for interfacing cable  130  with the receptacle electrodes, such that an electrical connection may be established between electronic computing device  110  and removable user interface  151 . Similarly, removable user interface  151  includes the previously discussed plug  152 , operable to mate with and establish an electrical connection with cable connector  132 . 
     Cable  130  may also include one or more audio output elements  140  that are operable to output audio signals. For example, audio output elements  140  may be speakers. Audio output elements  140  are electrically connected to cable  130  such that an electrical connection is established between electronic computing device  110  and audio output elements  140  via cable connector  132 . Audio output elements  140  are located at an end of cable  130  opposite an end connectable to electronic computing device  110 . The end connectable to electronic computing device  151  may include any suitable connector  142  for connecting to electronic computing device  110 . For example, connector  142  may be an audio connector. Cable connector  132  is located between the end of cable  130  at which audio output elements  140  are located and the end of cable  130  that is connectable to electronic computing device  110 . 
     As mentioned, removable user interface  151  may be the same as previously discussed removable user interface. For example, removable user interface  151  may have a side profile such as that discussed with reference to  FIGS. 4A to 4E . Similar to that discussed above, removable user interface  151  may be operable to control electronic computing device  110 , and electronic computing device  110  may be operable to control removable user interface  151 . 
       FIG. 11A  shows a first portion of a method  1100  of operating electronic computing device  110  according to an embodiment. In operation  1102 , electronic computing device  110  monitors a connector of electronic computing device  110 . For example, electronic computing device  110  may monitor the previously discussed connector  122 . In one embodiment, monitoring is performed by checking electrical voltage, current, and/or resistance at the electrical conductors (e.g., pins) housed in connector  122  at predetermined intervals. 
     In operation  1104 , electronic computing device  110  determines whether an external device is connected. For example, electronic computing device  110  may determine whether an external device such as removable user interface  150  is connected to electronic computing device  110  via connector  122 . Any suitable technique for determining whether an external device is connected may be used. In one embodiment, this determination may be made by recognizing a change in at least one of electrical voltage, current, and/or resistance at the electrical conductors housed in connector  122 . For example, when the resistance at one of the electrical conductors housed in connector  122  changes from a first resistance to a second predetermined resistance, electronic computing device  110  may determine that an external device is connected. If electronic computing device  110  determines that an external device is not connected, electronic computing device returns to operation  1102  and continues to monitor a connector. If, on the other hand, electronic computing device  110  determines that an external device is connected, electronic computing device performs operation  1106 . 
     In operation  1106 , electronic computing device  110  attempts to identify the connected external device. Any suitable technique for device identification may be performed. In one embodiment, upon connection the external device sends a device identifier, which is a data packet indicating an identify of the external device. Electronic computing device  110  may compare the received device identifier with pre-stored identifiers. If there is a match, then electronic computing device  110  successfully identifies the external device. If there is no match, then electronic computing device  110  does not successfully identify the external device. In another embodiment, the external device may have unique characteristics, such as a unique pin arrangement, resistance, voltage response characteristic, etc. Electronic computing device  110  may store information associating such characteristics with device identifiers. Accordingly, upon connection, electronic computing device  110  may identify the external device by comparing any recognized characteristics with the pre-stored characteristics. 
     If electronic computing device  110  can not identify the external device, processing may continue with operation  1108 . In operation  1108 , electronic computing device  110  may issue a visual and/or audio error message indicating that it does not recognize the external device. If, on the other hand, electronic computing device  110  identifies the external device, processing may continue with operation  1110 . In some embodiments, processing continues with operation  1110  only if the external device identified is a removable user interface. For example, processing may continue only if the external device identified is the previously discussed removable user interface  150 . 
     In operation  1110 , electronic computing device  110  attempts to determine the orientation of the external device. Numerous techniques may be used for determining the orientation of the external device. In one embodiment, the orientation may be determined by the pin connections. For example, with reference to  FIG. 7A , the external device may only have pins on one surface of its connector. Accordingly, electronic computing device  110 , which also only has pins on one surface of its connector, may determine the orientation based on whether the pins of the external device contact the pins of electronic computing device  110 . For another example, with reference to  FIG. 7B , the external device may have pins on both surfaces of its connector, but the pins may be at different spacings with respect to one another such that the pins of the external device contact different pins of electronic computing device  110  based on the orientation of the connection. In another embodiment, the orientation may be determined based on variable characteristics of the external device. For example, with reference with  FIG. 4D , a resistance of removable user interface  150  may change based on an rotational position of rotatable element  403   b . Electronic computing device  110  may determine the orientation by measuring the resistance of removable user interface  150 . Accordingly, electronic computing device  110  may determine the orientation by detecting a rotation of the external device relative to electronic computing device  110 . 
     If electronic computing device  110  cannot determine an orientation of the external device, processing may continue with operation  1112 . In operation  1112 , electronic computing device  110  enables remote control via the external device. That is, electronic computing device  110  may execute functionality in response to a user-interaction with the external device. In some embodiments, remote control is enabled only if the external device identified is a removable user interface. 
     If electronic computing device  110  determines an orientation of the external device, processing may continue with operation  1114 . In operation  1114 , electronic computing device  110  determines whether the external device covers at least a portion of an electronic display such as digital display  118 . Such a determination may be made based on the determined orientation. That is, each orientation may be pre-associated with information indicating whether the device covers at least a portion of digital display  118 . Accordingly, upon determining the orientation, electronic computing device  110  may read stored information associated with the orientation indicating whether the device covers at least a portion of digital display  118 . 
     If electronic computing device  110  determines that the external device does not cover any part of digital display  118 , processing may continue with operation  1112 . In operation  1112 , electronic computing device  110  enables remote control via the external device. That is, electronic computing device  110  may execute functionality in response to a user-interaction with the external device. In some embodiments, remote control is enabled only if the external device identified is a removable user interface. 
     If electronic computing device  110  determines that the external device covers at least a portion of digital display  118 , processing may continue with operation  1116 , as shown in  FIG. 11B . In operation  1116 , electronic computing device  110  displays icons at locations corresponding to tactile feedback elements of the external device. In one embodiment, electronic computing device  110  may store location information for each external device, where the location information indicates locations of tactile feedback elements relative to digital display  118 . Upon identifying the external device, electronic computing device  110  may read the stored location information to determine the locations of tactile feedback elements. Electronic computing device  110  may then display information such as icons at locations of digital display  118  that correspond to the tactile feedback elements. For example, the icons may be located below the tactile feedback elements. Accordingly, the icons may be visible to a user via the tactile feedback elements. 
     In operation  1118 , electronic computing device  110  detects user-engagement of a tactile feedback element. Such detection may be made as a result of a close proximity between the tactile feedback element and a touch-sensitive region. Any suitable technique for detecting the location of a user&#39;s touch may be used. For example, as previously discussed, techniques for capacitive touch pads, resistive touch pads, etc. may be used. In response to detecting user-engagement of a tactile feedback element, processing may continue with operation  1120 . 
     In operation  1120 , electronic computing device  110  executes functionality associated with the icon corresponding to the tactile feedback element engaged by the user. For example, the icon may show a ‘play song’ icon, and the icon may be visible via a tactile feedback element. Upon user-engagement with that tactile feedback element, electronic computing device  110  may execute functionality to play a song. 
     An example is now provided with reference to some of the previously discussed embodiments. With reference to  FIG. 1 , while removable user interface  150  is not connected to electronic computing device  110 , electronic computing device  110  may continue to operate as normal, while simultaneously monitoring connector  122 . Upon connecting removable user interface  150  to electronic computing device  110 , electronic computing device  110  may determine that an external device is connected, and subsequently identify the external device as removable user interface  150 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2A , electronic computing device  110  may determine that removable user interface  150  is connected to electronic computing device  110  in an orientation where removable user interface  150  covers at least a part of digital display  118 . Electronic computing device  110  may then determine the locations where tactile feedback elements  156  are relative to digital display  118 . Electronic computing device  110  may then display icons (e.g., A, B, C, D, E, and F) on digital display  118  in locations corresponding to locations of tactile feedback elements  156 . In this fashion, the icons may be visible through tactile feedback elements  156 . A user may then touch a tactile feedback element. For example, a user may touch a tactile feedback element corresponding to letter D. In response, electronic computing device  110  may then perform a functionality associated with the letter D. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3A , electronic computing device  110  may determine that removable user interface  150  is connected to electronic computing device  110  in an orientation where removable user interface  150  does not cover any portion of digital display  118 . In this case, electronic computing device  110  does not necessarily change the information on digital display  118 , and may allow control of electronic computing device  110  via removable user interface  150 . 
     Various embodiments for removable user interfaces and electronic computing devices according to the present invention have been described. While these inventions have been described in the context of the above specific embodiments, many modifications and variations are possible. For example, in one embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 1 , digital display  118  may display information and/or receive user inputs. For example, digital display  118  may be a touch pad display operable to both display information and receive user inputs, and could be any suitable touch pad, such as a resistive touch pad, a capacitive touch pad, etc. The above description is therefore for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting. Also, references to top or bottom, or front and back of the various structures described above are relative and are used interchangeably depending on the point of reference. Similarly, dimensions and sizes provided throughout the above description are for illustrative purposes only and the inventive concepts described herein can be applied to structures with different dimensions. Accordingly, the scope and breadth of the present invention should not be limited by the specific embodiments described above and should instead be determined by the following claims and their full extend of equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110711
Publication Date: 20150224
Grant Date: 20150224
Priority Date: 20110711
Inventors: ROTHKOPF FLETCHER R.
DABOV TEODOR
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0489", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0488", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04809", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1607", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0489", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0256", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0488", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0489", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1613", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04809", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0488", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04809", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47519692