PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10296093-B1
Application Number: US-201715451041-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Altering feedback at an electronic device based on environmental and device conditions

Abstract:
The embodiments described herein generally relate to a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device can include a processor and a sensor coupled with the processor, the sensor capable of detecting a stimulus, and responding to the stimulus by providing a detection signal to the processor. The portable electronic device can further include an interface unit capable of interacting with a user. The portable electronic device can further include a feedback unit in communication with the interface unit and the processor, the feedback unit providing a feedback response that is perceptible to the user during the interaction, where when the sensor detects the stimulus, the detection signal provided to the processor by the sensor causes the processor to respond by instructing the feedback unit to alter the feedback response.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A portable electronic device configured to be carried within a recess defined by sides of a case, comprising:
 a housing having walls that define a cavity capable of carrying operational components,
 wherein the operational components include: 
 a processor, 
 a sensor in communication with the processor, wherein when the housing is carried within the recess of the case, the sensor is capable of (i) detecting a stimulus that is applied to at least one of the walls by the sides of the case, and (ii) providing a detection signal to the processor that is based on a strength of the stimulus as detected by the sensor, 
 an interface unit capable of interacting with a user, and 
 a feedback unit in communication with the interface unit and the processor, the feedback unit capable of providing a baseline feedback response that is perceptible to the user during the interaction, wherein when the sensor detects the stimulus, the detection signal provided to the processor by the sensor causes the processor to respond by instructing the feedback unit to alter the baseline feedback response to provide an adjusted feedback response based on the strength of the stimulus. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the case has a magnetic element embedded within at least one of the sides, the magnetic element providing a magnetic field. 
     
     
       3. The portable electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein when the portable electronic device is carried within the recess, the magnetic field provided by the magnetic element is the stimulus that is detectable by the sensor. 
     
     
       4. The portable electronic device of  claim 3 , wherein the interface unit is a switch assembly having a user accessible button that is responsive to a press event, and wherein the feedback unit is capable of providing a tangible feedback force in response to the press event. 
     
     
       5. The portable electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein when the portable electronic device is carried in the case and the sensor detects the magnetic field, the processor causes the feedback unit to alter the tangible feedback force in a manner that at least partially compensates for the user accessible button being covered by the at least one of the sides. 
     
     
       6. The portable electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the sensor is capable of detecting an amount of strain that is exerted by a portion of the at least one side having the magnetic element embedded therein against the user accessible button. 
     
     
       7. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the feedback unit is capable of generating any combination of acoustic feedback or haptic feedback. 
     
     
       8. The portable electronic device of  claim 7 , wherein the feedback unit is capable of balancing a first amount of acoustic feedback with a second amount of haptic feedback. 
     
     
       9. The portable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein, when the sensor detects less than a threshold level of external ambient sound, the processor prevents the feedback unit from generating acoustic feedback. 
     
     
       10. The portable electronic device of  claim 5 , further comprising a display that is carried by the housing of the portable electronic device, wherein the user accessible button is carried along the wall of the housing, and wherein the sensor is disposed internally to the user accessible button. 
     
     
       11. A consumer product system, comprising:
 a portable electronic device, comprising:
 a housing having walls defining a cavity that is capable of carrying operational components, wherein the operational components include:
 a processor, 
 a sensor in communication with the processor, the sensor being capable of (i) detecting a stimulus having a strength that is applied to at least one of the walls, and (ii) responding by providing a detection signal to the processor, wherein the detection signal is based on a strength of the stimulus, and 
 a feedback component in communication with the processor and the sensor, the feedback component capable of generating a baseline feedback response; and 
 
 
 a case, comprising:
 a body having sides that define a recess, wherein the portable electronic device is capable of being carried within the recess, and the sides are capable of applying the stimulus to the at least one wall, and 
 a magnetic element embedded in at least one of the sides, the magnetic element providing a magnetic field that when detected by the sensor, the sensor sends a signal to the processor indicating that the portable electronic device is carried within the recess, and the processor responds to the signal by instructing the feedback component to alter the baseline feedback response to provide an adjusted feedback response based on the strength of the stimulus. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The consumer product system of  claim 11 , wherein the portable electronic device further comprises an interface unit having a user accessible button that is responsive to a press event, and wherein the interface unit is capable of providing tangible feedback force in response to the press event. 
     
     
       13. The consumer product system of  claim 12 , wherein the processor causes the feedback component to alter the tangible feedback force in a manner that at least partially compensates for the user accessible button being covered by the at least one side of the case. 
     
     
       14. The consumer product system of  claim 13 , wherein the sensor is capable of detecting an amount of strain that is exerted by the at least one side against the user accessible button. 
     
     
       15. The consumer product system of  claim 11 , wherein the feedback component is capable of generating any combination of acoustic feedback or haptic feedback. 
     
     
       16. The consumer product system of  claim 15 , wherein the feedback component is capable of balancing a first amount of acoustic feedback with a second amount of haptic feedback. 
     
     
       17. A method for generating feedback at an electronic device, the electronic device including a housing having walls that define a cavity capable of carrying operational components, the housing capable of being carried within a recess defined by sides of a case, wherein the operational components include an interface unit, a sensor, and a feedback unit, the method comprising:
 in response to detecting a press event at the interface unit of the electronic device while the housing is carried within the recess of the case:
 receiving a detection signal from the sensor when the sensor detects a stimulus that is applied to at least one the walls by at least one of the sides of the case while detecting the press event, wherein the detection signal is based on a strength of the stimulus; and 
 instructing the feedback unit of the electronic device to alter an initial feedback response associated with the press event to provide an adjusted feedback response that is based on the strength of the stimulus. 
 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the stimulus is an external magnetic field generated by a magnetic element embedded within the at least one side of the case. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the interface unit is a switch assembly that is covered by the at least one side of the case, and the feedback unit is capable of altering the adjusted feedback response in a manner that at least partially compensates for the switch assembly being covered by the at least one side. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the feedback unit is capable of generating any combination of acoustic feedback or haptic feedback.

Description:
FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate to an electronic device that includes a feedback component. More specifically, the electronic device is configured to adjust an amount of feedback generated by the feedback component in conjunction with providing a notification. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional portable electronic devices can include feedback components that are configured to generate feedback in conjunction with providing notifications. While generating such feedback is helpful to users, the feedback generated by such portable electronic devices is generally static and inflexible (i.e., incapable of adjusting to different conditions). Accordingly, there is a need for portable electronic devices to be capable of dynamically adjusting the amount of feedback that is generated based on a variety of different conditions. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments related to an electronic device that includes a feedback component. More specifically, the electronic device is configured to adjust an amount of feedback generated by the feedback component in conjunction with providing a notification. 
     In some embodiments, a portable electronic device is described. The portable electronic device can include a processor and a sensor coupled with the processor, the sensor capable of detecting a stimulus, and responding to the stimulus by providing a detection signal to the processor. The portable electronic device can further include an interface unit capable of interacting with a user. The portable electronic device can further include a feedback unit in communication with the interface unit and the processor, the feedback unit providing a feedback response that is perceptible to the user during the interaction, where when the sensor detects the stimulus, the detection signal provided to the processor by the sensor causes the processor to respond by instructing the feedback unit to alter the feedback response. 
     In some embodiments, a consumer product system is described. The consumer product system can include a portable electronic device that includes a processor, a sensor in communication with the processor, the sensor being capable of detecting an external magnetic field and responding by providing a detection signal to the processor, and a feedback component configured to generate a feedback response in communication with the processor and the sensor. The consumer product system can further include a case, a body having walls that define a recess, and a magnetic element embedded in at least one of the walls, the magnetic element providing a magnetic field that when detected by the sensor, (i) the sensor sends a signal to the processor indicating that the portable electronic device is being carried within the recess, and (ii) the processor responds to the signal by instructing the feedback component to alter the feedback response, accordingly. 
     In some embodiments, a method for generating feedback at an electronic device is described. In response to detecting a press event at an interface unit of the electronic device, the method includes receiving a detection signal from a sensor when the sensor detects a stimulus that is present while detecting the press event. The method further includes instructing a feedback unit of the electronic device to alter an initial feedback response associated with the press event to form an altered feedback response that is based on the stimulus. 
     The described embodiments may be better understood by reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings. Additionally, advantages of the described embodiments may be better understood by reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed inventive apparatuses and methods for their application to computing devices. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that can be made to the embodiments by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. The embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a number of different portable electronic devices that are capable of adjusting an amount of feedback that is generated in conjunction with providing a notification, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of a portable electronic device that can be used to implement the various techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a high-level overview of a system that can be configured to implement the various techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a system of an exemplary list of environmental conditions that are configured to be monitored by the portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a system of an exemplary list of device conditions that are configured to be monitored by the portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a method for adjusting feedback that is generated by a feedback component in conjunction with providing a notification at a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a method for adjusting feedback in conjunction with providing a notification at a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a method for adjusting feedback that is generated by a feedback component of a portable electronic device in conjunction with providing a notification, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a system for adjusting feedback at a portable electronic device that is carried by a case, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrate conceptual diagrams for obtaining properties of a case by a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 11A-11F  illustrate various examples of cases capable of carrying portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate perspective views of a portable electronic device that is configured to detect an amount of strain exerted against an I/O component, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 13A-13B  illustrate perspective views of a portable electronic device that is configured to adjust an amount of activation force that is required to depress an I/O component, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a method for adjusting feedback associated with providing a notification at a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a method for adjusting an activation force associated with an I/O component of a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a block diagram of different components of a system that is configured to implement the various techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a block diagram of a case that can be used to provide feedback, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a method for generating feedback at a case in conjunction with the portable electronic device providing a notification, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a method for generating feedback at a case in conjunction with the portable electronic device providing a notification, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following disclosure describes various embodiments for altering an amount of feedback at a portable electronic device. Certain details are set forth in the following description and figures to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. Moreover, various features, structures, and/or characteristics of the present technology can be combined in other suitable structures and environments. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, operations, and/or systems are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the technology. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein, or with other structures, methods, components, and so forth. 
     Electronic devices can include electronic displays to provide visual feedback while also increasing the functionality of these electronic devices. Additionally, many electronic devices include feedback components, such as haptic feedback components and acoustic feedback components. Providing different types of feedback that can be perceived by more of the user&#39;s different senses (e.g., sight, touch, sound) can provide for an overall improved user experience. However, users may also desire for more of an individualized user experience, as the feedback components in conventional electronic devices are unable to alter the amount of feedback generated to compensate for different contexts, such as environmental conditions and device conditions. Therefore, although users may find feedback components desirable for increasing the user experience, such users may also find such feedback intrusive, unsatisfying, or undesirable when generated during the wrong contexts or inappropriate situations. In such circumstances, the use of feedback components can actually detract from the user experience. 
     Additionally, there is a need for electronic devices to apply machine learning algorithms to learn from user behavior and preferences. Furthermore, as electronic devices become more sophisticated, they can include different types of sensors. Thus, techniques are described herein to enable electronic devices to detect general surroundings. One example of a surrounding that can be detected using the techniques described herein is a protective case that carries the electronic device. By taking into consideration these factors in conjunction with generating feedback, the electronic device can improve the overall user experience. 
     As used herein, the term “environmental conditions” generally refers to external environmental factors related to the surroundings of the electronic device. While the environmental conditions may not directly affect the operation or function of the electronic components of the electronic device, such environmental conditions can affect the user&#39;s perception of feedback generated at the electronic device. In some examples, even when the electronic device is functioning at a nominal operating level, the environmental conditions can affect the user&#39;s perception of the feedback that is generated at the electronic device. 
     As used herein, the term “device conditions” generally refers to factors at the electronic device level that affect the operation or functionality of the electronic components of the electronic device. In some examples, the device conditions can affect the electronic device&#39;s ability to function at a nominal operating level, and therefore, affect the user&#39;s perception of the feedback that is generated. In some embodiments, any combination of the environmental conditions or device conditions can be referred to as operational circumstances or operational conditions. 
     As described herein, the term “notification” generally refers to a type of predetermined electrical signal that is generated by the electronic device in response to a user-initiated request or a device-initiated request. For example, depressing a volume button included along a housing of the electronic device can be associated with a user-initiated request to increase the volume (type of electrical signal) of the electronic device. In another example, receiving a text message via a software program established at the electronic device can be associated with a device-initiated request to communicate with the user. 
     As described herein, the term “haptic feedback” can generally refer to stimulation of the nerves within the user&#39;s appendages. Haptic feedback can simulate a sensation of touch by applying force, vibrations, or motions that can be perceived by the user. The feedback components are capable of generating electrostatic signals that can penetrate a housing of the electronic device to stimulate the nerves. 
     As described herein, the term “acoustic feedback” can be used interchangeably with “audible feedback.” The term “acoustic feedback” can refer to generating sound waves that can be perceived by humans, where the sound waves have a frequency range of between about 20 Hz to about 20,000 Hz. Additionally, a frequency range greater than or less than the human hearing range is contemplated by the various embodiments described herein. In some examples, a single feedback component can be capable of generating acoustic feedback and haptic feedback in at least one of a concurrent, overlapping, continuous, serial, or simultaneous manner. 
     In various embodiments, the electronic device can include a housing that includes an electronic component for providing a notification. The housing can carry a sensor capable of detecting an operating condition that is present in conjunction with receiving a request to provide the notification, where the sensor provides a control signal associated with the operating condition. The housing can further include a controller configured to receive the request to provide the notification, where the notification is associated with an initial feedback characteristic, and in response to receiving the control signal, the initial feedback characteristic can be adjusted to form an adjusted feedback characteristic based on the operating condition. The housing can further include a feedback component for generating the adjusted feedback characteristic in conjunction with the electronic component providing the notification. 
     The various embodiments set forth herein are provided to adjust the amount of feedback that is generated in accordance with environmental and device conditions. Exemplary electronic devices that include haptic and acoustic feedback components can include, but are not limited to, portable computing devices, laptops, smartphones, smartwatches, mobile devices, consumer devices, wearable electronic devices, tablet computers, and the like. 
     The foregoing provides various electronic devices capable of adjusting or altering an amount of feedback. A more detailed discussion of these electronic devices is set forth below and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-19 , which illustrates detailed diagrams of devices and components that can be used to implement these techniques and features. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an perspective view  100  of a number of different portable electronic devices that are capable of adjusting an amount of feedback that is generated in conjunction with providing a notification, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 1  illustrates a number of different portable electronic devices  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 , and  150  that are each being utilized by users in different contexts while in a moving subway car. The moving subway car is associated with different environmental conditions, such as ambient sounds, vibrations, and rapid changes in movement. These different environmental conditions can affect each of the users&#39; overall enjoyment while utilizing their respective portable electronic devices  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 , and  150 . In some examples, each of the portable electronic devices  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 , and  150  can detect the repetitive vibrations generated by movement of the subway car running across a track. 
     In some examples,  FIG. 1  illustrates a user dozing off while listening to music that is playing from his smartphone  110 . While dozing off, the user suddenly receives an important text message from his boss. To compensate for the different environmental conditions present in the subway car, the smartphone  110  can adjust the amount of feedback that is generated in conjunction with providing the notification, such as by adjusting the feedback generated by a haptic feedback component and an acoustic feedback component. 
     In another example,  FIG. 1  illustrates another user feverishly drafting a work e-mail on his tablet computer  120 . A proximity sensor (not illustrated) of the tablet computer  120  detects that the user is in contact with the tablet computer  120 . Additionally, machine learning algorithm of the tablet computer  120  detects based on recency of interaction (i.e., temporal proximity) that the tablet computer  120  is presently in the user&#39;s hands, e.g., user recent interaction with an I/O component of the tablet computer  120  in the last 1-5 seconds. Thus, when the tablet computer  120  provides a notification of a top-priority work e-mail, the tablet computer  120  is not required to generate a loud audible alert. Indeed, the low frequency sounds associated with the repetitive vibrations of the moving subway car may mask any loud audible alert generated. Neither is the tablet computer  120  required to generate a large amount of haptic feedback since the tablet computer  120  is aware that the user is presently focused on the graphical user interface (GUI) of the tablet computer  120 . Thus, the tablet computer  120  can simply provide a visual alert of the top-priority work e-mail. 
     In another example,  FIG. 1  illustrates another user with multiple portable electronic devices in her possession, including a smartwatch  130  that is worn on her wrist, a smartphone  140  that is held in her hands, and a portable computer  150  that is in her purse  152 . Each of the electronic devices  130 ,  140 ,  150  can generate a different amount of feedback in conjunction with providing a notification. For example, the portable computer  150  can utilize a combination of a proximity sensor, a force sensor, an ambient light sensor, and the like to determine that the portable computer  150  is stowed away in the user&#39;s purse  152 . Thus, the portable computer  150  can prevent or refrain from generating haptic feedback events, as they may be of little value to the user who cannot readily perceive such haptic feedback events. However, the portable computer  150  can generate an acoustic feedback event (e.g., loud ringing noise) that can sufficiently be distinguished by the user from the ambient noise within the moving subway car in order to catch the user&#39;s attention as to the notification. Additionally, the smartphone  140  can utilize a combination of at least one of a proximity sensor, a force sensor, an ambient light sensor, machine learning algorithm, capacitive sensing, and the like to determine that the user is presently focused on the GUI of the smartphone  140 . Thus, the smartphone  140  can prevent haptic feedback from being otherwise generated, since the smartphone  140  is aware that a simple visual alert will be sufficient to catch the user&#39;s attention. Alternatively, the smartwatch  130  can utilize a combination of at least one of a proximity sensor, a force sensor, an ambient light sensor, machine learning algorithm, capacitive sensing, and the like to determine that the user is not presently focused on the smartwatch  130 . Thus, the smartwatch  130  can generate a haptic feedback event to notify the user of a daily exercise goal with sufficient amount of haptic feedback capable of catching the user&#39;s attention in context of the different environmental conditions that are present. 
     Referring again to the user with the smartwatch  130 , the smartphone  140 , and the portable computer  150 , each of these devices can be capable of detecting and differentiating between static forces and dynamic forces. In one example, the portable computer  150  that is stowed away in the user&#39;s purse  152  may merely detect static forces since the portable computer  150  is not being actively moved while in the moving subway car. Alternatively, the smartphone  140  can detect dynamic forces due to constantly changing angular orientation, strain exerted by the user&#39;s fingers against the smartphone  140  housing, strain exerted by the user&#39;s fingers against a case of the smartphone  140 . The static and dynamic forces that are detected by these portable electronic devices  130 ,  140 ,  150  can be further considered in adjusting the type and/or amount of feedback that is generated in conjunction with providing a notification. 
     The portable electronic devices  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 , and  150  can be capable of dynamically adjusting the type (e.g., haptic feedback, visual feedback, acoustic feedback), as well as the amount of feedback (e.g., intensity of feedback) to adjust for different environmental conditions, as well as device conditions as discussed in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 3-4 . 
     In some embodiments, the portable electronic devices  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 , and  150  can adjust the amount of feedback generated in order to conserve system resources, battery life, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the portable electronic devices  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 , and  150  can be capable of adjusting the amount of feedback that is generated in conjunction with providing a notification such that the amount of feedback that is actually perceived by the user is unaltered regardless of the environmental and/or device conditions. In this manner, the portable electronic devices  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 , and  150  can maintain a consistent user experience regardless of the environmental and/or device conditions. 
     The portable electronic devices  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 , and  150  described herein can refer to multimedia devices, smartphones, mobile phones, mobile devices, music players, smartwatches, laptops, tablet computers, portable computing devices, portable computers, consumer devices, and the like. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of a portable electronic device  200  that can be used to implement the various techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the portable electronic device  200  includes one or more processors  210  for controlling the overall operation of the portable electronic device  200 . The one or more processors  210  can refer to microcontrollers for performed dedicated functions or a central processing unit (CPU). The portable electronic device  200  includes a memory  220 , which can comprise a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory  220 . In some embodiments, the memory  220  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The portable electronic device  200  can also include a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a Read-Only Memory (ROM). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the portable electronic device  200 . In some embodiments, the memory  220  refers to a non-transitory computer readable medium, where an operating system (OS) is established at the memory  220  that is configured to execute applications or software programs that are stored at the memory  220 , such as the ROM. In some embodiments, a data bus  222  can facilitate data transfer between the memory  220  and the processor  210 . 
     In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  200  includes an antenna  250 . A network/bus interface  212  can couple the antenna  250  to the processor  210 . The antenna  250  can communicate with other electronic devices via any number of wired or wireless communication protocols, including at least one of a global network (e.g., the Internet), a wide area network, a local area network, a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and the like. In some examples, the antenna  250  can transmit data to the other electronic devices over IEEE 802.11 (e.g., a Wi-Fi® networking system), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), ZigBee, Wireless USB, Near-Field Communication (NFC), a cellular network system (e.g., a 3G/4G/5G network such as UMTS, LTE, etc.), and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  200  includes a display subsystem for displaying information on a display  240 , which can include a display driver and the display  240 , such as a liquid-crystal display, light-emitting diode display, a multi-touch touchscreen, etc. In some embodiments, the multi-touch touchscreen can be referred to as an I/O component  290 . In some embodiments, the I/O components  290  are separate from the multi-touch touchscreen. 
     In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  200  includes one or more I/O components  290 , such as buttons, switches, or the multi-touch touchscreen. In some embodiments, the I/O components  290  can be interchangeably referred to as an interface unit. In some examples, the I/O component  290  can refer to a solid state switch relay that can be configured to detect a change in capacitance when a user&#39;s appendage makes contact with a surface of the multi-touch touchscreen. The I/O component  290  can be configured to generate an electrical signal (e.g., current) that corresponds to the change in capacitance, whereupon the electrical signal is provided to the processor  210 . In some embodiments, an A/D converter (not illustrated) can be configured to convert an analog signal of the electrical signal that is provided by the I/O component into a digital signal, such that the processor  210  can process the change in capacitance. In some examples, the I/O component  290  can refer to a pressure-sensitive substrate. The solid state switch relay can be configured to generate at least one of haptic feedback or acoustic feedback to cause the user to perceive that the solid state switch relay is a mechanical-actuated button. In this manner, the solid state switch relay can cause the processor  210  to generate at least one of haptic feedback or acoustic feedback that is based upon the change in capacitance that is detected. 
     In some embodiments, the I/O component  290  can refer to a switch having a mechanical actuator (e.g., spring-based button, slide-switch, rocker switch) or other moving parts that cause the switch to depress into a housing of the portable electronic device  200  when pushed down by the user&#39;s appendage. The sensation of depressing the I/O component  290  can be translated to the user&#39;s appendage, such that the user perceives some amount of strain or tactile effect. 
     In some embodiments, the I/O component  290  is a switch assembly that is configured to detect a press event triggered by the user. When the press event is triggered, the interface unit can provide a signal to the processor  210 . 
     Additionally, the I/O component  290  can be associated with a requisite amount of activation force that must be satisfied in order to depress the I/O component  290  (i.e., press event) so as to cause an electrical signal to be generated by an electronic component (e.g., display  240 , haptic feedback component  260 , etc.) of the portable electronic device  200 . In some examples, the activation force is between about 0.1 N to about 25 N. In some examples, the amount of activation force that is required to depress the I/O component  290  in order to elicit an electrical signal can be adjusted by the processor  210  so as to compensate for different environmental and/or device conditions. Accordingly, techniques are described herein regarding adjusting the amount of activation force required to depress the I/O component  290  such that the user perceives generally the same amount of activation force that is required to depress the I/O component  290  regardless of the environmental and device conditions. 
     In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  200  includes at least one haptic feedback component  260  for generating one or more haptic events. In some examples, the haptic feedback component  260  is configured to generate haptic feedback in response to a user-initiated request. For example, the user can transmit a request for a user-initiated request for haptic feedback by depressing on the I/O component  290  for a predetermined duration in order to elicit an intelligent personal assistant and knowledge navigator, such as Siri®, to be activated. In another example, the user can transmit a request for a user-initiated request for haptic feedback by speaking into the portable electronic device via a microphone. In some examples, the haptic feedback component  260  is configured to generate haptic feedback in response to a device-initiated request. For example, the device-initiated request to generate haptic feedback can be received in conjunction with the processor  210  receiving a phone call or providing a calendar event alert. In some embodiments, the processor  210  can control the intensity or amount of the haptic feedback by adjusting an amplitude, frequency, pulse, or polarity of an electrical current that is transmitted from the power supply  230  to the haptic feedback component  260 . 
     In some examples, the haptic feedback component  260  can refer to at least one of magnetic elements, piezoelectric elements, linear resonance actuators, electroactive substrates, displaceable mass, and the like. In some embodiments, the haptic feedback components  260  can be referred to as a taptic engine. 
     In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  200  includes at least one acoustic feedback component  270  for generating one or more acoustic events. In some examples, the acoustic feedback component  270  is configured to generate acoustic feedback in response to a user-initiated request and a device-initiated request. In some examples, the acoustic feedback component  270  can refer to speakers, voice coils, magnetic resonance tubes or elements, and the like. In some embodiments, the processor  210  can control the intensity or amount of the acoustic feedback by adjusting an amplitude, frequency, pulse, or polarity of an electrical current that is transmitted from the power supply  230  to the acoustic feedback component  270 . 
     In some embodiments, the haptic feedback components  260  and acoustic feedback components  270  can be activated individually, simultaneously, overlapping, concurrently, continuously, or in sequence to generate at least one of haptic or acoustic feedback in conjunction with providing a notification. In some embodiments, the haptic and acoustic feedback components  260 ,  270  can refer to a same component (e.g., magnetic elements). 
     In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  200  includes at least one sensor  280  for determining at least one stimulus, such as environmental conditions or context that are present in the portable electronic device&#39;s surroundings or general environment. The sensor  280  can refer to at least one of a light sensor, a proximity sensor, an accelerometer, a strain gage, a capacitive sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, a compass, a barometer, an IR light detector, a load cell, a magnetometer, microphones, pedometers, thermometer, linear acceleration, fingerprint sensor, and the like. In some embodiments, the sensor  280  and the processor  210  can communicate with one another to establish a feedback loop for generating haptic and/or acoustic feedback, as discussed in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 4-5 . In some embodiments, the sensor  280  can generate a detection signal in response to detecting the at least one stimulus. The detection signal can be subsequently provided to the processor  210 . 
     In some embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect for static and dynamic forces. As described herein, the term static force refers to an amount of constant force that is applied to a stationary object, while the term dynamic force is associated with motion or movement of an object. 
     In some embodiments, the sensor  280  is integrated with the I/O component  290 . For example, a strain gage can be incorporated with the I/O component  290 , as shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C . In this manner, the strain gage can detect an amount of strain that is exerted against the button and/or the housing of the portable electronic device  200 . For example, the strain gage can determine foreign objects (e.g., housing of a case) that are touching the I/O component  290  and exerting strain against the I/O component  290 . In some embodiments, the sensor  280  can be incorporated at regions of a housing of the portable electronic device  200  that are most prone to come into contact with another object, such as the corners of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the processor  210  is configured to generate haptic feedback parameters or values that correspond to the amount of haptic feedback that is to be generated by the haptic feedback component  260 , while the processor  210  is configured to generate acoustic feedback parameters or values that correspond to the amount of acoustic feedback that is to be generated by the acoustic feedback component  270 . For example, in conjunction with receiving an electrical signal from the sensor  280 , the processor  210  includes a control logic component that is configured to generate a haptic feedback parameter. The haptic feedback parameter can specify an amount of input voltage to be provided to the haptic feedback component  260  from the power supply  230 . The amount of input voltage that is generated by the power supply  230  can be proportional to the change in electric current that is detected at the sensor  280 . The amount by which the haptic feedback component  260  oscillates can be proportional to the amount of input voltage. Similar techniques can apply to the acoustic feedback component  270 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a high-level overview of a system  300  that can be configured to implement the various techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. The system  300  includes a portable electronic device  350 . According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  350  can be configured to execute (e.g., via an operating system established at the memory  220 ) various programs or software applications  310 . In one example, the application  310  can refer to a program for executing a feedback loop mechanism between at least the processor  210 , the memory  220 , the sensor  280 , and the haptic and/or acoustic feedback components  260 ,  270 . In some embodiments, the feedback loop can refer to an open feedback loop or a closed feedback loop. The application  310  can manage feedback generated by the haptic or acoustic feedback components  260 ,  270  according to at least one of environmental conditions or device conditions. In some embodiments, the memory  320  includes a data item  340  managed by the application  310 . In some examples, the data item  340  can refer to specific environmental conditions or device conditions that are monitored and recorded by the application  310 . Additionally, the data item  340  can specify specific sub-conditions that more particularly describe or categorize the environmental conditions and/or device conditions that are to be monitored. The application  310  can request the data item  340  from the memory  320  in conjunction with the processor  210  executing the application  310 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a system  400  of an exemplary list of environmental conditions  410  that are configured to be detected by the portable electronic device  200 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, any of the environmental conditions  410  included in the exemplary list can be utilized by the processor  210  in adjusting the amount of haptic and/or acoustic feedback that is generated in conjunction with providing a notification. In some embodiments, the exemplary list of environmental conditions  410  are stored in the data item  340 , and can be executed by the processor  210 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the exemplary list of environmental conditions  410  includes “Ambient Weather Conditions”  420 , “Ambient Vibrations”  430 , “Ambient Sound”  440 , “Time of Day”  450 , “Device Location”  460 , “Boundary Conditions”  470 , and “Device Movement”  480 . 
     The sensor  280  can detect for any one of these environmental conditions  410 , and subsequently provide an electrical signal to the processor  210  informing of the environmental conditions  410  that are detected. As a result, the processor  210  is configured to adjust an amount of feedback generated by at least one of the haptic or acoustic feedback components  260 ,  270  in conjunction with providing a notification. In some embodiments, the processor  210  detects environmental conditions  410  that are present when the processor  210  receives a device or user-initiated request to provide a notification. In some embodiments, the environmental conditions can refer to immediate surroundings (e.g., within 1 meter of the portable electronic device  200 ), general surroundings (e.g., within 10 meters of the portable electronic device  200 ), or geographical surroundings (e.g., greater than 10 meters of the portable electronic device  200 ). 
     In some examples, the portable electronic device  200  detects for “Device Movement”  480  by utilizing the sensor  280 , which refer to an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. Device movement can refer to vibrations, shifts in orientation, acceleration, and the like, such as those experienced in a subway car shown in  FIG. 1 . In some examples, the portable electronic device  200  detects for “Ambient Sound”  440  by utilizing the sensor  280 , which refers to a microphone. The microphone can detect ambient sound, e.g., nearby conversations, wheels of the subway making contact with the rails, and the like. 
     In some examples, the portable electronic device  200  detects for “Boundary Conditions”  490  by utilizing the sensor  280  (e.g., receiving detection signal from the sensor  280 ). In some examples, sensors  280  such as strain gages, proximity sensors, inertial sensors, accelerometers, and the like can be utilized to detect for boundary conditions. Boundary conditions can generally refer to the manner in which the portable electronic device  200  is being supported. In some examples, the boundary conditions can refer to determining whether the portable electronic device  200  is in the user&#39;s pocket or in the user&#39;s hand. In some examples, the boundary conditions can refer to determine that the portable electronic device  200  is sitting statically at a surface of a table. In some examples, the boundary conditions can refer to determining that the portable electronic device  200  is floating in space (e.g., when thrown in the air). In some examples, the boundary conditions can refer to determining that the portable electronic device  200  is being held tightly by a user&#39;s hand or that an amount of pressure/strain is being exerted against the housing of the portable electronic device  200 . 
     The processor  210  can adjust the type of acoustic and/or haptic feedback that is generated according to the type of boundary conditions that are present. In some examples, the processor  210  can determine that generating haptic feedback while the portable electronic device  200  is floating in space may be of no utility to a user who cannot physically perceive the vibratory or tactile feedback. In some examples, the processor  210  can determine that generating haptic feedback while the portable electronic device  200  is lying statically on a table may also be of little utility since the user cannot physically perceive the feedback. Additionally, generating haptic feedback against the table may generate an annoying or unpleasant sound. In some examples, if the processor  210  determines that the user is gripping or holding the portable electronic device  200  tightly, the processor  210  can instruct the haptic feedback component  260  to lower the amount of haptic feedback that would normally be generated since the user will be more sensitive to any vibratory or tactile feedback that is generated. 
     In some examples, by detecting whether the portable electronic device  200  is positioned close to the user, the processor  210  can adjust the output volume of the acoustic feedback component  270  below a preset volume (e.g., 80 dB) of a ringtone associated with an incoming phone call to an adjusted volume (e.g., 60 dB). In this manner, the processor  210  can utilize the “Boundary Conditions”  490  to adjust the ringtone to prevent a loud and obtrusive ringtone from startling the user. 
     In some embodiments, each of the different types of environmental conditions  410  that are detected can be considered in combination by the processor  210 . In some examples, the portable electronic device  200  detects for “Device Location”  460  by utilizing the sensor  280 , which refers to a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system. For example, the GPS can establish that the portable electronic device  200  is located in a school classroom. The application  310  can store within the memory  220  knowledge that in the school classroom, the user has previously turned the smartphone from “Normal” operating mode to a “Silent” mode (i.e., disables audible alerts). Thus, the processor  210  can utilize this knowledge to preemptively prevent any acoustic feedback from being generated while the smartphone is located at school regardless if the smartphone is presently switched to “Silent” mode. Additionally, another sensor  280  (e.g., microphone) of the portable electronic device  200  can detect for “Ambient Sound”  440 . If the microphone also detects a low amount of sound (e.g., 15 dB), then the processor  210  can prevent any acoustic and haptic feedback from being generated when the smartphone receives a text message, in effect, enabling the smartphone to function in a manner similar to a “Do Not Disturb” mode (i.e., disables audible alerts and vibratory alerts). 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a system  500  of an exemplary list of device conditions  510  that are configured to be detected by the portable electronic device  200 , according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, any of the device conditions  510  included in the exemplary list can be utilized by the processor  210  in adjusting the amount of haptic and/or acoustic feedback that is generated in conjunction with providing a notification. In some embodiments, the exemplary list of device conditions  510  are stored in the data item  340 , and can be executed by the processor  210 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the exemplary list of device conditions  510  includes “Battery Level”  520 , “System Resources”  530 , “Charging Status”  540 , “Silent/Airplane/Do Not Disturb Modes”  550 , “Priority vs. Non-Priority Alert”  560 , “Conditions Affecting I/O Component Activation”  570 , and “Case Properties”  580 . 
     As described herein, device conditions  510  refer to general conditions that can affect the operation or functionality of the various electronic components of the portable electronic device  200 , such as the processor  210 , memory  220 , haptic feedback component  260 , acoustic feedback component  270 , and the I/O component  290 . In some embodiments, the processor  210  establishes a feedback loop (e.g., closed or open) with the electronic components by recording events or device conditions into the memory  220 . 
     In some embodiments, the memory  220  can maintain a continuous log of “System Resources”  530  that have been expended or are currently being expended in order to execute the functionalities of the portable electronic device  200 . System resources can refer to processing power, available RAM, available memory, and the like that remains following the execution of the one or more functions. In one example, while the user is playing a game on the portable electronic device  200 , the processor  210  can determine that about 500 MB of RAM is required to play the game, which leaves about 1.5 GB of available RAM to perform other tasks. Thus, the application  310  can deprioritize system functions that are associated with high memory usage, such as generating a large haptic feedback event in conjunction with providing a notification. Alternatively, to reduce the amount of RAM that is utilized, the processor  210  can reduce the intensity of the haptic feedback event or alternatively, cause an acoustic event to be generated instead. 
     In some examples, the portable electronic device  200  detects for “Battery Level”  520 . For example, the battery life of the power supply  230  can affect the amount of energy that can be provided to the haptic feedback component  260 . If the processor  210  determines that the power supply  230  has 10% of battery life remaining, then the processor  210  can deprioritize systems functions associated with a large amount of energy usage, such as generating haptic feedback events. 
     In some examples, the portable electronic device  200  detects for “Conditions Affecting I/O Component Activation”  570 , by utilizing the sensor  280 , such as a strain gage or Hall effect sensor. When an amount of strain is exerted against the I/O component  290 , the strain can obstruct the actuation of the I/O component  290 , therefore, affecting its ability to cause an electrical signal to be generated. In one example, the strain gage can be incorporated with the I/O component  290  to precisely measure the amount of strain that is exerted against the I/O component  290 , such as by a housing of a case that touches the I/O component  290 . In some examples, the strain exerted against the I/O component  290  can affect the amount of activation force that is required to depress the I/O component  290 . For example, if the I/O component  290  requires a baseline activation force (e.g., 10 N), the processor  210  can adjust the amount of activation force required to depress the I/O component  290  to an adjusted activation force (e.g., 7 N) to compensate for the strain exerted on the I/O component  290 . A specific example for detecting “Conditions Affecting I/O Component Activation”  570  is described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 12A-12C . 
     In some examples, the portable electronic device  200  detects for “Priority vs. Non-Priority Alert”  560 . For example, when the processor  210  receives a request to provide a notification associated with an incoming phone call, the processor  210  can adjust the amount of feedback associated with the notification corresponding to the relative priority of the person calling the user. Specifically, when an incoming phone call is received, the processor  210  executing the application  310  can (1) identify the caller associated with the phone call, and (2) reference the user&#39;s memory  220  to determine the importance of the caller. For example, while the user is in the middle of a lunch meeting, the processor  210  receives an incoming phone call from Cameron, who is identified in the user&#39;s contacts list as a high-priority contact. Thus, the processor  210  can dynamically increase the baseline amount of acoustic feedback associated with an incoming phone call notification (e.g., 60 dB) to be elevated to an adjusted volume of about 80 dB. Alternatively, while the user is just preparing to swim out for an enjoyable surfing session, the user may receive an incoming phone call from his ex-girlfriend, in the user&#39;s contacts list as a low-priority contact. Thus, the processor  210  can dynamically decrease the baseline amount of acoustic feedback associated with an incoming phone call notification (e.g., 60 dB) to register in “Silent” mode. 
     In some embodiments, the application  310  as executed by the processor  210  can dynamically learn the user&#39;s preferences over a period of time, and subsequently build up the user&#39;s priority vs. non-priority contact list and relative rankings through a machine learning algorithm. 
     In some embodiments, the application  310  as executed by the processor  210  is capable of adjusting the amount of feedback to be generated in combination with environmental and device conditions. In one example, the processor  210  can combine electrical signals associated with the environmental conditions and the device conditions in order to generate a combined feedback parameter. Additionally, the application  310  can be configured to assign an amount of weight to each environmental conditions and/or device conditions. For example, the application  310  may assign more weight to device conditions than environmental conditions when the “Battery Level”  520  indicates that battery life of the portable electronic device  200  is less than 20%, and that conserving battery life is more important to providing notifications. 
     Although  FIGS. 4-5  describe various embodiments of determining conditions in conjunction with adjusting an amount of haptic and/or acoustic feedback that is generated by the portable electronic device  200 , it should be noted that the processor  210  can utilize the conditions to adjust other general settings of the portable electronic device  200  to adjust camera settings, camera flash settings, display settings, and the like. In one example, if the processor  210  determines that the “Battery Level”  520  is low (e.g., less than 10%), then the processor  210  can automatically lower the brightness of the display settings of the display  240  in order to conserve power. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a method  600  for adjusting an amount of feedback that is generated by a feedback component in conjunction with providing a notification at a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the method  600  begins at step  602 , where the processor  210  of the portable electronic device  200  receives a request to provide a notification at the portable electronic device  200 . In some examples, the notification can refer to at least one of a device-generated request or a user-initiated request. At step  604 , the processor  210  can determine one or more environmental conditions of the portable electronic device  200  that are present in conjunction with receiving the request to provide the notification. At step  606 , the processor  210  can adjust an initial feedback value associated with the notification to form an adjusted feedback value in accordance with the one or more environmental conditions. For example, the processor can adjust an amplitude, frequency, duration, or oscillation of the acoustic feedback parameter. At step  608 , the processor  210  can cause the haptic and/or acoustic feedback components  260 ,  270  to generate adjusted feedback based on the adjusted feedback value, in conjunction with the processor  210  providing the notification. For example, the processor  210  can adjust the amount of acoustic feedback associated with an incoming phone call notification (e.g., 60 dB) to an adjusted volume of about 80 dB. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a method  700  for adjusting an amount of feedback that is generated by a feedback component in conjunction with providing a notification at a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the method  700  begins at step  702 , where the processor  210  of the portable electronic device  200  receives a request to provide a notification. In some examples, the notification can refer to at least one of a device-generated request or a user-initiated request. At step  704 , the processor  210  can determine one or more device conditions of the portable electronic device  200  that are present in conjunction with the processor  210  receiving the request to provide the notification. At step  706 , the processor  210  can determine one or more environmental conditions of the portable electronic device  200  that are present in conjunction with the processor  210  receiving the request to provide the notification. At step  706 , the processor  210  can adjust a ratio between a device value associated with the one or more device conditions with an environmental value associated with the one or more environmental conditions to form an adjusted feedback value. In some examples, the device value and the environmental value are weighted values that represent a balance of a ratio between device and environmental conditions. In some examples, the device value represents an amount of weight assigned to the device conditions, while the environmental value represents an amount of weight assigned to the environmental conditions. At step  708 , the processor  210  can cause at least one of the haptic or acoustic feedback components  260 ,  270  of the portable electronic device  200  to generate adjusted feedback according to the adjusted feedback value in conjunction with providing the notification. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a method  800  for adjusting an amount of feedback that is generated by a feedback component in conjunction with providing a notification at a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the method  800  begins at step  802 , where the processor  210  records a first environmental or device condition at the memory  220 . In some examples, any number of environmental or device conditions can be recorded in memory  220 . At step  804 , the processor  210  can receive a request to provide a notification at the portable electronic device  200 . In some examples, the notification can refer to at least one of a device-generated request or a user-initiated request. At step  806 , the processor  210  can determine a second environmental or device condition that is present in conjunction with receiving the request to provide the notification. At step  808 , the processor  210  can adjust an initial feedback value associated with the notification to form an adjusted feedback value in accordance with the first and second conditions. At step  810 , the processor  210  can cause at least one of the haptic or acoustic feedback components  260 ,  270  to generate adjusted feedback according to the adjusted feedback value in conjunction with providing the notification. 
     In contrast to  FIG. 7 , the method  800  illustrates techniques for storing environmental or device conditions that occurred prior to the processor  210  receiving the request to provide the notification, and subsequently utilizing the environmental or device conditions for adjusting the amount of feedback that is provided. In this manner, the processor  210  can rely upon previous user behavior to dynamically generate adjusted feedback. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a system  900  for adjusting feedback at a portable electronic device  910  that is carried by a case  950 , according to some embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the portable electronic device  910  is carried within the case  950 , and the portable electronic device  910  and the case  950  are shown laid across a surface of a desk in an engineering classroom. The case  950  has a size and dimensions that conform to the geometry of the portable electronic device  910  in order to provide a conforming fit. In some examples, the case  950  can be comprised of leather, silicone, polyurethane, or other deformable materials. Due to the materials that comprise the case  950 , the portable electronic device  910  is adhered to the desk so that even when the portable electronic device  910  generates vibrations, these vibrations are largely absorbed by the desk. In this manner, the amount of vibrations as perceived by the user are muted or minimized because the oscillating motion of the haptic feedback component  260  (e.g., linear resonance actuator) is parallel to the surface of the desk or moving in plane. Instead energy associated with the haptic feedback response translates into dissipated energy, which can barely be perceived by the user. In some examples, the detection of the portable electronic device  910  laid across the surface of the desk is illustrative of a “Boundary Conditions”  470 . 
     Additionally, materials such as polyurethane have a relatively low Young&#39;s Modulus value that allows for the case  950  to have a higher degree of flex than stiffer materials having a higher Young&#39;s Modulus value. The portable electronic device  910  can be configured to store properties of the case  950  at the memory  220 . Material properties of the case can be stored in the exemplary list of “Case Properties”  580 . Different techniques for obtaining the properties of the case are described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 10-11 . 
     After determining the properties of the case, the properties can be stored at the memory  220 . Subsequently, the processor  210  can adjust the amount of feedback generated by the acoustic feedback component  970  (e.g., speaker) and the haptic feedback component  960  (e.g., linear resonance actuator) according to the properties of the case. Additionally, the portable electronic device  910  is further configured to monitor for environmental conditions and device conditions in adjusting the amount of feedback generated by the feedback components  960 ,  970 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , in one example, during an engineering lecture, the student&#39;s portable electronic device  910  receives a phone call. However, the portable electronic device  910  can be configured to adjust the amount of haptic and acoustic feedback that is generated to suit the environmental and device conditions that are present in conjunction with receiving the phone call. For example, the portable electronic device  910  can mute any acoustic feedback associated with providing a notification of the phone call. Additionally, the processor  210  of the portable electronic device  910  can prevent boosting the amount of haptic feedback that would otherwise be generated because the processor  210  is aware that any amount of boosted haptic feedback would be simply negated by the desk. 
     In another example, following the end of the lecture, the student may whisper into the microphone of the portable electronic device  910  to command the intelligent personal assistant and knowledge navigator to play back a voicemail associated with the missed phone call. In this example, the processor  210  can be aware based on a combination of recency usage (i.e., temporal proximity), location services, and lack of ambient noise that the user is in a quiet environment. Thus, the processor  210  can cause the intelligent personal assistant and knowledge navigator to provide confirmation and play back the voicemail at a speaking volume that is adjusted to compensate for the environmental and device conditions. In other words, the speaking volume of the intelligent personal assistant and knowledge navigator can match the quiet classroom environment. 
       FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrate conceptual diagrams for obtaining properties of a case by a portable electronic device, according to some embodiments.  FIG. 10A  illustrates an exemplary view  1010  for executing an application to obtain properties of a case, in accordance with some embodiments. Upon executing the application at the portable electronic device  1050 , a graphical user interface (GUI)  1014  presented at the display  1012  of the portable electronic device  1050  can instruct the user “Take a picture of the barcode included on the packaging of the case.” 
       FIG. 10B  illustrates an exemplary view  1020  of a packaging box  1022  for the case  1090 , in accordance with some embodiments. The packaging box can include a case identifier  1024  that can be associated with the case  1090 . In some embodiments, the case identifier  1024  can be included on the case  1090  instead of the packaging box  1022 . The case identifier  1024  can refer to a barcode, QR code, or other serial number. The case identifier  1024  can facilitate the portable electronic device  1050  to determine the specific “Case Properties”  580 . In some embodiments, each model of the case  1090  has standard case properties such as manufacturer, model, manufacture date, color, materials, and the like. 
     In some examples, the case identifier  1024  can describe specific manufacturing properties of the case  1090 , such as manufacture date, condition, dimensions, Young&#39;s Modulus, electrical capacitance, and weight. In some examples, some case manufacturers measure each specific case prior to releasing the case to the public. Thus, any deviations or deformities in manufacturing the case  1090  can be recorded by the manufacturer. 
       FIG. 10C  illustrates an exemplary view  1030  of the GUI  1014  of the portable electronic device  1050  in conjunction with capturing an image  1032  of the case identifier  1024  associated with the case  1090 , in accordance with some embodiments. Upon obtaining the image  1032  of the case identifier  1024 , the processor  210  can be configured to determine the properties of the case  1090 . For example, the processor  210  executing the application  310  can transmit data associated with the case identifier  1024  to a database, where the database stores the specific properties of the case  1090 . Thereafter, the processor  210  can receive the properties of the case  1090  from the database, which can be stored at the memory  220 . 
       FIG. 10D  illustrates an exemplary view  1040  of the GUI  1014  of the portable electronic device  1050  subsequent to receiving the properties for the case  1090 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some examples, the GUI can confirm that the properties of the case  1090  are stored at the memory  220 . In this manner, the processor  210  can utilize the properties of the case  1090  in conjunction with generating feedback while providing a notification. 
       FIGS. 11A-11F  illustrate various examples of cases capable of carrying portable electronic devices, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 11A  illustrates an exemplary view  1110  of a case  1190  having a Radio-Frequency Identification chip or tag (RFID)  1112  that is embedded within a wall  1192  of the case  1190 . In some examples, the RFID tag  1112  is exposed at an external surface of the wall  1192 . In some embodiments, the RFID tag  1112  refers to a passive or active tag for collecting energy. In some examples, where the RFID tag  1112  refers to an active tag, the case  1190  can include a power supply for powering the RFID tag  1112 , as will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 17 . 
     In some examples, the RFID tag  1112  can provide the properties that are associated with the case  1190 . In some examples, the RFID tag  1112  includes an integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a radio-frequency signal, and collecting direct current power. Additionally, the RFID tag  1112  can include an antenna for receiving and transmitting the radio-frequency signal. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  1050  can include an RFID reader that can be configured to demodulate the RF signal that is provided by the RFID tag  1112  in order to determine the properties of the case  1190 . 
       FIG. 11B  illustrates an exemplary view  1120  of a case  1190  having a case identifier  1124  that can be included on an external surface of the wall  1192  of the case. In some examples, the case identifier  1124  can be removably attached to the external surface of the wall  1192 , such as a sticker. In other examples, the case identifier  1124  can be embedded or imprinted on the external surface of the wall  1192 . The case identifier  1124  can be used by the portable electronic device  1050  to determine the specific properties of the case  1190 , according to techniques described with reference to  FIGS. 10A-10D . 
     In some embodiments, the case identifier  1124  can refer to reflective dots or retroreflective dots that are arranged in a specific pattern that is established by the manufacturer. The retroreflective dots can appear invisible in most conditions (i.e., non-detectable by the human eye). A flash module of a camera of the portable electronic device  1050  can fire a flash within a few degrees of the retroreflective dots. As a result of the flash, the camera sensor can detect the presence and/or specific pattern of the retroreflective dots. The presence and/or pattern of the retroreflective dots can enable the processor  210  to determine the specific properties of the case  1190 . For example, the retroreflective dots can be arranged in a unique pattern that identifies the model of the case  1190 . Moreover, unlike a barcode or QR code, because the retroreflective dots can appear invisible to the human eye, a case  1190  that utilizes the retroreflective dots may be considered to be more cosmetically appealing due to having an appearance that is less unsightly than a barcode or QR code. 
       FIG. 11C  illustrates an exemplary view  1130  of a case  1190  having a male data connector  1170 , where the male data connector  1170  is configured to be received by a female data connector (not illustrated) of the portable electronic device  1050 . In some embodiments, the case  1190  can include at least one of a power supply, a controller, a non-volatile memory, or a feedback component, as described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 17 . When the case  1190  is connected to the portable electronic device  1050  via the male data connector  1170 , the portable electronic device  1050  can determine the properties of the case  1190  that are stored at the non-volatile memory of the case  1190 . The properties of the case  1190  can be stored at the memory  220  of the portable electronic device  1050 . In some examples, the male data connector  1170  is flexible in order to promote ease of insertion of the portable electronic device  1050  to the case  1190 . 
     In some embodiments, in conjunction with the portable electronic device  1050  being inserted into the cavity  1194  of the case  1190  (and coupled to the male data connector  1170 ), the processor  210  can determine that a process to determine the case properties of the case  1190  is being initiated. In addition to determining properties of the case  1190 , the processor  210  can also initiate an age counter to track the age, condition, and expected lifespan of the case  1190  when the portable electronic device  1050  being inserted into the cavity  1194  of the case  1190  (and coupled to the male data connector  1170 ). Thus, when the processor  210  determines that the case  1190  is reaching its near expected end of lifespan, the processor  210  can provide the user with a notification. In addition to providing a notification to the user, the processor  210  can suggest replacements or order replacement cases that will be compatible with the portable electronic device  1050 . 
     Although  FIG. 11C  is directed to a wired connection for transmitting data between the case  1190  and the portable electronic device  1050 , wireless connection techniques are also envisioned, such as where the case includes a case identifier  1124  or a wireless antenna, which will be described in more detail with reference to  FIG. 16 . In some embodiments, the properties of the case  1190  are stored at the memory  220  such that when the portable electronic device  1050  is removed from the cavity  1194 , the properties of the case  1190  remain stored within the memory  220 . 
       FIG. 11D  illustrates an exemplary view  1140  of a case  1190  having one or more magnetic elements  1142  disposed internally within the back wall  1192  of the case  1190 . In some examples, the magnetic elements  1142  can be embedded within at least one of the sidewalls, back wall, or corner portions of the case  1190 . In some examples, the magnetic elements  1142  can be oriented in a predetermined orientation, such that the magnetic elements  1142  are associated with a directional bias that may facilitate the portable electronic device  1050  in detecting the one or more magnetic elements  1142 . In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  1050  can include Hall effector sensors, a magnetometer, and/or a magnetic reader that can be utilized to detect the presence, orientation, and/or bias of the magnetic elements  1142 . In some examples, the magnetic elements  1142  generate an external magnetic field. In this manner, the portable electronic device  1050  can detect the presence of not just the magnetic elements  1142 , but also a case  1190  that includes the embedded magnetic elements  1142 . The processor  210  of the portable electronic device  1050  can cause adjusted feedback parameters to be generated that accommodate for the presence, orientation and/or bias of the magnetic elements  1142 . In some embodiments, the feedback response generated by the feedback components  260 ,  270  can be adjusted according to the adjusted feedback parameters. 
     In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  1050  can utilize the magnetic sensor to determine that the portable electronic device  1050  is carried within a recess of a case  1190 . When the magnetic sensor detects the external magnetic field generated by the embedded magnetic elements  1142 , the magnetic sensor can provide a detection signal to the processor  210 . In some embodiments, the processor  210  can adjust the amount of haptic and/or acoustic feedback or activation force at an I/O component  290  (e.g., button, switch) based on the presence, orientation, and/or bias of the magnetic elements  1142  as further described with reference to  FIGS. 12-13 . 
       FIG. 11E  illustrates an exemplary view  1150  of a case  1190  having one or more haptic and/or acoustic feedback components that are included in the case  1190 , as also described with reference to  FIGS. 17-19 . In some embodiments, the case  1190  includes a built-in feedback component  1152  that can be configured to generate additional or supplemental haptic and/or acoustic feedback to supplement and/or substitute for the feedback components  260 ,  270  of the portable electronic device  1050 .  FIG. 11E  illustrates that the built-in feedback component  1152  refers to a linear resonant actuator, which includes a mass  1154 , a spring  1156 , and a piezoelectric element  1158 . The piezoelectric element  1158  can be configured to receive an electrical signal from the power supply  230  (as controlled by the processor  210  or other controller) that causes the piezoelectric element  1158  to actuate in a predetermined manner. Actuation of the piezoelectric element  1158  causes the displacement of the mass  1154  via spring  1156  according to a direction (D). In some embodiments, the mass  1154  can be referred to as an inertial mass. The inertial mass is suspended on the spring  1156  and driven with the piezoelectric element  1158 . Although  FIG. 11E  illustrates that the displacement of the mass  1154  is in a side-to-side orientation, other directions and orientations are also envisioned to generate different types of feedback. In some embodiments, the displacement of the mass  1154  is aligned with the side-to-side direction of the haptic feedback component  260  of the portable electronic device  1050 , where the haptic feedback component  260  is a linear resonant actuator. In this manner, the built-in feedback component  1152  can augment the haptic effects of the haptic feedback component  260 . In some examples, the mass  1154  is configured to oscillate or displace in order to generate haptic and/or acoustic feedback. In some embodiments, the adjusted feedback parameters can be transmitted to the case  1190 , such that the case  1190  can be configured to generate adjusted feedback. In some examples, the case  1190  can include at least one of a power supply, a controller, a non-volatile memory, or a feedback component that electrically communicate with the piezoelectric element  1158 . 
     Although  FIG. 11E  illustrates that the feedback component  1152  refers to a linear resonance actuator driven by piezoelectric elements, other examples for driving the feedback component  1152  can include electroactive polymers, magnetic voice coils, and the like. 
       FIG. 11F  illustrates an exemplary view  1140  of a case  1190  having one or more acoustic resonant tubes  1162  that are provided within channels  1164  that are included along the wall  1192 . The acoustic resonant tubes  1162  can be configured to generate acoustic feedback at the case  1190 , such as by improving the bass output response or resonance of the speakers of the portable electronic device  1050 . In some examples, the acoustic resonant tubes  1162  can be sealed with plastic and then covered with leather, silicone, or other materials of the case  1190 . The acoustic output properties (e.g., bass output) of the acoustic resonant tubes  1162  can depend upon whether the acoustic resonant tubes  1162  are sealed and the type of material(s) that it is covered by. In some examples, covering the acoustic resonant tubes  1162  with leather (as opposed to silicone) can yield a less powerful bass output since leather has better dampening properties than silicone. Although  FIG. 11F  illustrates the case  1190  having a series of generally serpentine tracks included along the back wall  1192  of the case  1190 , other configurations, patterns, and positions are envisioned. In some examples, the acoustic resonant tubes  1162  can be included along the bottom of the case  1190  so that the acoustic resonant tubes  1162  are positioned adjacent to the bottom speakers of the portable electronic device  1050 . By positioning the acoustic resonant tubes  1162  along the back wall  1192  of the case  1190 , damage to the acoustic resonant tubes  1162  can be minimized or prevented. 
     In some embodiments, the case  1190  includes a controller having an equalizer that is configured to adjust or tune the acoustic resonance of the acoustic resonant tubes  1162 . For example, the acoustic resonant tubes  1162  are characterized as having an initial resonance peak. The equalizer can be utilized to adjust the acoustic resonance such as to provide acoustic feedback that compensates for the properties of the case  1190 . 
     In some embodiments, the processor  210  can adjust the acoustic feedback by the speakers. For example, the processor  210  can determine through any number of exemplary embodiments described herein that the case  1190  includes acoustic resonant tubes  1162 . The processor  210  can adjust the acoustic feedback output of the speakers of the portable electronic device  1050  to minimize the amount of bass output, therefore, conserving energy with the knowledge that the acoustic resonant tubes  1162  can boost the bass output by the speakers. 
     Although  FIGS. 11A-11F  describe various embodiments of determining properties of the case  1190  in conjunction with adjusting an amount of haptic and/or acoustic feedback that is generated by at least one of the portable electronic device  1050  or the case  1190 , it should be noted that the properties of the case  1190  can also be utilized to modify or adjust other settings of the portable electronic device  1050 . In some examples, the properties of the case  1190  can be utilized to adjust camera settings, camera flash settings, display settings, and the like. In one example, if the processor  210  of the portable electronic device  1050  determines that the case  1190  has a white color, then the processor  210  can adjust the camera flash settings to reduce the amount of flash in order to minimize the amount of light that is incidentally refracted from the case  1190 . In another example, if the case  1190  has a black color, then the processor  210  can adjust the camera flash settings to increase the amount of flash. 
     In some embodiments, the portable electronic device  1050  can utilize a camera module to take a picture of the case  1190  itself. The application  310  of the portable electronic device  1050  can be configured to determine general properties of the case  1190 , such as shape and color by using the picture of the case  1190 . In this manner, the portable electronic device  1050  is not required to communicate with a database to determine general properties of the case  1190 . 
       FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate perspective views of a portable electronic device  1200  that is configured to detect an amount of strain exerted against an I/O component, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 12A , the portable electronic device  1200  includes an I/O component  1210 , such as a volume button. In some examples, when the portable electronic device  1200  is carried by a case, the housing of the case can provide a protective cover for the I/O component  1210 . However, the protective cover can also obstruct the depressing of the I/O component  1210 , such that the user perceives a different tactile sensation and activation force when depressing the I/O component  1210 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12B , the I/O component  1210  can include sensors  1260 , such as strain gages.  FIG. 12B  illustrates a strain gage that is incorporated within the I/O component  1210 . The strain gage can be applied at a central and/or peripheral portion of the I/O component  1210  to detect an amount of strain that is exerted against the I/O component  1210 . The sensors  1260  can be comprised of a thin conductive film  1262  having a strain sensitive pattern  1266  and terminals  1264 . When strain is exerted against the sensors  1260 , e.g., a housing of a case, the thin conductive film  1262  becomes compressed which can increase an amount of resistance at the thin conductive film  1262  as detected by a dedicated microcontroller. Accordingly, the microcontroller can derive a value of a force that is exerted against the I/O component  1210 . The microcontroller can receive a detection signal from the sensors  1260 . Alternatively, when the strain is removed from the sensors  1260 , the amount of tension at the thin conductive film  1262  is reduced, which can decrease the amount of resistance at the thin conductive film  1262 . The portable electronic device  1200  can be configured to detect the amount of strain that is exerted against the I/O component  1210  and/or the housing of the portable electronic device  1200 . In some embodiments, the sensor  1260  can be positioned just below the I/O component  1210  or within the housing of the portable electronic device  1200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12C , the I/O component  1210  can include magnetic sensors  1270 , such as Hall effect sensors.  FIG. 12C  illustrates a Hall effect sensors  1270  that is positioned internally relative to the I/O component  1210 . The Hall effect sensors  1270  can detect an external magnetic field that is generated by an external agent (e.g., magnetic elements  1142  of case  1190 ). In some embodiments, the external magnetic field can be represented as one or more magnetic vectors (F m ) that are directed towards the portable electronic device  1200 . The external magnetic field can disturb a straight flow of electrons provided along a side of a conductive plate  1272  of the Hall effect sensor, which causes the electrons to deflect to one side of the plate  1272 —such a change can be reflected as a change in output voltage. In some embodiments, the Hall effect sensor  1270  is a transducer that is capable of generating an output voltage. In some embodiments, the Hall effect sensor  1270  varies the output voltage in response to the external magnetic field. In some embodiments, the Hall effect sensor  1270  includes a predetermined threshold value. Thus, when the output voltage exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the Hall effect sensors  1270  is capable of functioning as a switch to provide a detection signal to the processor or microcontroller. In some examples, the Hall effect sensors  1270  can determine any combination of a direction, magnitude, or position of the external magnetic field and/or the position, bias, or orientation of the source of the external magnetic field (e.g., magnetic elements  1142 ). In some embodiments, the Hall effect sensors  1270  can be referred to as linear transducers, and the portable electronic device  1200  can include an A/D converter to process the detection signal. In some embodiments, the sensor  1270  can be positioned just below the I/O component  1210  or within the housing of the portable electronic device  1200 . 
     Although  FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate that sensors  1260  are incorporated at a volume button, it is also envisioned that sensors  1260  can be positioned at other regions of the housing  1220 , such as at the corners  1222  of the housing  1220 , or other regions of the housing  1220  that will be subjected to strain. 
     Although  FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate that the sensors  1260  can refer to strain gages and magnetic sensors (e.g., Hall effect sensors), other types of sensing materials can also be utilized to achieve the techniques described herein, such as other types of sensors, piezoelectric elements, electroactive substrates, force sensors, capacitive sensors, and the like. 
       FIGS. 13A-13B  illustrate perspective views of a portable electronic device  1300  that is configured to adjust an amount of activation force at the I/O component that is required to depress the I/O component, in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 13A  illustrates a perspective view of a portable electronic device  1300  that is not carried by a case. In this manner, the portable electronic device  1300  can be characterized as lacking any strain that is exerted against the I/O component  1310 . In some embodiments, the I/O component  1310  is mechanically actuated button (e.g., spring). In some embodiments, the I/O component  1310  is a solid-state switch.  FIG. 13A  illustrates a user&#39;s thumb depressing the I/O component  1310  in order to cause an electronic component of the portable electronic device  1300  to increase a volume that is emitted by an acoustic feedback component  260 . According to one example, the I/O component  1310  is characterized as having a baseline activation force (AF b ) of 10 N, where an activation force of at least 10N is required to depress the I/O component  1310  so as to cause the electronic component to provide an electrical signal. 
     In some embodiments, the I/O component  1310  can include a strain gage sensor (see  FIGS. 12A-12C ) that detects an amount of strain that is exerted against the surface of the I/O component  1310 . In some embodiments, the corners  1314  of the portable electronic device  1300  can include strain gage sensors to detect an amount of strain that is exerted against the corners  1314 . Other regions of the portable electronic device  1300  that can include strain gage or force sensors for detecting strain include the display glass, the front face of the housing, back wall of the housing, other buttons or switches, and the sidewalls of the housing. Referring to  FIG. 13A , there is minimal to no strain that is exerted against the I/O component  1310  by a foreign object (e.g., case). In this manner, an activation force of 10 N is sufficient to depress the I/O component  1310  to elicit an electrical signal from the electronic component. 
       FIG. 13B  illustrates a perspective view of a portable electronic device  1300  that is carried by a case  1390 . As shown in  FIG. 13B , the case can include protective button covers  1312  that are provided over the I/O component  1310  and correspond to the dimensions and shape of the I/O component  1310 . The strain gage sensor  1260  at the I/O component  1310  can detect an amount of strain that is exerted against the I/O component  1310  by the protective button covers  1312 . Thus, when the user&#39;s thumb depresses the protective button covers  1312  to actuate the I/O component  1310 , the user perceives a significant change in the amount of user activation force (AF u ) required to depress the I/O component  1310 . For example, with the protective button covers  1312  disposed over the I/O component  1310 , the I/O component  1310  can require an obstructed activation force (AF o ) of about 15 N. However, increasing the amount of user activation force (AF u ) that is required to depress the I/O component  1310  can decrease the user&#39;s satisfaction. 
     Accordingly, to address this situation, the processor  210  or a dedicated microcontroller of the strain gage sensor  1260  can be configured to adjust the amount of activation force at the I/O component  1310  that is required to depress the I/O component  1310  in order to elicit the electrical signal from the electronic component. For example, the strain gage sensor  1260  can be electrically connected to the power supply  230  of the portable electronic device  1300 . In response to determining that the amount of activation force required to depress the I/O component  1310  has been adjusted, the processor  210  or the dedicated microcontroller can electrically actuate the I/O component  1310  to reduce an amount of resistance at the I/O component  1310 . For example, if the I/O component  1310  includes a piezoelectric element, then a pair of electrodes can actuate the piezoelectric element to oscillate or displace in a direction that corresponds to the direction of the user&#39;s activation force. In some examples, the piezoelectric element can be configured to bend in a specific direction depending upon at least one of the amplitude of the input voltage, polarity, pulse width, or pulse frequency generated by the electrodes. The I/O component  1310  can also include materials such as electroactive substrates or magnetic elements that can be electrically actuated to oscillate or displace in specified direction. By adjusting the amount of resistance at the I/O component  1310 , the processor  210  can decrease the amount of activation force that the user actually perceives is required to depress the I/O component  1310 . In some examples, the processor  210  can electrically or mechanically actuate the material of the I/O component  1310  to become more stiff or elastic. In some embodiments, the aforementioned materials or components can be positioned adjacent to the I/O component  1310 , and separate from the I/O component  1310 . 
     Additionally, the processor  210  can adjust the amount of activation force (AF a ) at the I/O component  1310  to compensate for different material properties of the case  1390 , as described with reference to  FIGS. 11A-11D . In some examples, materials such as silicone, polyurethane, and leather are characterized as being velocity dependent. In other words, the velocity at which these materials move can directly affect the activation force (AF b ) at the I/O component  1310 . Accordingly, the processor  210  can adjust the amount of activation force at the I/O component  1310  to be velocity dependent. 
     In the described embodiments, the processor  210  can adjust the amount of activation force (AF a ) at the I/O component  1310  such that the user does no perceive any change in the amount of activation force required to depress the I/O component  1310 . In some embodiments, the processor  210  can alter the amount of haptic feedback and/or acoustic feedback that is generated in conjunction with adjusting the amount of activation force (AF a ) at the I/O component  1310  to facilitate in tricking the user&#39;s perception that the amount of user activation force (AF u ) has not been altered. In some embodiments, the techniques described herein for adjusting the amount of activation force (AF a ) at the I/O component  1310  can take into account the properties of the case  1390 , using the techniques described with reference to  FIGS. 10-11 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a method  1400  for adjusting an amount of feedback in conjunction with providing a notification at a portable electronic device  910 , according to some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the method  1400  begins at step  1402 , where the processor  210  of the portable electronic device  910  receives an identifier associated with a case  950  for the portable electronic device  910 . Various examples of the identifier are described with reference to  FIGS. 11A-D . At step  1404 , the processor  210  can determine one or more properties of the case  950  based on the identifier. Subsequently, the one or more properties of the case  950  are stored at the memory  220 . Thereafter, at step  1406 , the processor  210  can receive a request to generate a notification at the portable electronic device  910 . In some examples, the notification can refer to at least one of a device-generated request or a user-initiated request. At step  1408 , the processor  210  can dynamically adjust an initial feedback value associated with the notification to form an adjusted feedback value in accordance with the one or more properties of the case  950 . In some examples, the notification has an initial feedback value. For example, a text message can be associated with a baseline amount of haptic feedback (e.g., 5 N) or acoustic feedback (e.g., 60 dB). The baseline amount of haptic feedback and acoustic feedback can be adjusted by the processor  210  in taking into consideration the properties of the case  950 . Subsequently, at step  1410 , the processor  210  can cause a feedback component (e.g., haptic, acoustic) of the portable electronic device  910  providing a notification. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a method  1500  for adjusting an amount of activation force associated with an I/O component of a portable electronic device  910 , according to some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the method  1500  begins at step  1502 , where the processor  210  of the portable electronic device  200  receives, from a sensor, an activation value associated with depressing the I/O component  290 . In some examples, the activation value can be affected by one or more environmental conditions or device conditions. At step  1504 , the processor  210  can determine a difference between the detected activation force and a baseline activation force associated with depressing the I/O component  290 . The baseline activation force can refer to the activation force normally required to depress the I/O component  290  (when there is an absence of strain or force exerted against the I/O component  290 . At step  1506 , the processor  210  can adjust the activation force associated with the I/O component  290  to compensate for the difference in detected activation force such that the user does not generally perceive any difference in the amount of activation force required. In some examples, the I/O component  290  include piezoelectric elements or electroactive substrates that can be electrically actuated to adjust an amount of resistance at the I/O component  290  when the I/O component  290  is subsequently depressed (i.e., press event). At step  1508 , the processor  210  can optionally cause at least one of the haptic or acoustic feedback components  260 ,  270  to provide supplemental feedback to facilitate in tricking the user&#39;s perception that the activation force has not been altered. In some examples, the processor  210  can generate supplemental acoustic feedback to generate an audible “click” sound that imitates the mechanical actuation of a switch or button. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a block diagram of different components of a system  1600  that is configured to implement the various techniques described herein, such as generating feedback at the case, according to some embodiments. More specifically,  FIG. 16  illustrates a high-level overview of the system  1600 , which includes a portable electronic device  1650  that can represent, for example, a smartphone, smartwatch, or other electronic device that is capable of providing an electronic notification. According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  1650  can be configured to execute (e.g., via an operating system established at the portable electronic device  1650 ) various software applications  1610 . In some embodiments, the application  1610  can pair the portable electronic device  1650  to the case  1690 . As described herein, electronic pairing generally refers to a master/slave relationship, where the portable electronic device  1650  controls how and when the case  1690  functions. In some examples, the portable electronic device  1650  transmits data to the case  1690  to induce functionality at the case  1690 . In some examples, the case  1690  can generate supplemental feedback in conjunction with the portable electronic device  1650  providing a notification. In some embodiments, the application  1610  can function to merely transmit data between the portable electronic device  1650  and the case  1690 . In some embodiments, the application  1610  can act to facilitate in the portable electronic device  1650  determining properties of the case  1690 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the application  1610  and a storage device  1620  can be configured to directly communicate with one another. In some embodiments, the storage device  1620  can include a data item  1640  managed by the application  1610 . In one example, the application  1610  can refer to a program for executing a feedback loop mechanism between the case  1690  and the portable electronic device  1650 . In some embodiments, the feedback loop can refer to an open feedback loop or a closed feedback loop. The application  1610  can manage feedback generated by at least one of the portable electronic device  1650  or the case  1690  according to at least one of environmental conditions or device conditions. In some examples, the data item  1640  can refer to specific environmental conditions or device conditions that are monitored and recorded by the application  1610 . Additionally, the data item  1640  can specify specific sub-conditions that more particularly describe or categorize the environmental conditions and/or device conditions that are to be monitored. 
     The portable electronic device  1650  can determine the extent that which one or more environmental conditions, device conditions, or case properties can impact the supplemental feedback that is to be generated by an acoustic or haptic feedback component of the case  1690 . In some examples, the processor  210  of the portable electronic device  1650  can provide one or more supplemental feedback parameters to the case  1690 . The supplemental feedback parameters can refer to controlling the power supply of the case such as to control at least one of amplitude, duty cycle, voltage, pulse, frequency, and the like of electrical signal provided by the power supply  230  to the acoustic or haptic feedback components of the case  1690  for generating acoustic or haptic feedback. In some examples, the case  1690  includes an on-board power supply for powering a feedback component. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the portable electronic device  1650  is configured to communicate with the case  1690  via a network  1660 , where the network  1660  can represent at least one of a global network (e.g., the Internet), a wide area network, a local area network, a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and the like. In some examples, the network  1660  can represent a WPAN for transmitting data between the portable electronic device  1650  and the case  1690 . The WPAN network can represent Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15A), ZigBee, Wireless USB, and the like. In some examples, the network can refer to Near-Field Communication (NFC). According to some embodiments, the portable electronic device  1650  can be configured to provide instructions to the case  1690  to enable pairing between the portable electronic device  1650  and the case  1690 , as well as enable the case  1690  to generate supplemental feedback in response to a supplemental feedback request that is provided by the portable electronic device  1650 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a block diagram of a case  1700  that can generate supplemental feedback, according to some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the case  1700  includes one or more controllers  1710  for controlling the overall operation of the case  1700 . The one or more controllers  1710  can refer to microcontrollers for performed dedicated functions or a central processing unit (CPU). The case  1700  includes a memory  1720 , such as flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The case  1700  can also include a Random Access Memory (RAM) and a Read-Only Memory (ROM). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the case  1700 . In some examples, the memory  1720  stores one or more properties of the case  1700 , including manufacturer, model type, material composition, manufacture data, and the like. In some examples, the properties of the case can be transmitted to the portable electronic device  1650 , as described with reference to  FIGS. 11A-11D . 
     In some embodiments, a data bus  1722  can facilitate data transfer between the memory  1720  and the controller  1710 . In some embodiments, the case  1700  includes an antenna  1750 . A network/bus interface  1712  can couple the antenna  1750  to the controller  1710 . The antenna  1750  can communicate with the portable electronic device  1650  via any number of wired or wireless communication protocols, including at least one of a global network (e.g., the Internet), a wide area network, a local area network, a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and the like. In some examples, the antenna  1750  can transmit data to the portable electronic device  1650  over IEEE 802.11 (e.g., a Wi-Fi networking system), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), ZigBee, Wireless USB, Near-Field Communication (NFC), a cellular network system (e.g., a 3G/4G/5G network such as UMTS, LTE, etc.), Radio-Frequency signals, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the case  1700  includes a power supply  1730 . In some embodiments, the controller  1710  can control an amount of amplitude, frequency, pulse, or polarity of an electrical current that is to be transmitted from the power supply  1730  to the haptic feedback component and/or acoustic feedback components  1760 ,  1770 . In some embodiments, the power supply  1730  includes a mass that is coupled to the power supply (e.g., battery). The spring-loaded mass can be utilized as a haptic feedback component  1760 . In some embodiments, the controller  1710  can control an amount of amplitude, frequency, pulse, or polarity of an electrical current that is to be transmitted from the power supply  1730  to the haptic feedback component and/or acoustic feedback components  1760 ,  1770 . The haptic feedback components  1760  can also refer to at least one of magnetic elements, piezoelectric elements, linear resonance actuators, electroactive substrates, displaceable mass, and the like. The haptic feedback components  1760  can be configured to generate haptic feedback in conjunction with receiving a request from the portable electronic device  1650 . For example, in response to receiving a request to provide a notification, the portable electronic device  1650  can transmit a supplemental feedback request to the controller  1710  of the case  1700 . Power for driving the haptic feedback components  1760  can be provided by the power supply  1730 . In some embodiments, the controller  1710  can generate haptic feedback and acoustic feedback without communication with the portable electronic device  1650  (i.e., non-master/slave relationship) via user of a sensor  1780  that is included in the case  1700 . 
     In some embodiments, the case  1700  includes at least one sensor  1780  for detecting at least one stimulus, such as environmental conditions or context that are present in the general surroundings of the case  1700 . The sensor  1780  can refer to at least one of a light sensor, a proximity sensor, an accelerometer, a strain gage, a capacitive sensor, a Hall Effect sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, a load cell, a magnetometer, microphones, pedometers, and the like. In some embodiments, the sensor  1780  and the controller  1710  can communicate with one another to establish a feedback loop for generating haptic and/or acoustic feedback. The sensors  1780  can provide a detection signal in response to detecting the at least one stimulus. 
     In some embodiments, the case  1700  can generate supplemental feedback that is intended to either replace feedback that cannot be generated at the portable electronic device  1650  or to enhance feedback that is generated by the portable electronic device  1650 . In some examples, the processor  210  of the portable electronic device  1650  can determine that the “Battery Level”  520  of the power supply  230  is low, and that it may be undesirable to further strain the power supply  230  by generating haptic feedback in response to providing a notification. In order to avoid straining the power supply  230 , but while it may still be desirable to generate some amount of haptic feedback, the processor  210  can provide instructions to the case  1700  to cause the case  1700  to generate haptic feedback by the haptic feedback component  1760 . 
     In another example, the sensor  1780  of the case  1700  can detect a stimulus, such as one or more environmental conditions or device conditions that are present in conjunction with the portable electronic device  1650  receiving a request to provide a notification (without interaction from the portable electronic device  1650 ). Specifically, the controller  1710  can utilize the sensors  1780  to determine conditions that are present. In this manner, the case  1700  can independently develop haptic and/or acoustic feedback parameters, and generate haptic or acoustic feedback. 
     In another example, the processor  210  of the portable electronic device  1650  can determine that the acoustic feedback component  1770  (e.g., speakers) of the case  1700  can supplement the speakers of the portable electronic device  1650 . For example, the speakers of the case may have better bass output, while the speakers of the portable electronic device  1650  may be better equipped to provide high and mid-frequency range sounds. Accordingly, the processor  210  can generate an adjusted feedback parameter for use by the acoustic feedback component  270  that can provide acoustic feedback in the high and mid-frequency range sounds by adjusting electrical signals of the power supply  230  to the acoustic feedback component. Additionally, the processor  210  can transmit a supplemental feedback parameter to the controller  1710  so that the case  1700  can generate acoustic sounds at a low frequency range. In some embodiments, the controller  1710  includes an equalizer that can be configured to adjust the resonance peak of the acoustic feedback component  1770 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a method  1800  for generating feedback at a case in conjunction with the portable electronic device providing a notification, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the method  1800  optionally begins a step  1802 , where the controller  1710  of the case  1690  receives a request to pair with the portable electronic device  1650 . Subsequently, at optional step  1804 , the controller  1710  can transmit an approval to the portable electronic device  1650  such as to cause the portable electronic device  1650  and the case  1690  to be paired. The controller  1710  can transmit properties of the case  1690  to the portable electronic device  1650 , such as manufacturer, model, manufacture data, dimensions, weight, and the like within the pairing approval. At step  1806 , the controller  1710  can receive an indication that the portable electronic device  1650  has received a request to provide a notification. At step  1808 , the controller  1710  can determine one or more environmental or device conditions that are present in conjunction with the portable electronic device  1650  receiving the request to provide the notification. At step  1810 , the controller  1710  can transmit the one or more environmental or device conditions to the processor  210  of the portable electronic device  1650 . At step  1812 , the controller  1710  can receive a feedback parameter from the processor  210  that is based on the one or more environmental or device conditions that are detected by the portable electronic device  1650 . At step  1814 , the controller  1710  can cause the haptic or acoustic feedback components  1760 ,  1770  to generate feedback in conjunction with the portable electronic device  1650  providing the notification. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a method  1900  for generating feedback at a case in conjunction with the portable electronic device providing a notification, in accordance with some embodiments. The method  1900  optionally begins at step  1902 , where the processor  210  transmits a pairing request to the controller  1710  of the case  1690 . Subsequently, the case  1690  and the portable electronic device  1650  can be electronically paired. Once paired, the processor  210  can receive a request to provide a notification at step  1904 . The request to provide the notification can be device-initiated or user-initiated. At step  1906 , the processor  210  can determine one or more environmental conditions or device conditions that are present in conjunction with receiving the request to provide the notification. At step  1908 , the processor  210  can determine that the case  1690  is capable of generating feedback in conjunction with the portable electronic device  200  providing the notification. At step  1910 , the processor  210  can adjust one or more feedback parameters associated with the notification according to the one or more environmental or device conditions. At step  1912 , the processor  210  can transmit the one or more feedback parameters to the controller  1710  such as to cause the haptic or acoustic feedback components  1760 ,  1770  to generate feedback in conjunction with the portable electronic device  200  providing the notification. In some examples, the one or more feedback parameters can refer to an amplitude, frequency, pulse, voltage cycle, and the like that are intended to instruct the controller  1710  as to how to generate the supplemental feedback from the haptic or acoustic feedback components. In some embodiments, the case  1690  can be configured to generate supplemental feedback that either substitutes (i.e., no feedback is generated by the portable electronic device  1650 ) or provides feedback that supplements feedback generated by the portable electronic device  200 . 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170306
Publication Date: 20190521
Grant Date: 20190521
Priority Date: 20170306
Inventors: CHRISTENSEN, DAVID L.
GREENBERG, DANIEL A.
MATZINGER, THOMAS R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/167", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/167", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0267", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0251", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0481", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/167", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W52/0251", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02D30/70", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 66540909