PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10488883-B2
Application Number: US-201615098059-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic device with a dual display system

Abstract:
A tablet device with a flexible cover is disclosed. Thin flexible display technology can be integrated into the flexible cover without affecting the overall form factor of the cover or tablet device. Adding the integrated display to the flexible cover greatly enhances the overall functionality of the tablet device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic system, comprising:
 a first part that carries a display arranged to present multiple applications, the multiple applications including an application, wherein a selection of the application by a command directed to the display executes the application such that application data of the application is presented on the display; and 
 a second part that is rotationally coupled with the first part, the second part comprising:
 a keyboard assembly, 
 a touch-sensitive display positioned between the hinge assembly and the keyboard assembly, the touch-sensitive display capable of presenting an application toolbar comprising customized virtual keys specific to the application when the application data is presented on the display in response to the selection of the application by the command directed to the display, the touch-sensitive display further capable of presenting customized virtual keys specific to each application of the multiple applications, 
 a receptor portion, and 
 a connector located at the receptor portion. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the application defines a first application, 
 the customized virtual keys define a first customized set of keys, 
 the display is arranged to present a second application different from the first application, and 
 the application toolbar comprises a second customized set of keys that is specific to the second application. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic system of  claim 1 , wherein the application toolbar comprises a list of applications selectable at the touch-sensitive display, and wherein at least one application of the list of applications is configured for execution to present corresponding visual content at the display. 
     
     
       4. The electronic system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the keyboard assembly that extends from a first end to a second end opposite the first end, 
 the touch-sensitive display includes a first dimension and a second dimension less than the first dimension, and 
 the first dimension ends from the first end to the second end. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic system of  claim 1 , wherein the application toolbar is generated by selecting the application on the display. 
     
     
       6. The electronic system of  claim 2 , wherein a selection of an icon from the application presented at the display causes the touch-sensitive display to switch from the first customized set of keys to the second customized set of keys, or vice versa. 
     
     
       7. An accessory device for use with an electronic device having a device display that presents visual content associated with a selection of an application by a command directed to the device display, the accessory device comprising:
 a segmented cover that is separable from the electronic device, the segmented cover comprising an attachment feature that is capable of attaching with the electronic device, the segmented cover having a size and shape capable of covering the device display in its entirety, wherein the segmented cover is foldable to form a support structure that supports the electronic device; 
 a connector located on the segmented cover, the connector capable of electrically coupling to the electronic device; 
 a flap portion rotatably coupled with the segmented cover, the flap portion comprising a keyboard assembly, wherein the attachment feature is positioned between the segmented cover and the keyboard assembly; and 
 a touch-sensitive display carried by the keyboard assembly and positioned between the keyboard assembly and the attachment feature, the touch-sensitive display in communication with the electronic device via the connector, the touch-sensitive display configured to present customized virtual keys specific to the application in response to the selection of the application by the command directed to the device display. 
 
     
     
       8. The accessory device of  claim 7 , wherein the keyboard assembly provides a tactile input command to a processor of the electronic device, and wherein the touch-sensitive display provides a touch input command to the processor. 
     
     
       9. The accessory device of  claim 8 , wherein the touch-sensitive display displays additional data of the application. 
     
     
       10. The accessory device of  claim 7 , wherein the customized virtual keys change based upon an execution of the application. 
     
     
       11. The accessory device of  claim 7 , wherein the touch-sensitive display comprises a touch screen configured to receive a touch corresponding to an input to the touch screen. 
     
     
       12. The accessory device of  claim 7 , further comprising a foldable cover coupled with the segmented cover at the attachment feature, the foldable cover providing a support structure to the electronic device. 
     
     
       13. The accessory device of  claim 7 , wherein when the attachment feature secures with the electronic device:
 the segmented cover, in an open configuration, presents the keyboard assembly and the touch-sensitive display for use with the electronic device, and 
 the segmented cover, in a closed configuration, is folded such that the keyboard assembly and the touch-sensitive display cover the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       14. A method for operating a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device having a base portion pivotally coupled to a lid portion by a hinge assembly, the lid portion having a processor and a first display in communication with the processor, the base portion including a keyboard and a second display between the hinge assembly and the keyboard, the method comprising:
 providing first visual content by the first display, wherein the first visual content includes an icon corresponding to an application capable of being executed by the processor when the icon is selected; 
 receiving a command to activate the application in accordance a selection of the icon by a command to the first display, wherein the activated application is executed by the processor; 
 generating application data, by the processor, in accordance with the execution of the application, wherein the application data is presented as the first visual content; and 
 altering at least some of second visual content provided by the second display in accordance with the application data generated by the executed application in response to the selection of the application by the command, the alteration causing the second display further to present customized virtual keys specific to the application. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the second visual content comprises an application toolbar that includes a selectable icon. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the application toolbar comprises a list of applications for switching between the application and a second application, the second application different from the application. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the second display is configured to receive a touch input that selects the application that is presented at the first display. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 14 , wherein the dynamically changed second visual content, when dynamically changed, includes a touch selectable icon that is capable of being used to control the execution of the application.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/208,235, filed Aug. 11, 2011, and entitled “COVER ATTACHMENT WITH FLEXIBLE DISPLAY,” by Rothkopf, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,335,793 issued May 10, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/438,220, filed Jan. 31, 2011 and entitled “MAGNETIC ATTACHMENT UNIT AND METHODS OF USE,” by Corbin et al., both of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to portable electronic devices. In particular methods for expanding the functionality of tablet devices are disclosed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent advances in portable computing include the introduction of hand held electronic devices and computing platforms known generically as tablet devices. These devices can be used for any number of tasks including word processing, social media networking, video conferencing, and gaming. Although this type of device allows an extensive variety of tasks to be performed, the overall functionality of this device type still has room for improvement. For example, increasing the display area could lead to a significant expansion in functionality. Unfortunately, since displays already dominate a majority of one side of tablet devices, device manufacturers generally choose between making the display and therefore the device itself larger, thereby reducing the portability or making the device and display smaller with the result of a less functional device. 
     SUMMARY 
     The paper describes many embodiments that relate to a method, apparatus, and, computer readable medium for extending the functionality of a tablet device to an accessory device with a flexible display. 
     An accessory device that is arranged to communicate with a host device by way of a communication channel is claimed. The host device includes a host device display arranged to present visual information. The accessory device includes the following: a flexible flap having a size and shape in accordance with the host device display, where at least a portion of the flexible flap is covered by a flap display configured to present visual information; and a connecting portion, the connecting portion arranged to provide at least a communication channel arranged to convey information between the host device and the accessory device where at least some of the information is presented visually on the flap display. 
     A method for passing information between a flexible accessory device and a host device is claimed. The flexible accessory device has a flexible display arranged to present a first set of visual information. The host device has a host device display arranged to present a second set of visual information. The method includes the following steps: (1) establishing a communication channel between the flexible accessory device and the host device, the communication channel arranged to provide a bi-directional communication link between the flexible display and the host device; (2) passing information between the host device and the flexible accessory device by way of the bi-directional communication link, where at least a portion of the passed information is presented by the flexible display as the first set of visual information; and (4) displaying the first set of visual information on the flexible display. 
     A consumer electronic product including the following: (1) a host device having side walls which further includes: a magnetic attachment system including a first magnetic attachment feature, the first magnetic attachment feature enclosed within the host device near a sidewall; and (2) a flexible accessory device, which further includes: a hinge portion having a second magnetic attachment feature causing the hinge portion to magnetically attach to the sidewall of the host device, a body portion pivotally attached to the hinge portion, wherein when the body portion is magnetically attached to the host device, the body portion folds over a top surface of the host device in a closed configuration and wherein when a lifting force is applied to the body portion, the body portion unfolds to an open configuration exposing the top surface of the electronic device, and a display portion disposed on one surface of the body portion. 
     A non-transitory computer readable medium is claimed for storing computer instructions executed by a processor in a tablet device for controlling a flexible accessory device in communication with the tablet device. The non-transitory computer readable medium includes: (1) computer code for establishing a communication channel between the flexible accessory device and the tablet device; (2) computer code for receiving a user input on a first user interface built into the tablet device; (3) computer code for interpreting the user input with the tablet device processor; (4) computer code for sending display data across the communication channel; and (5) computer code for displaying the display data on a flexible accessory device display. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The described embodiments and the advantages thereof may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the described embodiments by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of a tablet device with a wired connector implemented between the tablet device and an accessory device in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 1B and 1C  show perspective views of a tablet device with a flexible attached accessory device in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of a tablet device attached to a folded segmented cover having an integrated cover display. 
         FIG. 2B  shows a perspective view of a tablet device supported by a segmented cover in an orientation which makes the tablet convenient for watching video. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  shows a top view of a tablet device attached to a flexible cover having an integrated auxiliary display and ambient power collectors. 
         FIG. 4A  shows a cross section of a system in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  shows a side view illustrating an embodiment in which a segmented cover and included flap portion can be rotated about their respective pivots separately where the segmented cover has been folded into a support structure. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a tablet device with a keyboard and touch screen integrated into the flap portion. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a tablet device with a touch screen integrated across a majority of a surface of the flap portion. 
         FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C  show embodiments with cover displays configured on the outside surface of tablet device covers. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a tablet device supported by a flexible cover accessory in accordance with an alternate embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  shows a flow chart describing the input of instructions into an accessory device for use on a tablet device. 
         FIG. 10  shows a flow chart describing input on an accessory device which affects the operation of a tablet device. 
         FIG. 11  shows a block diagram of an arrangement of functional modules utilized by an electronic device. 
         FIG. 12  shows a block diagram of an electronic device suitable for use with the described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     Accessories for tablet devices have become quite common. Today typical tablet accessories are passive in nature, the majority of which simply function to protect the screen, or perhaps support the tablet in some specific orientation. Although some devices such as Bluetooth headsets and keyboards do have limited interactive capability the majority of accessories are limited to more basic tasks. These accessories can be improved by including at least some of the following features: (1) a power source; (2) a communications protocol; (3) an input method; and (4) an independent storage medium. 
     An accessory that takes a more interactive role with the tablet would also typically need a power source to drive it. In some embodiments, a battery can be incorporated within the body of the accessory. The battery can take many forms. For example, the battery can be distributed in nature by which it is meant that portions of the battery can be placed in disparate locations in the accessory. In another example, the battery can be replaceable or otherwise accessible by the user. The operating time of a built in battery can be augmented by the addition of an auxiliary power supply such as a solar panel array to the accessory. For example, a solar panel array spread across a surface of an accessory device in the form of a cover can lengthen the amount of time the cover could be operated between recharging. A battery can also allow for the cover to continue nominal operations after it has been removed from the tablet device, especially with the inclusion of a small amount of storage space. For example, a simple screen saver could be displayed with an embodiment that includes an auxiliary display. In another embodiment where the cover includes a display portion, a document could be reviewed. In yet another embodiment, the document can be updated or otherwise modified by a user with a user interface, such as a keyboard, or touch pad, where the interface is built into the cover and powered by the cover battery. 
     Active communication between an accessory and a tablet device can be accomplished either wirelessly or through a wired data connection. For example, a wireless data connection utilizing the 5 GHz 802.11n protocol can provide sufficient data transmission bandwidth to transmit a high quality video stream along the lines of NTSC 1080 p 30 fps video. The accessory can alternatively or additionally be electrically connected to the tablet device using any number of established standards such as DisplayPort™, mini DisplayPort™, DVI, and Thunderbolt™. A custom wireless or wired protocol is also certainly possible. While the wired solutions would enable simple, high speed data transfer, the wireless protocol has the advantage of allowing for communication between the two devices in a detached state. 
     In another embodiment power could be transferred to the accessory from the tablet itself through either a wireless or wired medium. Wireless charging methods, such as inductive charging can allow the accessory to be charged by the tablet itself without the addition of a power connector. Alternatively, a wired solution could be implemented by using a connector similar to the MagSafe® connectors used on the MacBook® line of computers manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calilf. In one accessory embodiment the accessory can take the form of a cover such as the Smart Cover™ manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., which includes magnets which precisely align the cover and the tablet in the form of an iPad2. In one embodiment, the tablet device can include an electrical connector arranged to be held in place by the magnets thereby alleviating the need for a user to take affirmative action to provide power to and/or from the tablet device. 
     In yet another embodiment a customized connector that passes both data and power could allow for a simple connection between the two devices. For example a connector similar to the MagSafe® connector can be integrated with an auxiliary connector which passes data and or video.  FIG. 1A  shows arrangement  100  in accordance with a described embodiment showing connector  102  used to connect tablet device  104  and accessory device  106 . Connector  102  can be configured as shown in close up view  108  with a number of separate connectors, allowing the power and display transfer lines to traverse separate channels. Such a connector  102  would eliminate the need for a wireless data transmitter in the cover and would make the electrical and data connections between the two devices quite simple. A wired data connection also removes security concerns associated with wireless communication protocols. Now that the electrical and data connection solutions have been discussed the following representative embodiments will include power and data connections between the accessory device and tablet as required. 
     Magnetic attraction areas  110  can be used to magnetically attach accessory  106  and tablet device  104 . In a specific embodiment, magnetic attachment areas  110  can magnetically attach to magnetic elements (not shown) within hinge  112 . Hinge  112  can be pivotally connected to accessory  106 . In this way, accessory  106  can be configured in either an open or closed configuration with respect to tablet device  104 . The magnetic attraction between magnetic attachment areas  110  and the magnetic elements in hinge  112  can be such that electronic device  104  and accessory  106  attach to each other in a preferred alignment. For example, the preferred alignment can assure that connector  102  aligns and mates with a corresponding receptor (not shown) on hinge  112 . In this way, the user of tablet device  104  can simply place accessory  106  and tablet device  104  within proximity distance d mag  to each other such that the magnetic attraction between magnetic attachment area  110  and the magnetic elements in hinge  112  cause tablet device  104  and accessory  106  to attach to each other with a high degree of confidence that a proper mechanical and electrical connection can be made. 
     In one embodiment, the attachment can occur between a tablet device and an accessory device where the tablet device and accessory device are each electronic devices. The electronic devices can be magnetically attached to each other to form a cooperative electronic system in which the electronic devices can communicate with each other. In one embodiment, the tablet and accessory devices can be attached to each other directly. In another embodiment, a magnetic attachment unit can be used to magnetically attach together the first and second electronic devices. Communication between the first and second electronic devices can occur before, during, and after the magnetic attachment is complete. 
       FIG. 1B  shows a perspective view of tablet device  104  with an attached accessory device  106  having display  114 . In the described embodiment, accessory device  106  can take the form of cover  106  that can be used to both protect as well as provide functional support for tablet device  104 . Accordingly, cover display  114  can be integrated with cover  106 . Therefore, when cover  106  and tablet device  104  form cooperating system  100 , cover display  114  can be used in conjunction with or in place of tablet display  116 . Clearly, in order to maintain flexibility of cover  106 , cover display  114  must also be flexible. Therefore, cover display  114  can take the form of a flexible display made of a durable, flexible material such as a polyimide substrate. In this way, cover display  114  and cover  106  can bend and flex together allowing for a thin, robust, and flexible design. It should be noted that touch screen technology can also be integrated into cover display  114 . The integrated touch screen allows cover display  114  and tablet display  116  to have substantially similar functionality. The addition of cover display  114  ameliorates the limited screen area problem and makes a number of tasks significantly easier, in some cases functioning as an extended desktop. For example, reviewing two documents on a conventional tablet screen size of about 7-10 inches is difficult at best. Having two documents open at once on a screen of this size makes the text quite difficult to read. With an additional display, instead of having to switch back and forth between documents one of the documents can be moved to the cover display. In one embodiment this could be accomplished by a multi-touch gesture, essentially allowing a document to be pushed from the tablet display to the cover display. 
       FIG. 1C  shows a perspective view of tablet device  104  attached to cover  106 . Cover  106  has a plurality of segments each of which can include a stiffener. For example, stiffeners  118 ,  120 ,  122 , and  124  embedded within corresponding segments of cover  106  can provide shape and support to cover  106 . Moreover, each of the segments can be separated by foldable regions that can provide flexibility in an upward or downward direction. For example,  FIG. 1C  shows how stiffener  118  of flexible attached cover  106  can flex about a corresponding folded region located between stiffeners  118  and  120 . In this way flexible cover attachment  106  can be folded into number of useful configurations. In some configurations the flexible cover attachment can fold in half so as to take up less space. In other configurations it can take the form of a resilient triangular support structure for holding up a tablet device in a number of useful orientations. 
       FIG. 2A  shows a perspective view of tablet device  202  attached to cover  204  with cover display  206 . In one embodiment, cover  204  is shown folded into a triangular shape that can be used for support, allowing tablet device  202  to be placed in an orientation that is convenient for typing on tablet device  202 &#39;s virtual keyboard. In this embodiment cover display  206  covers at least first segment  208  of cover  204 , indicated by label  206 - 1 . Cover display  206  can also wrap around cover  204  as further indicated by label  206 - 2 . Cover display  206  can be automatically activated in this orientation when sensor  208  embedded in flexible cover  204  determines the cover is folded. In another embodiment, after determining the cover is closed an accelerometer included in tablet device  202  can confirm the tablet&#39;s orientation is within a certain range of values before automatically activating cover display  206 . By using an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display for cover display  206  single pixels can be lit up, as opposed to conventional LCD technology in which the entire screen is in either an on or an off state. Consequently, an AMOLED screen can display small amounts of text at extremely conservative power levels. With this technology in combination with the orientation determining sensors only the portion of cover display  206  on segment  210  can be activated providing a number of useful features. For example, the small amount of power consumed when only a few pixels are active can help to conserve battery life. Once activated, cover display  206  can perform a number of useful functions when the cover is disposed in this orientation. In one embodiment a user&#39;s social media site status could be displayed. In another embodiment a certain number of recent words typed into a word processing application could be displayed. In yet another embodiment the display could simply display the tablet user&#39;s name, which is useful in settings such as a conference or a classroom. 
       FIG. 2B  shows a perspective view of tablet device  202  supported by flexible cover  204  arranged such that tablet device  202  can be placed in a convenient orientation for watching video. Flexible cover  204  can include cover display  206 - 3  which covers at least single segment  212 . Cover display  206  can include user input regions having controls that can be used to affect the operation of tablet device  202 . For example, in those situations where video is presented on tablet device  202 , input regions can include, for example, touch sensitive areas  214  located near the outer edges of flexible cover  204 . The touch sensitive areas  214  can allow specific user input that can provide for enabling functions such as play, pause, fast forward, and rewind. Although touch sensitive areas  214  are not visible to a user while viewing a video, the size and location of the touch sensitive areas can allow for a user to easily learn the locations after a short familiarization period. This allows a user to control the video display without having to manipulate on screen controls on the tablet display (not shown), which can interfere with the movie watching experience. Cover display  206  can also indicate the type of content that is being viewed, as illustrated in  FIG. 2B . Furthermore, this orientation is also convenient for reading through or reviewing documents, in which case large touch sensitive areas  214  could be configured as arrows for panning left, right, up and down across a document, or for performing any number of other useful functions. This prevents for example a user&#39;s hands or fingers from obscuring portions of a document as the user navigates through it. 
       FIG. 3A  shows a top view of tablet device  302  attached to a full extended flexible cover  304  with cover display  306 . A small cover display  306  as shown overlaid on first segment  308  can exhibit all the advantages of the functionality described above in  FIG. 2A , while allowing for the use of a less expensive, smaller, lower power display than one covering the entire inside of cover  304 . A smaller cover display  306  also allows the inclusion of other features into the inside surface of flexible cover  302 . Features such as ambient energy collectors can be included. It should be noted that ambient energy can be considered to be any form of energy to which flexible cover  302  is exposed. For example, ambient energy can take the form of ambient light energy (sunlight, artificial light, and so on), RF energy, and so forth.  FIG. 3A  shows a specific embodiment with second segment  310 , third segment  312 , and fourth segment  314  integrated with solar panels  316  arranged to collect useful amounts of solar energy (or more simply ambient light from artificial sources such as a light bulb). Solar panels  316  configured in this way can supply power to cover display  306 . In another embodiment cover display  306  can include touch sensitive control. In this configuration cover display  306  can display and allow selection from a list of active program icons, enabling convenient switching between active applications. Alternatively, cover display  306  can display program toolbars or even a list of bookmarks for a PDF document, thereby freeing up screen area while enabling more convenient access to application functionality. In yet another embodiment both sides of flexible cover  304  could be covered with solar panels  316 . In this embodiment an electrical connection between tablet device  302  and flexible cover  304  can function to move energy from flexible cover  304  to tablet device  302 . 
       FIG. 3B  shows a similar embodiment to the representation shown in  FIG. 3A . In this figure flexible cover display  302  has RF energy collection antennas  318  integrated into second segment  310 , third segment  312  and fourth segment  314 . RF energy collectors can be used to gather ambient RF energy from specific frequency bands broadcast by a number of nearby transmitters such as Wi-Fi antennas, cell phone towers, or even radio waves. Although RF energy harvesting without a dedicated transmitter typically yields modest amounts of energy, the energy could be used to trickle charge a micro battery or super capacitor contained within flexible cover  304 . This energy could then be applied to handle low energy tasks such as querying tablet device  302  for the presence of any notification updates, or even powering a low power sensor such as a thermometer. One advantage of this configuration over the solar panels of  FIG. 3A  is that the RF antennas  318  could collect energy with flexible cover  304  in an open or closed state. A combination of solar panels  316  and RF Antennas  318  can also be combined in one embodiment of the flexible cover. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a cross section of system  400  in accordance with an embodiment. System  400  can include tablet device  402  magnetically attached to cover assembly  404  by way of magnetic hinge assembly  406 . Cover assembly  404  can include segmented cover  408  pivotally attached to hinge assembly  404  at pivot  410 . Hinge assembly  406  can be magnetically attached to tablet device  402  by way of magnetic element  412  in hinge assembly  406  and magnetic attachment feature  414  in tablet device  402 . Intervening layer  416  can act to prevent direct metal to metal contact between hinge assembly  406  and housing  418  of tablet device  402 . 
     Cover assembly  404  can also include separate flap portion  420  pivotally attached to hinge assembly  406  at pivot  422 . In this way, segmented cover  408  and flap portion  420  can be rotated about their respective pivots separately as shown in  FIG. 4B  where segmented cover  408  has been folded into support structure  424 . Support structure  424  can be triangular in shape and be used to position tablet device  402  such that tablet display  426  is presented at about an angle of 75°. Support structure  424  can also include cover display  206  as described in the description accompanying  FIG. 2B . In addition to the embodiment described in  FIG. 2B , cover display  206  could work independently or in conjunction with any additional controls or displays included on flap portion  420 . In this way, a user could easily switch from using controls on flap portion  420  to manipulating video controls. This might be desirable when reviewing email. After finishing writing an email with controls built into flap portion  420 , a user might receive an email with a link to an internet video, in which case the user could follow the link and then quickly control the playback of the internet video with touch screen controls arranged on cover display  206 . 
     Flap portion  420  can be formed of flexible material such as fabric. In one embodiment, flap portion  420  can include various input devices. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , flap portion  420  can include keyboard  502 . Keyboard  502  can be in communication with tablet device  402  using, for example, a wired connection. In another embodiment, keyboard  502  can be in wireless communication with tablet device  402 . Accordingly, information can be input into tablet device  402  by pressing various input keys on fabric keyboard  502  which can give positive tactile feedback. Having a separate keyboard attached to tablet device  402  while tablet device  402  is in a convenient viewing angle has a number of advantages. First, this configuration gives the user an experience much closer to the one enjoyed by laptop users. Second, by allowing the user to easily view the screen and by providing a convenient surface to type on, tasks such as word processing and email become much more efficient. Third, the experience is even better in some ways than the laptop experience as most laptops do not include rear facing touch controls for video or document manipulation. Finally, the addition of flap portion  420  adds no significant weight or bulk to the tablet device and makes this configuration a true laptop alternative. Even more functionality can be added to flap portion  420  by configuring it with flap screen  504 , positioned either above (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) or below keyboard  502 . When configured above keyboard  502  flap screen  504  could allow for customized virtual keys  506  to be added specific to each application, or could be used as a way to display additional application data. Flap screen  504  could also be configured with application toolbars, or even an active application list for easily switching between active applications. When flap screen  504  is configured below keyboard  502  it could act as a replacement for a touch pad, bringing the experience even closer to a conventional laptop configuration. With this configuration a cursor can even be implemented in applications where useful. 
     It should be noted that flap portion  420  can be configured to include any suitable type of input device. For example, in one embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , flap portion  420  can include flap screen  602  across a majority of the surface of flap portion  420 . This configuration allows for the display of a configurable keyboard or a completely customized control scheme, as might be desirable for mixing music or video compilations. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a second touch screen could be used for a number of functional enhancements as it effectively doubles the usable display area of the tablet. 
       FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C  show embodiments with cover displays configured on the outside surface of tablet device covers. These embodiments can allow a tablet device with a covered screen to display an alert in response to some event without the assistance of the tablet display. In  FIG. 7A  flexible cover  702  is shown with a small cover display  704  for showing notifications such as recent emails, instant messages, or upcoming calendar events. Cover display  704  can be made with AMOLED technology. As stated previously, AMOLED screens can illuminate a discrete number of pixels which allows small amounts of text to be displayed at extremely conservative power levels. AMOLED technology has also been implemented in extremely thin configurations and cover display  704  would not add significant depth to flexible cover  702 . 
       FIG. 7B  shows flexible cover  706  which in this particular embodiment is shown with displays spread across each of three panels of flexible cover  706 . In this embodiment the displays spread across first segment  708 , second segment  710 , and third segment  712  can be made with electronic paper technology, similar to the display technology used by standalone E-reader devices. In this embodiment flexible electronic paper displays are not required since they are overlaid on top of the following rigid portions of flexible cover  706 : segment  708 ; segment  710 ; and segment  712 . These electronic paper displays require no additional power to continuously hold an image on the display; therefore this allows information to be displayed on the outside cover without the need for continuous electrical current. This allows for example the display of calendar reminder messages as shown in first segment  708 , or reminder lists as shown in segment  710 , or even a scribbled reminder as shown in segment  712 . By installing a color electronic paper display the cover could even have user-configurable colors. The electronic paper technology also allows flexible cover  706 , which may rely solely on an external power source, to continue to maintain whatever information was being displayed after the external power source is disconnected. 
       FIG. 7C  shows yet another possible embodiment in which the electronic paper displays are used to cover all four segments  708 - 714  of flexible cover  706  with custom patterns or designs. Although a polka dotted pattern is displayed in  FIG. 7C , stripes, stars, or any number of other user-created or commercially produced patterns are certainly possible. 
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of tablet device  802  supported by flexible cover  804  in accordance with an alternate embodiment. In this embodiment flexible cover  804  does not have any of the stiffeners that were present in the previous embodiments. Instead flexible cover  804  can be made of a material that is substantially rigid in nature but also deformable. This allows flexible cover  804  to be manipulated into a number of different shapes, and then for a shape to be maintained until further manipulation is desired.  FIG. 8  shows flexible cover  804  manipulated into one shape where flexible cover  804  is rigid enough to support the weight of tablet device  802  where one edge of flexible cover  804  and one edge of tablet device  802  are in contact with a flat surface. It is important to note that connecting portion  806  must also be rigid enough to maintain tablet device  802  and flexible cover  804  at a consistent relative angle with respect to each other. One way to accomplish this is to add a locking mechanism to connecting portion  806  so that the hinge portion of connecting portion  806  can swing freely during normal operations, but also be locked in place when required to support tablet device  802  in a free standing configuration as illustrated. Flexible cover  804  can also include cover display  808 . Cover display  808  can include a user interface embodied by a touch sensitive input so that cover display  808  has equivalent functionality to the tablet display (not shown). This enables a number of useful applications. In one embodiment cover display  808  could be used as a presentation platform for a small audience. A speaker could stand behind tablet device  802  with the ability to manipulate controls and view speaker notes on the tablet display (not shown) while the audience views a presentation (as illustrated) on cover display  808 . In another embodiment two users could simultaneously use the tablet with one user manipulating each display. This would enable robust two player gaming applications. By having both players on one device, lag created by network latencies can be avoided. For example, real-time action games and first-person shooter games can unfairly disadvantage users playing on slow networks. With a direct connection or a close range communications link these type of latencies can be substantially eliminated. In another embodiment two users can efficiently collaborate on more business-centric applications. For example, since each user can have an independent view and set of controls, given an appropriate software implementation a single document or spreadsheet can be efficiently edited simultaneously. 
       FIG. 9  shows flow chart  900  describing interaction between a flexible accessory device and a host device. In step  902  a communications link is established between the flexible accessory device and the host device. The communication link can be established through a physical connection between the two devices, or through a wireless protocol, and could be established in a single direction or in two ways for fully cooperative interaction between the devices. In step  904  information is passed between the two devices. This information could include video streams, picture slideshows, gaming data, messaging data, or any number of other types of information. Finally, in step  906  at least some of the information passed between the two devices is displayed by the flexible accessory device. 
       FIG. 10  shows flow chart  1000  describing input on an accessory device which affects the operation of a tablet device. In step  1002  a communications link is established between the flexible accessory device and the host device. The communication link can be established through a physical connection between the two devices, or through a wireless protocol, and could be established in a single direction or in two ways for fully cooperative interaction between the devices. In step  1004  a user interface is presented by the flexible accessory device. The user interface could be a keyboard (virtual or physical), a customized control layout having virtual knobs and buttons specific to a certain application, or any other tailored control scheme useful for manipulating the host device or flexible accessory device. In step  1006  a user input is received at the user interface. In step  1008  a control signal is passed from the flexible accessory device to the host device. The control signal could operate to store items to the host device, to manipulate the host device display, or to accomplish any other desired change in state of the host device. 
     In the previous embodiments an accessory device has been used primarily as an additional control method for affecting a tablet device. In some embodiments the tablet device can be used to control functionality on the accessory device. For example, in an embodiment including wireless communication between the devices an auxiliary device with a screen could be configured to display photos, while the tablet could be used to adjust the display speed or transitions of the slideshow. 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of an arrangement  1100  of functional modules utilized by an electronic device. The electronic device can, for example, be tablet device  1100 . The arrangement  1100  includes an electronic device  1102  that is able to output media for a user of the portable media device but also store and retrieve data with respect to data storage  1104 . The arrangement  1100  also includes a graphical user interface (GUI) manager  1106 . The GUI manager  1106  operates to control information being provided to and displayed on a display device. The arrangement  1100  also includes a communication module  1108  that facilitates communication between the portable media device and an accessory device. Still further, the arrangement  1100  includes an accessory manager  1110  that operates to authenticate and acquire data from an accessory device that can be coupled to the portable media device. 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram of an electronic device  1200  suitable for use with the described embodiments. The electronic device  1200  illustrates circuitry of a representative computing device. The electronic device  1200  includes a processor  1202  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the electronic device  1200 . The electronic device  1200  stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system  1204  and a cache  1206 . The file system  1204  is, typically, a storage disk or a plurality of disks. The file system  1204  typically provides high capacity storage capability for the electronic device  1200 . However, since the access time to the file system  1204  is relatively slow, the electronic device  1200  can also include a cache  1206 . The cache  1206  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache  1206  is substantially shorter than for the file system  1204 . However, the cache  1206  does not have the large storage capacity of the file system  1204 . Further, the file system  1204 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  1206 . The power consumption is often a concern when the electronic device  1200  is a portable media device that is powered by a battery  1208 . The electronic device  1200  can also include RAM  1210  and Read-Only Memory (ROM)  1212 . The ROM  1212  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM  1210  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  1206 . 
     The electronic device  1200  also includes a user input device  1214  that allows a user of the electronic device  1200  to interact with the electronic device  1200 . For example, the user input device  1214  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, etc. Still further, the electronic device  1200  includes a display  1216  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  1202  to display information to the user. A data bus  1218  can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system  1204 , the cache  1206 , the processor  1202 , and the CODEC  1220 . 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device  1200  serves to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs, podcasts, etc.) in the file system  1204 . When a user desires to have the electronic device play a particular media item, a list of available media items is displayed on the display  1216 . Then, using the user input device  1214 , a user can select one of the available media items. The processor  1202 , upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC)  1220 . The CODEC  1220  then produces analog output signals for a speaker  1222 . The speaker  1222  can be a speaker internal to the electronic device  1200  or external to the electronic device  1200 . For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the electronic device  1200  would be considered an external speaker. 
     The electronic device  1200  also includes a network/bus interface  1224  that couples to a data link  1226 . The data link  1226  allows the electronic device  1200  to communicate with a host computer or to accessory devices. The data link  1226  can be provided over a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface  1224  can include a wireless transceiver. The media items (media assets) can pertain to one or more different types of media content. In one embodiment, the media items are audio tracks (e.g., songs, audio books, and podcasts). In another embodiment, the media items are images (e.g., photos). However, in other embodiments, the media items can be any combination of audio, graphical or visual content. Sensor  1228  can take the form of circuitry for detecting any number of stimuli. For example, sensor  1228  can include a Hall Effect sensor responsive to external magnetic field, an audio sensor, a light sensor such as a photometer, and so on. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described 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: 20160413
Publication Date: 20191126
Grant Date: 20191126
Priority Date: 20110131
Inventors: ROTHKOPF, FLETCHER R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/1446", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3822", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1654", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2200/15", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1652", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2011/0017", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1673", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1652", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C13/002", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1631", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C15/00", 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Family ID: 45615068