PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12158778-B2
Application Number: US-202217703655-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Hinged keyboard accessory having multiple installation modes for a tablet computing device

Abstract:
An accessory device for a tablet computing device may include a base portion having one or more input devices (e.g., keyboards, trackpads, touchscreen displays, and the like) for providing inputs to the tablet computing device. The accessory device may include a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the base portion of the accessory device to a tablet computing device in multiple different installation modes. The coupling mechanism may include an auxiliary display for providing a graphical output along a surface of the coupling mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling mechanism may include a recess for receiving a stylus.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An accessory device for use with a computing device, the accessory device configured to block a portion of a display of the computing device when the accessory device is coupled to the computing device, the accessory device comprising:
 an enclosure; 
 a touchscreen display at least partially within the enclosure and configured to overlap a first portion of the display of the computing device when the accessory device is coupled to the computing device; and 
 a processing system at least partially within the enclosure and coupled to the touchscreen display and configured to:
 in accordance with a determination that the accessory device is coupled to the computing device, display, on the touchscreen display:
 a selectable user interface element; and 
 at least one icon from a second portion of the display of the computing device, the second portion of the display adjacent to the first portion; 
 
 cause the computing device to cease display of the selectable user interface element at the display of the computing device; 
 cause the computing device to cease display of the at least one icon from the display of the computing device; and 
 in accordance with a user selection of the selectable user interface element, cause the computing device to perform a function associated with the selectable user interface element. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the accessory device comprises a wireless communication system; and 
 the accessory device receives, via the wireless communication system and from the computing device, information identifying the selectable user interface element. 
 
     
     
       3. The accessory device of  claim 2 , wherein the processing system is configured to cause the computing device to perform the function by sending, to the computing device and via the wireless communication system, an indication that the selectable user interface element has been selected. 
     
     
       4. The accessory device of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the user selection of the selectable user interface element corresponds to a touch input detected by the touchscreen display; and 
 the indication is sent in response to detection of the touch input. 
 
     
     
       5. The accessory device of  claim 1 , further comprising a coupling mechanism configured to couple the accessory device to the computing device. 
     
     
       6. The accessory device of  claim 5 , wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a first magnetic element configured to magnetically couple to a second magnetic element of the computing device. 
     
     
       7. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the computing device is a tablet computer. 
     
     
       8. A computing device, comprising:
 an enclosure; 
 a first display at least partially within the enclosure; 
 a wireless communication system; and 
 a processing system coupled to the first display and the wireless communication system and configured to:
 cause a first user interface element to be displayed at a first location of the first display; 
 cause a second user interface element to be displayed at a third location of the first display; and 
 in response to determining that an accessory device having a second display is positioned over the first location of the first display:
 cease displaying the first user interface element at the first location; 
 cause the first user interface element to be displayed at a second location of the second display of the accessory device; 
 cease displaying the second user interface element at the third location; and 
 cause the second user interface element to be displayed at a fourth location of the second display of the accessory device; and 
 
 in response to receiving an input signal from the accessory device via the wireless communication system, performing a function associated with the first user interface element. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The computing device of  claim 8 , wherein the second display is a touch-sensitive display. 
     
     
       10. The computing device of  claim 9 , wherein the input signal is provided in response to a touch input detected at the touch-sensitive display of the accessory device. 
     
     
       11. The computing device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the computing device further comprises a proximity sensing system; and 
 the processing system determines that the accessory device is positioned over the first location of the first display based at least in part on information from the proximity sensing system. 
 
     
     
       12. The computing device of  claim 8 , wherein the second user interface element provides information about a function of the computing device. 
     
     
       13. The computing device of  claim 8 , wherein the computing device comprises a coupling mechanism configured to couple the accessory device to the computing device, the coupling mechanism comprising a first magnetic element configured to magnetically couple to a second magnetic element of the accessory device. 
     
     
       14. A tablet computing device, comprising:
 a display; 
 a transparent cover positioned over the display; 
 a wireless communication system; and 
 a processing system coupled to the display and the wireless communication system and configured to:
 in accordance with a determination that an accessory device having an accessory display is positioned over a first portion of the tablet computing device, causing a first user interface element to be displayed on the accessory display; 
 in accordance with a determination that the accessory device is positioned over a second portion of the tablet computing device different from the first portion of the tablet computing device: 
 cease display of a second user interface element at a third portion of the tablet computing device different from the first portion and the second portion of the tablet computing device, the second user interface element different from the first user interface element; and 
 causing the second user interface element to be displayed on the accessory display; and 
 in response to receiving an input signal from the accessory device via the wireless communication system while the accessory device is positioned over the second portion of the tablet computing device, performing a function associated with the second user interface element. 
 
 
     
     
       15. The tablet computing device of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the first portion of the tablet computing device is a portion of a back surface of the tablet computing device; and 
 the second portion of the tablet computing device is a portion of a front surface of the tablet computing device. 
 
     
     
       16. The tablet computing device of  claim 14 , wherein the second portion of the tablet computing device is a portion of the display. 
     
     
       17. The tablet computing device of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the accessory display is a touchscreen display; and 
 the input signal is sent by the accessory device in response to a detection of a touch input on the touchscreen display. 
 
     
     
       18. The tablet computing device of  claim 14 , wherein the processing system is further configured to:
 display the first user interface element on the display; and 
 in accordance with the determination that the accessory device is positioned over the first portion of the tablet computing device, move the first user interface element to the accessory display. 
 
     
     
       19. The tablet computing device of  claim 18 , wherein displaying the first user interface element on the display comprises displaying the first user interface element in a region of the display that is covered by the accessory device when the accessory device is positioned over the first portion of the tablet computing device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/942,622, filed Jul. 29, 2020 and titled “Hinged Keyboard Accessory Having Multiple Installation Modes for a Tablet Computing Device,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments relate generally to accessory devices for electronic devices. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to an accessory device for a tablet computing device, the accessory device having multiple installation modes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Tablet computing devices are becoming ever more powerful and useful in a wide range of activities. In some situations, it is desirable to use a keyboard or other auxiliary input device in addition to build-in input devices of a tablet computing device. Many traditional auxiliary input devices are difficult to use and undermine the advantages provided by a tablet computing device. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the systems, devices, methods, and apparatuses described in the present disclosure are directed to an accessory device for a tablet computing device having multiple installation modes. 
     One embodiment may take the form of an accessory device for a tablet computing device that includes a base portion and a coupling mechanism. The base portion may include a keyboard having a set of electromechanical keys. The coupling mechanism may be positioned along a side of the keyboard and may be configured to rotatably couple the base portion to the tablet computing device having a touchscreen display. The coupling mechanism may be configured to retain the tablet computing device in a first orientation in a first installation mode and a second orientation in a second installation mode. The coupling mechanism may include a first body section rotatably coupled to the base portion and a second body section extending from the first body section configured to cover a portion of a rear exterior surface of the tablet computing device in the first installation mode and cover a portion of a front exterior surface of the tablet computing device corresponding to a portion of the touchscreen display in the second installation mode. The coupling mechanism may further include an auxiliary display coupled to the second body section and configured to provide a graphical output. 
     Another embodiment may take the form of a system that includes a tablet computing device, a stylus, and an accessory device. The tablet computing device may include a touchscreen display configured to provide a graphical output that is viewable along a first exterior surface of the tablet computing device. The tablet computing device may further include a magnetic element. The stylus may be configured to provide an input at the touchscreen display and may be configured to magnetically couple to the magnetic element of the tablet computing device. The accessory device may include a base portion including a keyboard and a coupling mechanism configured to rotatably couple the base portion to the tablet computing device. The coupling mechanism may define a first surface configured to partially cover the first exterior surface of the tablet computing device in a first installation mode and partially cover a second exterior surface of the tablet computing device opposite the first exterior surface in a second installation mode. The coupling mechanism may further define a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface may define a recess that is configured to receive the stylus and align the stylus with the magnetic element. 
     Another embodiment may take the form of a system that includes a tablet computing device, an accessory device, and a processing unit. The tablet computing device may include a device housing defining a front exterior surface of the tablet computing device and a rear exterior surface of the tablet computing device opposite the front exterior surface. The tablet computing device may further include a touchscreen display configured to provide a graphical output at a display region defined along the front exterior surface of the tablet computing device. The accessory device may include a base portion that includes a keyboard and a coupling mechanism that is configured to rotatably couple the tablet computing device to the base portion. The coupling mechanism may include a body section configured to partially cover the rear exterior surface of the tablet computing device in a first installation mode and cover a first portion of the display region in a second installation mode. The processing unit may be operably coupled to the touchscreen display and may be configured to detect that the tablet computing device is installed in the second installation mode in which the coupling mechanism covers the first portion of the display region. In response to detecting that the tablet computing device is installed in the second installation mode, the processing unit may be configured to modify the graphical output to display a user interface element at a second portion of the display region that is not covered by the coupling mechanism. 
     In addition to the example aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIGS.  1 A- 1 F  show a system that includes a tablet computing device and an accessory device that are capable of being releasably coupled together in multiple installation modes; 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  show an example graphical output provided by a touchscreen display of a tablet computing device that changes in response to a portion of the touchscreen display being covered by a body section of a coupling mechanism of an accessory device; 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  show a tablet computing device that is coupled to an accessory device by a coupling mechanism that includes an auxiliary display; 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  show a tablet computing device that is coupled to an accessory device by a coupling mechanism that defines a recess for receiving a stylus; 
         FIG.  5    shows an example partial cross-section view of a tablet computing device that is rotatably coupled to a base portion of an accessory device by a coupling mechanism; 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  show example partial cross-section views of a tablet computing device that is rotatably coupled to a base portion of an accessory device by a coupling mechanism having a retractable wall; 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  show a tablet computing device that is coupled to an accessory device by a coupling mechanism that includes magnetic elements for magnetically coupling a tablet computing device to the coupling mechanism; 
         FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  show a tablet computing device that is coupled to an accessory device by a coupling mechanism that includes a connection interface for connecting a companion device to the coupling mechanism; 
         FIG.  9    shows a tablet computing device that is coupled to an accessory device by a coupling mechanism that is shaped to extend at least partially around a touchscreen display; 
         FIG.  10    shows a tablet computing device that is coupled to an accessory device by a coupling mechanism that is shaped to extend at least partially around a housing of the tablet computing device; 
         FIG.  11    shows a sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device. 
     
    
    
     The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates to embodiments of an accessory device that may be used with tablet computing devices and other portable electronic devices. The accessory device described herein may include a base portion having one or more input devices (e.g., keyboards, trackpads, touchscreen displays, and the like) for providing inputs to a tablet computing device. 
     The accessory device may include a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the base portion of the accessory device to a tablet computing device in multiple different installation modes. The coupling mechanism may define an attachment interface for retaining the tablet computing device to the base portion. The attachment interface may be at least partially defined by a body section of the coupling mechanism. 
     In a first installation mode, the body section of the coupling mechanism may extend along a rear exterior surface of the tablet computing device that is opposite a touchscreen display of the tablet computing device. In the first installation mode, the body section of the coupling mechanism may cover a portion of (e.g., partially cover) the rear exterior surface. In a second installation mode, the body section of the coupling mechanism may cover a portion of the touchscreen display of the tablet computing device. In the second installation mode, the body section may cover a portion of (e.g., partially cover) the front exterior surface of the tablet computing device that corresponds to the covered portion of the touchscreen display. In cases in which the coupling mechanism covers a portion of a touchscreen display of the tablet computing device, (e.g., in the second installation mode), a graphical output provided by the touchscreen display may be altered in response to the portion of touchscreen display being covered by the coupling mechanism. As an example, one or more user interface elements may be moved from the covered portion of the touchscreen display to another portion of the touchscreen display that is not covered by the coupling mechanism. 
     The coupling mechanism may include an auxiliary display for providing a graphical output in addition to the graphical output provided by the touchscreen display of the tablet computing device. The auxiliary display may provide a graphical output along a surface of the body section opposite a surface that extends along the tablet computing device. The graphical output of the auxiliary display may provide information regarding an operational state of the tablet computing device. For example, the graphical output of the auxiliary display may correspond to a battery level of the tablet computing device, a user account of the tablet computing device, alerts provided by the tablet computing device, and the like. In cases in which the coupling mechanism covers a portion of a touchscreen display of the tablet computing device (e.g., the second installation mode), the graphical output provided by the auxiliary display may include one or more user interface elements that are provided on the touchscreen display when the coupling mechanism is not covering the touchscreen display (e.g., in the second installation mode). 
     The coupling mechanism may define a recess for receiving a stylus that may be used to provide inputs to the tablet computing device. The stylus may be capable of being magnetically coupled to the tablet computing device. In the first installation mode and/or the second installation mode, the coupling mechanism may be positioned relative to a magnetic element of the tablet computing device such that the recess aligns the stylus with the magnetic element to facilitate the magnetic coupling. The stylus may additionally or alternatively be wirelessly charged by the tablet computing device. The coupling mechanism may be positioned relative to a wireless charging coil of the tablet computing device such that the recess aligns the stylus with the wireless charging coil to facilitate the wireless charging. 
     The recess for receiving the stylus may be a hole that extends all the way through the body section of the coupling mechanism. In cases in which the coupling mechanism covers a portion of a touchscreen display of the tablet computing device (e.g., the second installation mode), a display region of the touchscreen display may be viewable through the hole. When the stylus is absent from the recess, one or more user interface elements (e.g., user interface elements relating to functions of the stylus), may be displayed in the display region. When the stylus is positioned in the recess, the user interface elements may be displayed elsewhere on the touchscreen display or not displayed at all. 
     The coupling mechanism may rotatably couple the accessory device to a tablet computing device so that the devices can move relative to one another. The rotatable coupling provided by the coupling mechanism allows the system to transition between one or more unfolded configurations and a folded configuration. In a folded configuration of the system, the touchscreen display of the tablet may face towards the keyboard in the first installation mode so that the touchscreen display is covered by the accessory device and protected from damage. In the folded configuration, the touchscreen display of the tablet computing device may face away from the keyboard in the second installation mode so that the touchscreen is accessible to the user for use in the folded configuration. 
     As noted above, the coupling mechanism may define an attachment interface for retaining the tablet computing device to the base portion of the accessory device. The attachment interface may include a retention channel that is configured to receive the tablet computing device. The retention channel may include one or more walls defined by one or more body sections of the coupling mechanism. In some cases, one or more walls of the retention channel are capable of retracting to facilitate installation and/or removal of the tablet computing device. The wall(s) may extend once the tablet computing device is installed to retain the tablet computing device to the accessory device. The coupling mechanism may include an electrical connector positioned within the retention channel that operably couples the accessory device to the tablet computing device when the tablet computing device is installed in the retention channel. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the coupling mechanism may include one or more magnetic elements that at least partially define the attachment interface. The tablet computing device may include one or more magnetic elements that are configured to align with the magnetic element(s) of the coupling mechanism to couple the tablet computing device to the accessory device. In various embodiments, one or more magnetic elements of the coupling mechanism may be controlled to improve the installation and/or removal processes of the tablet computing device. For example, a magnetic flux of one or more magnetic elements may be reduced such that the magnetic force between the tablet computing device and the coupling mechanism is reduced. Additionally or alternatively, a polarity of one or more magnetic elements may be changed. This may allow for a smoother installation process by avoiding the tablet computing device and the coupling mechanism snapping together from a distance that results in an undesirable user experience. Similarly, this may improve a user experience by making removal of the tablet computing device easier. 
     The term “attached,” as used herein, may be used to refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that are physically affixed, fastened, and/or retained to one another. The term “coupled,” as used herein, may be used to refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that are, directly or indirectly, physically attached to one another, operate with one another, communicate with one another, are in electrical connection with one another, and/or otherwise interact with one another. Accordingly, while elements attached to one another are coupled to one another, the reverse is not required. As used herein, “operably coupled” or “electrically coupled” may be used to refer to two or more devices that are coupled in any suitable manner for operation and/or communication, including wiredly, wirelessly, or some combination thereof. As used herein, the term “rotatably coupled” may refer to any direct or indirect attachment of two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that allows the elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like to rotate relative to one another. As used herein, “releasably coupled” may refer to any direct or indirect attachment of two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that allows the elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like to be decoupled or separated from one another. In some cases, elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that are releasably coupled may be repeatedly coupled and decoupled from one another without damaging or altering the elements, structures, objects, components, parts, or any mechanisms used to couple the elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like 
     These and other embodiments are discussed with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 11   . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 F  show a system  100  that includes a tablet computing device  110  and an accessory device  120  that are capable of being releasably coupled together in multiple installation modes. The accessory device  120  includes a base portion  122  and a coupling mechanism  130 . The coupling mechanism  130  is capable of releasably coupling the tablet computing device  110  to the base portion  122  of the accessory device  120 . 
       FIG.  1 A  shows the tablet computing device  110  and the accessory device  120  in an uncoupled state. The coupling mechanism  130  may include a first body section  131  that is rotatably coupled to the base portion  122 , and a second body section  132  that extends from the first body section. The coupling mechanism  130  may define an attachment interface for retaining the tablet computing device to the base portion  122 . The second body section  132  may at least partially define the attachment interface. The attachment interface may be any combination of structural features (e.g., walls, retention channels, and the like), retaining mechanisms (e.g., magnets, latches, and the like) that are suitable for retaining the tablet computing device to the base portion  122 . 
     The second body section  132  may additionally define a first surface  134  that extends along and covers a portion of an exterior surface of the tablet computing device  110  when the tablet computing device  110  is retained to the base portion  122  by the attachment interface. The attachment interface may include a retention channel  133  that is defined by the coupling mechanism  130  for receiving the tablet computing device  110 . The first body section  131  may define a first wall of the retention channel  133 , and the second body section  132  may define a second wall of the retention channel. A portion of the tablet computing device  110  may be positioned between the first wall and the second wall. 
     The coupling mechanism  130  may include an electrical connector  135  configured to operably couple the accessory device  120  to the tablet computing device  110 . The electrical connector  135  may be positioned within the retention channel  133  of the coupling mechanism. The tablet computing device  110  may have a corresponding electrical connector  115  such that when the tablet computing device is installed in the retention channel  133 , a connection is made that operably couples the accessory device  120  and the tablet computing device  110 . The electrical connectors  115 ,  135  may include contact pads, pins, or other types of connection mechanisms. In some cases, the accessory device  120  to the tablet computing device  110  are operably coupled via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, or other wireless protocols). 
     The accessory device  120  may include one or more input devices for providing inputs to the tablet computing device  110 . The input devices may include a trackpad  128   a  or other touch-sensitive surface, a keyboard  128   b , a touchscreen display, buttons, dials, and the like. One or more input devices may be positioned along a top surface  126 . The trackpad  128   a  may include a touch sensor that is configured to control a cursor or other graphical element of the tablet. The keyboard  128   b  may include a set of electromechanical keys and/or one or more virtual keys provided on a touchscreen display. The coupling mechanism  130  may be positioned along a side of the keyboard  128   b  and/or the trackpad  128   a.    
     The term “tablet computing device” may be used to refer to a portable electronic device in which a display defines a substantial entirety of the front surface of the device. The tablet computing device may define a border or bezel region that surrounds the display region and may include one or more buttons or input devices located along the border region or bezel and/or along the sides of the device. In some cases, tablet computing devices do not include integrated keyboards. The primary modes of input for many tablet computing devices may be touch and/or force inputs provided over the display region. 
     The tablet computing device  110  may include a housing  112  that defines a front exterior surface  116  ( FIGS.  1 A and  1 B ) and a rear exterior surface  118  ( FIG.  1 C ) opposite the front exterior surface. The tablet computing device  110  may further include a touchscreen display  114  that provides a graphical output that is viewable at the front exterior surface  116 . The touchscreen display  114  may be capable of receiving touch inputs at the front exterior surface  116 . The housing  112  may include a cover sheet positioned over the touchscreen display  114  that forms at least a portion of the front exterior surface  116 . 
     The touchscreen display  114  may be capable of providing graphical outputs and receiving touch inputs through the cover sheet. The touchscreen display  114  may include a display portion that can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, electronic paper (e.g., electronic ink) display technology, or another type of display technology. In some embodiments, the touchscreen display  114  includes one or more sensors (e.g., capacitive touch sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or other touch sensors) positioned above, below, or integrated with the display portion. In various embodiments, a graphical output of the touchscreen display  114  is responsive to inputs provided to the tablet computing device  110  and/or the accessory device  120 . The tablet computing device  110  may include additional components typical of computing devices that are not shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 F , including a processing unit, memory, input devices, output devices, and the like. 
     As noted above, the tablet computing device  110  and the accessory device  120  are capable of being releasably coupled together in multiple installation modes.  FIGS.  1 B- 1 D  show the tablet computing device  110  rotatably coupled to the accessory device  120  by the coupling mechanism  130  in a first installation mode.  FIGS.  1 E and  1 F  show the tablet computing device  110  rotatably coupled to the accessory device  120  by the coupling mechanism  130  in a second installation mode. 
     In the first installation mode, the tablet computing device  110  is retained in a first orientation with respect to the coupling mechanism  130 . As shown in  FIG.  1 B , in the first installation mode, the trackpad  128   a  and the keyboard  128   b  of the accessory device  120  and the touchscreen display  114  of the tablet computing device  110  may be generally facing towards a user and accessible to a user at the same time. The first installation mode may allow the system  100  to be used similarly to a laptop computer. 
     Turning to  FIG.  1 C , in the first installation mode, the second body section  132  of the coupling mechanism  130  may extend along the rear exterior surface  118  of the tablet computing device  110 . The surface  134  of the second body section  132  may extend along the rear exterior surface  118 . In the first installation mode, the second body section  132  of the coupling mechanism  130  may cover a portion of the rear exterior surface  118 . The second body section  132  may define a surface  136  opposite the surface  134  and facing away from the tablet computing device  110 . The coupling mechanism  130  may include an auxiliary display that provides a graphical output along the surface  136  of the second body section  132 , as discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B . Additionally or alternatively, the surface  136  may define a recess configured to receive a stylus, as discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C . 
     As indicated by the arrows in  FIG.  1 B , the tablet computing device  110  and the accessory device  120  are capable of moving relative to one another when rotatably coupled. The coupling mechanism  130  may define a hinge mechanism that facilitates this relative motion. For example, the coupling mechanism  130  may be capable of pivoting or rotating relative to the base portion  122  of the accessory device  120 . The tablet computing device  110  may be coupled to the coupling mechanism  130  such that the tablet computing device  110  and the coupling mechanism  130  pivot or rotate together relative to the base portion  122  of the accessory device  120 . The hinge mechanism defined by the coupling mechanism  130  may include a clutch or frictional element that holds the coupling mechanism in one of a range of positions. The hinge mechanism may include one or more detents or other catch mechanisms at particular positions of the coupling mechanism  130 . For example, the hinge mechanism may include a detent or catch mechanism at a position that results in a 110 degree angle between the touchscreen display  114  of the tablet computing device  110  and the top surface  126  of the accessory device  120  and/or a surface upon which the accessory device  120  is placed. 
       FIG.  1 D  shows the system  100  in a folded configuration in the first installation mode. The rotatable coupling provided by the coupling mechanism  130  allows the system  100  to transition between one or more unfolded configurations (e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  1 B and  1 C ) to the folded configuration shown in  FIG.  1 D . In the folded configuration in the first installation mode, the top surface  126  of the accessory device  120  and the front exterior surface  116  of the tablet computing device  110  face inwards towards one another. As such, the touchscreen display  114  faces the trackpad  128   a  and the keyboard  128   b . This may protect the touchscreen display  114 , the trackpad  128   a , and/or the keyboard  128   b  from damage or accidental manipulation. 
     As noted above,  FIGS.  1 E and  1 F  show the tablet computing device  110  rotatably coupled to the accessory device  120  by the coupling mechanism  130  in a second installation mode. In the second installation mode, the tablet computing device  110  is retained in a second orientation, different from the first orientation, relative to the coupling mechanism  130 . As shown in  FIG.  1 E , the second body section  132  of the coupling mechanism  130  may extend along the front exterior surface  116  of the tablet computing device  110 . The surface  134  of the second body section  132  may extend along the front exterior surface  116 . In the second installation mode, the second body section  132  may cover a portion of the front exterior surface  116  that corresponds to a portion of the touchscreen display  114 . 
       FIG.  1 F  shows the system  100  in a folded configuration in the second installation mode. In the folded configuration in the second installation mode, the top surface  126  of the accessory device  120  and the rear exterior surface  118  of the tablet computing device  110  face inwards towards one another. As such, the touchscreen display  114  faces away from the trackpad  128   a  and the keyboard  128   b . This allows the touchscreen display  114  to be viewable and accessible when the system  100  is in the folded configuration. As such, a user may be able to view graphical outputs provided by the touchscreen display  114  and provide inputs to the touchscreen display while the system  100  is in the folded configuration. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 D and  1 E , in the second installation mode, the second body section  132  of the coupling mechanism  130  may cover a portion of the touchscreen display  114 . In various embodiments, a graphical output of the touchscreen display  114  may be altered in response to the portion of touchscreen display being covered by the coupling mechanism  130 . 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  show an example graphical output provided by a touchscreen display  214  of a tablet computing device  210  that changes in response to a portion of the touchscreen display being covered by a second body section  232  of a coupling mechanism  230  of an accessory device. The tablet computing device  210  and the coupling mechanism  230  may be parts of a system  200  that has the same or similar structure and/or functionality as the systems described herein (e.g., system  100 ). 
       FIG.  2 A  shows the tablet computing device  210  in a state in which the coupling mechanism  230  is not covering any portion of the touchscreen display  214 . Similar to the touchscreen display  114  described with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E , the touchscreen display  214  may provide a graphical output along a front exterior surface  216  of the tablet computing device  210 . The state shown in  FIG.  2 A  may be a first installation mode in which the coupling mechanism  230  extends along and covers a portion of a rear exterior surface of the tablet computing device  210 . The state shown in  FIG.  2 A  may also be an uncoupled state in which the tablet computing device  210  is not coupled to an accessory device. 
     The graphical output provided by the touchscreen display  214  of the tablet computing device  210  may include one or more graphical elements (e.g., user interface elements  240   a - i ) of a graphical user interface provided by the tablet computing device. The user interface elements may include menu elements  240   a , icons  240   b - 240   d , time and date elements  240   e , icons  240   f ,  240   g , application windows  240   h ,  240   i , and the like. The graphical output of the touchscreen display may be responsive to (e.g., may change in response to) inputs received by the tablet computing device  210  (e.g., touch inputs received at the touchscreen display  214 ). The graphical output of the touchscreen display  214  may be responsive to inputs received at an accessory device (e.g., an accessory device  120  coupled to the tablet computing device  210 ), including inputs received by a keyboard or trackpad of an accessory device. 
     The user interface elements  240   a - i  are example graphical elements that may be provided as part of a graphical output on the touchscreen display  214 , and are not meant to be limiting. The graphical output provided on the touchscreen display  214  may consist of any combination of graphical elements, animations, transitions, and the like. 
       FIG.  2 B  shows the tablet computing device  210  in a state in which the coupling mechanism  230  covers a portion of the touchscreen display  214 . The state shown in  FIG.  2 B  may be the second installation mode described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 E and  1 F . The tablet computing device  210  (e.g., a processing unit of the tablet computing device) may be capable of determining that it is in a state in which a portion of the touchscreen display  214  is covered. The processing unit of the tablet computing device  210  may determine its orientation relative to the coupling mechanism to determine whether it is in a first installation mode, a second installation mode, or an uncoupled state. The processing unit may determine the orientation of the tablet computing device  210  based on a connection between an electrical connector of the tablet computing device (e.g., electrical connector  115  discussed with respect to  FIG.  1 A ) and an electrical connector of the accessory device (e.g., electrical connector  135  discussed with respect to  FIG.  1 A ). Additionally or alternatively, the tablet computing device  210  and/or the coupling mechanism  230  may include one or more proximity sensors that may be used by the processing unit to determine the orientation of the tablet computing device. 
     In response to determining that the tablet computing device  210  is in a state (e.g., the second installation mode), in which the coupling mechanism  230  covers a portion of the touchscreen display  214 , the processing unit may cause the touchscreen display  214  to alter the graphical output. As shown in  FIG.  2 B , altering the graphical output may include moving one or more user interface elements  240   a - i  to different locations. Moving a user interface element may include removing a user interface element from one location on the touchscreen display  214  and displaying the user interface element at a different location on the touchscreen display. In some cases, the user interface elements  240   a - e  that are at least partially displayed in the covered portion in the first installation mode are moved to a portion of the touchscreen display that is visible in the second installation mode so that the user interface elements are visible in the second installation mode. For example, in  FIG.  2 A , menu elements  240   a , the icons  240   b - d , and the date and time elements  240   e  are at least partially displayed in the portion of the touchscreen display  214  that is covered by the coupling mechanism  230  in  FIG.  2 B . In  FIG.  2 B , menu elements  240   a , the icons  240   b - d , and the date and time elements  240   e  are displayed in a remaining portion of the touchscreen display  214  that is not covered by the coupling mechanism  230 . At least some of the user interface elements  240   a - e  may form at least a portion of a menu bar, home bar, or status bar of the graphical user interface. 
     In some cases, the coupling mechanisms described herein may include an auxiliary display for providing a graphical output in addition to the graphical output provided by the touchscreen display of the tablet computing device.  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  show a tablet computing device  310  that is coupled to an accessory device by a coupling mechanism  330  that includes an auxiliary display  338 . The tablet computing device  310  and the coupling mechanism  330  may be parts of a system  300  that has the same or similar structure and/or functionality as the systems described herein (e.g., systems  100  and  200 ). 
       FIG.  3 A  shows the system  300  in a first installation mode similar to the first installation mode described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 D . In the first installation mode, a second body section  332  of the coupling mechanism  330  extends along and covers a portion of a rear exterior surface  318  of the tablet computing device  310 .  FIG.  3 B  shows the system  300  in a second installation mode similar to the second installation mode described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 E- 2 B . In the second installation mode, the second body section  332  of the coupling mechanism extends along a front exterior surface  316  of the tablet computing device  310  and covers a portion of a touchscreen display  314  of the tablet computing device. 
     The coupling mechanism  330  defines a second surface  336  opposite a first surface that extends along and covers a portion of the tablet computing device  310 . The auxiliary display  338  is coupled to the second body section  332  and provides a graphical output along the second surface  336 . A processing unit of the tablet computing device  310  may be capable of controlling the graphical output of the auxiliary display  338 . The auxiliary display  338  may be configured as a touchscreen display, and the tablet computing device  310  may be capable of receiving touch inputs at the auxiliary display. 
     In the first installation mode shown in  FIG.  3 A , the graphical output of the auxiliary display  338  may include user interface elements  342   a - e  that provide information regarding an operational state of the tablet computing device  310 . For example, a user interface element  342   a  may show a battery level of the tablet computing device  310 , a user interface element  342   b  may show alerts or notifications (and/or a number of alerts or notifications) of the tablet computing device  310 , a user interface element  342   c  may display a name (e.g., a name associated with a user account of the tablet computing device  310 ), and a user interface element  342   e  may show a day and time. 
     In the second installation mode shown in  FIG.  3 B , the graphical output of the auxiliary display  338  may include one or more user interface elements  340   a - e , similar to the user interface elements  240   a - e  discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B . Absent a portion of the touchscreen display  314  being covered (e.g., in the first installation mode), the graphical output of the touchscreen display  314  may be similar to the graphical output of the touchscreen display  214  shown in  FIG.  2 A . 
     In response to the processing unit of the tablet computing device  310  determining that the tablet computing device is in a state (e.g., the second installation mode) in which the coupling mechanism  330  covers a portion of the touchscreen display  314 , the processing unit may alter the graphical outputs provided by the touchscreen display  314  and the auxiliary display  338 . Altering the graphical outputs may include moving one or more user interface elements  340   a - e  from the touchscreen display  314  to the auxiliary display  338 . Moving a user interface element may include removing the user interface element from the touchscreen display  314  and displaying the user interface element on the auxiliary display  338 . For example, the user interface elements  340   a - e  may be moved from the touchscreen display  314  to the auxiliary display  338 , as shown in  FIG.  3 B . As noted above, the auxiliary display  338  may be configured as a touchscreen display, enabling users to provide touch inputs to the tablet computing device  310 , for example by interacting with the user interface elements  340   a - e.    
     The auxiliary display  338  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, electronic paper (e.g., electronic ink) display technology, or another type of display technology. The auxiliary display  338  may include one or more sensors (e.g., capacitive touch sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or other touch sensors) positioned above, below, or integrated with a display portion. 
     In some cases, the auxiliary display  338  is an electronic paper (e.g., electronic ink or e-ink) display. In some cases, as noted above, the graphical output provided by the auxiliary display  338  is persistent in that once the graphical output of the auxiliary display is set, the static graphical output may be maintained on the auxiliary display indefinitely while in a powerless state (e.g., without electricity and/or without consuming power from and internal power source, including a battery or an external power source). 
     In some cases, the coupling mechanisms described herein may define a recess for receiving a stylus that may be used to provide inputs to the tablet computing device.  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  show a tablet computing device  410  that is coupled to an accessory device by a coupling mechanism  430  that defines a recess  460  for receiving a stylus  462 . The recess  460  may be defined along a surface  436  defined by a second body section  432  of the coupling mechanism  430 . The tablet computing device  410  and the coupling mechanism  430  may be parts of a system  400  that has the same or similar structure and/or functionality as the systems described herein (e.g., systems  100 ,  200 , and  300 ). The stylus  462  may be used to provide inputs to a touchscreen display  414  of the tablet computing device  410 . 
     The stylus  462  may be capable of being magnetically coupled to the tablet computing device  410 . The tablet computing device  410  may include one or more magnetic elements (e.g., magnetic element  466 ) and the stylus  462  may include one or more magnetic elements (e.g., magnetic element  464 ) for magnetically coupling the stylus to the tablet computing device. As used herein, a “magnetic element” may be or include a permanent magnet (e.g., formed of or including a magnetic material), an electromagnet, or it may be or include a ferromagnetic element (e.g., formed of or including ferromagnetic material) that does not produce a magnetic field absent the influence of another magnetic field. Example magnetic materials include, but are not limited to, magnetized iron, nickel, and/or cobalt alloys (e.g., steel), ferrite, or other suitable materials. Example ferromagnetic materials include, but are not limited to, non-magnetized iron, nickel, and/or cobalt alloys (e.g., steel), ferrite, or other suitable materials. 
     The recess  460  of the coupling mechanism  430  may be configured to align at least a part of the stylus  462  (e.g., the magnetic element  464 ) with the magnetic element  466  of the tablet computing device  410  and/or maintain an alignment between the stylus and the magnetic element  466  to facilitate the magnetic coupling of the stylus with the tablet computing device.  FIG.  4 A  shows the system  400  in a second installation mode in which the second body section  432  of the coupling mechanism  430  extends along and covers a portion of a front exterior surface  416  of the tablet computing device  410 . The magnetic element  466  may be positioned beneath or integrated with the touchscreen display  414  such that the stylus  462  covers a portion of the touchscreen display  414  when it is positioned in the recess and magnetically coupled to the tablet computing device  410 . In a first installation mode in which the coupling mechanism  430  extends along a rear exterior surface opposite the front exterior surface, the stylus  462  may be magnetically coupled to a magnetic element positioned beneath the rear exterior surface of the tablet computing device  410 . 
     The stylus  462  may additionally or alternatively be wirelessly charged by the tablet computing device  410 . The stylus  462  may include one or more wireless charging coils  470  and the tablet computing device  410  may include one or more wireless charging coils  472 . The wireless charging coils  470 ,  472  may be inductively coupled to one another to provide wireless charging of the stylus  462 . The recess  460  of the coupling mechanism  430  may be configured to align at least a part of the stylus  462  (e.g., the wireless charging coil  470 ) with the wireless charging coil  472  of the tablet computing device  410  and/or maintain an alignment between the stylus and the wireless charging coil  472  to facilitate wireless power transfer between the tablet computing device and the stylus. In a second installation mode (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  4 A ), the wireless charging coil  472  may be positioned beneath or integrated with the touchscreen display  414 . In a first installation mode in which the coupling mechanism  430  extends along a rear exterior surface opposite the front exterior surface, the stylus  462  may receive wireless power from a wireless charging coil positioned beneath the rear exterior surface of the tablet computing device  410 . Additionally or alternatively, the coupling mechanism  430  may include a wireless charging coil positioned beneath the surface  436 . The stylus  462  may receive wireless power from the wireless charging coil when it is installed in the recess  460 . 
     Absent a portion of the touchscreen display  414  being covered (e.g., in the first installation mode), the graphical output of the touchscreen display  414  may be similar to the graphical output of the touchscreen display  214  shown in  FIG.  2 A . In the second installation mode shown in  FIG.  4 A , the graphical output of the touchscreen display may be altered, similar to the graphical output of the touchscreen display  214  shown in  FIG.  2 B . 
     In various embodiments, the stylus  462  may be removed from the recess  460 , for example for use by a user in providing inputs to the touchscreen display  414 .  FIGS.  4 B and  4 C  show the stylus  462  absent from the recess  460 . The recess  460  for receiving the stylus  462  may be or include a hole that extends all the way through the second body section  432  of the coupling mechanism  430 . The hole may extend from the surface  436  to a surface (not shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C ; similar to the surface  134  of  FIG.  1 A ) of the second body section  432  opposite the surface  436 . In states in which the coupling mechanism  430  covers a portion of the touchscreen display  414  of the tablet computing device  410  (e.g., the second installation mode shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 C ), a display region  468  of the touchscreen display  414  may be viewable through the hole. 
     In some cases, the coupling mechanism  430  may include an insert portion positioned in a hole extending through the second body section  432 . The insert portion may at least partially define the recess. The second body section  432  may be formed from a metal material, and the insert portion may be formed from a non-metallic material that allows the magnetic coupling between the stylus  462  and the magnetic element  466 . 
     The tablet computing device  410  may include a processing unit that is capable of detecting whether the stylus  462  is installed in the recess  460  or absent from the recess. The tablet computing device  410  may include a sensor for use in detecting whether the stylus  462  is installed in the recess  460  or absent from the recess. In some cases, a portion of the graphical output that is displayed in the display region  468  may change depending on whether the stylus  462  is installed in the recess  460  or absent from the recess. As shown in  FIG.  4 B , in response to the processing unit detecting that the stylus  462  is absent from the recess (e.g., the stylus  462  has been removed or is otherwise not installed in the recess), the processing unit may cause one or more user interface elements (e.g., user interface elements  440   a - e ) to be displayed in the display region  468  that is viewable through the hole. The processing unit may cause the user interface elements to be moved as described above, in which they are removed from a first region of the touchscreen display  414  and displayed in the display region  468 . 
     In some cases, in response to detecting that the stylus  462  is absent from the recess  460 , the processing unit may cause one or more user interface elements (e.g., user interface elements  444 ) that are not displayed on the touchscreen display  414  when the stylus is installed in the recess to be displayed in the display region  468 . The user interface elements  444  may correspond to one or more functions of the stylus  462 . For example, the user interface elements  444  may correspond to drawing or editing functions that may be performed using the stylus  462 , including a brush style, ink colors, line thickness, shapes, and the like. 
       FIG.  5    shows an example partial cross-section view of a tablet computing device  510  that is rotatably coupled to a base portion  522  of an accessory device  520  by a coupling mechanism  530 . The cross-section view shown in  FIG.  5    may be the same or similar as a cross-section view taken through section line A-A of  FIG.  1 B . The tablet computing device  510 , the accessory device  520 , and the coupling mechanism  530  may be parts of a system  500  that has the same or similar structure and/or functionality as the systems described herein (e.g., systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  400 ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , the coupling mechanism  530  may include a first body section  531  that is rotatably coupled to the base portion  522 , and a second body section  532  that extends from the first body section. The first body section  531  and/or the second body section  532  may at least partially define an attachment interface for retaining the tablet computing device  510  to the base portion  522 . The second body section  532  may additionally define a first surface  534  that extends along an exterior surface (e.g., a front exterior surface or a rear exterior surface, depending on the installation mode) of the tablet computing device  510  when the tablet computing device  510  is retained to the base portion  522  by the attachment interface. The attachment interface may include a retention channel  533  that is defined by the coupling mechanism  530  for receiving the tablet computing device  510 . The first body section  531  may define a first wall  550  of the retention channel  133 , and the second body section  532  may define a second wall  552  of the retention channel. As shown in  FIG.  5 B , a portion of the tablet computing device  510  may be positioned between the first wall  550  and the second wall  552 . 
     The coupling mechanism  530  may include an electrical connector  535  configured to operably couple the accessory device  520  to the tablet computing device  510 . The electrical connector  535  may be positioned within the retention channel  533  of the coupling mechanism. The tablet computing device  510  may have a corresponding electrical connector  515  such that when the tablet computing device is installed in the retention channel  533 , a connection is made that operably couples the accessory device  520  and the tablet computing device  510 . 
     In some cases, one or more of the walls of the retention channel may be retractable to facilitate installation and removal of the tablet computing device from the retention channel.  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  show example partial cross-section views of a tablet computing device  610  that is rotatably coupled to a base portion  622  of an accessory device  620  by a coupling mechanism  630  having a retractable wall  652 . The cross-section view shown in  FIG.  6    may be the same or similar as a cross-section view taken through section line A-A of  FIG.  1 B . The tablet computing device  610 , the accessory device  620 , and the coupling mechanism  630  may be parts of a system  600  that has the same or similar structure and/or functionality as the systems described herein (e.g., systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 , and  500 ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  6 A , in an extended state, a first body section  631  may define a first wall  650  of a retention channel  633 , and a second body section  632  may define a second wall  652  of the retention channel. As shown in  FIG.  6 B , in a retracted state, the first wall  650  may be retracted such that the retention channel  533  is not formed. This may facilitate easier installation and removal of the tablet computing device  610  in the coupling mechanism  630 . In response to a processing unit operably coupled to and/or positioned within the accessory device  620  detecting that the tablet computing device  610  is not contacting (e.g., is absent from) the coupling mechanism  630 , the processing unit may cause the wall to retract and/or maintain the retracted state as shown in  FIG.  6 B . In response to the processing unit detecting that the tablet computing device  610  is contacting the coupling mechanism  630 , the processing unit may cause the wall  650  to extend to the extended state shown in  FIG.  6 A . Further in response to the processing unit detecting an indication that the user wishes to remove the tablet computing device  610  from the coupling mechanism  630 , the processing unit may cause the wall  650  to retract to the retracted state as shown in  FIG.  6 B . The coupling mechanism  630  may include a push-push mechanism and/or a hinged or pivoting member that allows a user to indicate that the user wishes to remove the tablet computing device  610  from the coupling mechanism. 
     In some cases, the attachment interface of the coupling mechanisms described herein may include one or more magnetic elements for magnetically coupling a tablet computing device to the coupling mechanism.  FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  show an example coupling mechanism  730  that includes magnetic elements  780   a - c  for magnetically coupling a tablet computing device  710  to the coupling mechanism  730 . The tablet computing device  710 , the accessory device  720 , and the coupling mechanism  730  may be parts of a system  700  that has the same or similar structure and/or functionality as the systems described herein (e.g., systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 , and  600 ). 
     The magnetic elements  780   a - c  may be coupled to, within, or integrally formed with a second body section  732  of the coupling mechanism  730 . The tablet computing device  710  may include one or more magnetic elements  782   a - c  that are configured to be aligned with the magnetic elements  780   a - c  when the tablet computing device is coupled to the coupling mechanism  730 , as shown in  FIG.  7 B . The magnetic elements  782   a - c  may be coupled to, within, or integrally formed with a housing  712  of the tablet computing device  710 , and may facilitate magnetic coupling with the coupling mechanism  730  along an exterior surface  717  (e.g., the front exterior surface and/or the rear exterior surface) of the tablet computing device. 
     In some cases, a magnetic flux of one or more of the magnetic elements  780   a - c ,  782   a - c  may be controllable to facilitate installation and removal of the tablet computing device from the retention channel. A processing unit operably coupled to the magnetic elements  780   a - c ,  782   a - c  may control a flux to change a magnetic force exerted by the magnetic elements on one another. For example, a magnetic element  780   b  may be an electromagnet, the flux of which corresponds to an electrical current applied to the electromagnet. In a first state, the electromagnet may not be energized, so the magnetic element  782   b  may not be attracted to the magnetic element  780   b . This may reduce the overall magnetic force between the coupling mechanism  730  and the tablet computing device  710  to improve a user experience associated with installing or removing the tablet computing device. In a second state, the electromagnet may be energized, so the magnetic element  782   b  is attracted to the magnetic element  780   b , thereby increasing the overall magnetic force between the coupling mechanism  730  and the tablet computing device  710 . This may help to retain the tablet computing device  710  coupled to the coupling mechanism  730 . 
     In some cases, one or more magnetic elements  780   a - c  may be capable of exerting a repulsive force to repel one or more magnets  782   a - c . For example, the magnetic element  780   b  may be controllable to reverse a polarity of the magnetic flux produced by the magnetic element  780   b  to transition between the first and second states discussed above. In the first state, the magnetic element  780   b  may repel the magnetic element  782   b . This may reduce the overall magnetic force between the coupling mechanism  730  and the tablet computing device  710  to improve a user experience associated with installing or removing the tablet computing device. In a second state, the magnetic element  780   b  may attract the magnetic element  782   b . This may help to retain the tablet computing device  710  coupled to the coupling mechanism  730 . 
     In response to a processing unit operably coupled to and/or positioned within the accessory device  720  detecting that the tablet computing device  710  is not contacting (e.g., is absent from) the coupling mechanism  730 , the processing unit may cause the electromagnet to not be energized. In response to the processing unit detecting that the tablet computing device  710  is contacting the coupling mechanism  730 , the processing unit may cause a current to be applied to the electromagnet to energize the electromagnet. Further in response to the processing unit detecting an indication that the user wishes to remove the tablet computing device  710  from the coupling mechanism  730 , the processing unit may cause the current to be ceased. 
     In some cases, one or more magnetic elements  780   a - c  may be capable of moving to reduce the magnetic force between the tablet computing device  710  and the coupling mechanism  730 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  7 C , the magnetic element  780   b  may move between a first position  781   a  and a second position  781   b . When the magnetic element  780   b  is in the first position  781   a , the magnetic element  780   b  may be aligned with the magnetic element  782   b  when the tablet computing device  710  is installed. When the magnetic element  780   b  is in the position  781   b , the magnetic element  780   b  may not be aligned with the magnetic element  782   b  when the tablet computing device is installed. As a result the magnetic element  782   b  may not be attracted to the magnetic element  780   b , thereby reducing the magnetic force between the tablet computing device  710  and the coupling mechanism  730 . 
     In response to a processing unit operably coupled to and/or positioned within the accessory device  720  detecting that the tablet computing device  710  is not contacting (e.g., is absent from) the coupling mechanism  730 , the processing unit may cause the magnetic element  780   b  to move to and/or maintain the second position  781   b . In response to the processing unit detecting that the tablet computing device  710  is contacting the coupling mechanism  730 , the processing unit may cause the magnetic element  780   b  to move to and/or maintain the first position  781   a . Further in response to the processing unit detecting an indication that the user wishes to remove the tablet computing device  710  from the coupling mechanism  730 , the processing unit may cause the magnetic element  780   b  to move to and/or maintain the second position  781   b.    
     In some cases, the coupling mechanisms described herein may include a connection interface for connecting companion devices to the coupling mechanisms.  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  show a tablet computing device  810  that is coupled to an accessory device  820  by a coupling mechanism  830  that includes a connection interface  880  for connecting a companion device  882  to the coupling mechanism. The tablet computing device  810 , the accessory device  820 , and the coupling mechanism  830  may be parts of a system  800  that has the same or similar structure and/or functionality as the systems described herein (e.g., systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 , and  700 ). 
     A second body section  832  of the coupling mechanism  830  may extend along (e.g., cover a portion of) an exterior surface (e.g., a front exterior surface or a rear exterior surface) of a tablet computing device  810 . The coupling mechanism  830  defines a second surface  836  opposite a first surface that extends along the tablet computing device  810 . The connection interface  880  may facilitate connection of a companion device  882  along the second surface  836 . The companion device  882  may be operably coupled to the tablet computing device  810  (e.g., via the accessory device  820  or separately), and may be used to provide inputs to the tablet computing device or outputs controlled by the tablet computing device. The companion device  882  may include a camera, a microphone, a display, a projector, a light, or any other suitable device. The connection interface  880  may include one or more electrical connectors (e.g., pins, contacts, and the like) for operably coupling the companion device  882  to the accessory device  820 . The connection interface  880  may further include one or more physical coupling mechanisms for physically coupling the companion device  882  to the accessory device  820 . 
     In some cases, the tablet computing device  810  and the accessory device  820  may cooperate to act as a stand for the companion device  882 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  8 B , the tablet computing device  810  and the accessory device  820  may be placed on a surface  884  such that the companion device  882  is oriented in a particular way. This may be useful in embodiments in which the companion device is a camera, as the system  800  may replace a tripod or other camera stand. 
     As noted herein, in some cases, a coupling mechanism may cover a display. In other embodiments, the coupling mechanisms described herein may be shaped such that they do not cover a display.  FIG.  9    shows a tablet computing device  910  that is coupled to an accessory device by a coupling mechanism  930  that is shaped to extend at least partially around a touchscreen display  914 . The tablet computing device  910 , the accessory device, and the coupling mechanism  930  may be parts of a system  900  that has the same or similar structure and/or functionality as the systems described herein (e.g., systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 , and  800 ). A body section  932  of the coupling mechanism  930  may be shaped such that in a second installation mode in which the body section extends along a front exterior surface  916  of the tablet computing device  910 , the body section  932  does not cover the touchscreen display  914 . As shown in  FIG.  9   , the body section  932  may at least partially surround the touchscreen display  914 . This may allow the body section  932  to provide enough support to retain the tablet computing device to the coupling mechanism  930  without covering the touchscreen display  914 . 
     In some cases, the coupling mechanisms described herein may extend at least partially around a housing of a tablet computing device.  FIG.  10    shows a tablet computing device  1010  that is coupled to an accessory device by a coupling mechanism  1030  that is shaped to extend at least partially around a housing  1012  of the tablet computing device. The tablet computing device  1010 , the accessory device, and the coupling mechanism  1030  may be parts of a system  1000  that has the same or similar structure and/or functionality as the systems described herein (e.g., systems  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 , and  900 ). A body section  1032  of the coupling mechanism  1030  may be shaped such that it at least partially surrounds the housing  1012  of the tablet computing device  1010 . This may allow an amount of a touchscreen display of the tablet computing device  1010  that is covered by the coupling mechanism  1030  to be reduced or eliminated. The portion of the coupling mechanism  1030  that extends around the housing  1012  of the tablet computing device  1010  may cover a portion of the housing  1012  (e.g., one or more sidewalls) to protect the tablet computing device from drops or other impacts. 
       FIG.  11    shows a sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device  1100 . The electronic device may in some cases take the form of any of the electronic devices described with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 10    (e.g., tablet computing devices, accessory devices, companion devices, and the like) or other portable electronic devices. The electronic device  1100  can include a display  1112  (e.g., a light-emitting display, an electronic ink display, etc.), a processing unit  1102 , a power source  1114 , a memory  1104  or storage device, an input device  1106  (e.g., a keyboard, a trackpad, a touchscreen, etc.), and an output device  1110 . 
     The processing unit  1102  can control some or all of the operations of the electronic device  1100 . The processing unit  1102  can communicate, either directly or indirectly, with some or all of the components of the electronic device  1100 . For example, a system bus or other communication mechanism  1116  can provide communication between the processing unit  1102 , the power source  1114 , the memory  1104 , the input device(s)  1106 , and the output device(s)  1110 . 
     The processing unit  1102  can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processing unit  1102  can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein, the term “processing unit” is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitably configured computing element or elements. 
     It should be noted that the components of the electronic device  1100  can be controlled by multiple processing units. For example, select components of the electronic device  1100  (e.g., an input device  1106 ) may be controlled by a first processing unit and other components of the electronic device  1100  (e.g., the display  1112 ) may be controlled by a second processing unit, where the first and second processing units may or may not be in communication with each other. In some cases, the processing unit  1102  may determine a biological parameter of a user of the electronic device (e.g., an ECG for the user). 
     In some cases, the electronic device  1100  does not include its own processing unit, but instead is controlled by one or more processing units of devices that are operably coupled to the electronic device. For example, the accessory devices discussed herein may not include a processing unit, and may be controlled by a processing unit of a tablet computing device that is coupled to or otherwise operably coupled to the accessory device. 
     The power source  1114  can be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to the electronic device  1100 . For example, the power source  1114  may be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power source  1114  can be a power connector or power cord that connects the electronic device  1100  to another power source (e.g., a wall outlet). 
     The memory  1104  can store electronic data that can be used by the electronic device  1100 . For example, the memory  1104  can store electrical data or content (e.g., audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals, control signals, and data structures or databases). The memory  1104  can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory  1104  can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices. 
     In various embodiments, the display  1112  provides a graphical output, for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device  1100 . The display  1112  may be a touchscreen display of a tablet computing device, an auxiliary display of an accessory device, or the like. In one embodiment, the display  1112  includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. For example, the display  1112  may be integrated with a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) and/or a force sensor to provide a touch- and/or force-sensitive display. The display  1112  is operably coupled to the processing unit  1102  of the electronic device  1100 . 
     The display  1112  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, electronic paper (e.g., electronic ink) display technology, or another type of display technology. In some cases, the display  1112  is positioned beneath and viewable through a cover that forms at least a portion of an enclosure of the electronic device  1100 . 
     In various embodiments, the input devices  1106  may include any suitable components for detecting inputs. Examples of input devices  1106  include keyboards, trackpads, touchscreens, audio sensors (e.g., microphones), optical or visual sensors (e.g., cameras, visible light sensors, or invisible light sensors), proximity sensors, touch sensors, force sensors, mechanical devices (e.g., crowns, switches, buttons, or keys), vibration sensors, orientation sensors, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers or velocity sensors), location sensors (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) devices), thermal sensors, communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), resistive sensors, magnetic sensors, electroactive polymers (EAPs), strain gauges, electrodes, and so on, or some combination thereof. Each input device  1106  may be configured to detect one or more particular types of input and provide a signal (e.g., an input signal) corresponding to the detected input. The signal may be provided, for example, to the processing unit  1102 . 
     As discussed above, in some cases, the input device(s)  1106  include a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) integrated with the display  1112  to provide a touch-sensitive display. Similarly, in some cases, the input device(s)  1106  include a force sensor (e.g., a capacitive force sensor) integrated with the display  1112  to provide a force-sensitive display. 
     The output devices  1110  may include any suitable components for providing outputs. Examples of output devices  1110  include audio output devices (e.g., speakers), visual output devices (e.g., lights or displays), tactile output devices (e.g., haptic output devices), communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), and so on, or some combination thereof. Each output device  1110  may be configured to receive one or more signals (e.g., an output signal provided by the processing unit  1102 ) and provide an output corresponding to the signal. 
     In some cases, input devices  1106  and output devices  1110  are implemented together as a single device. For example, an input/output device or port can transmit electronic signals via a communications network (e.g., a wireless and/or wired network connection). Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, and Ethernet connections. 
     The processing unit  1102  may be operably coupled to the input devices  1106  and the output devices  1110 . The processing unit  1102  may be adapted to exchange signals with the input devices  1106  and the output devices  1110 . For example, the processing unit  1102  may receive an input signal from an input device  1106  that corresponds to an input detected by the input device  1106 . The processing unit  1102  may interpret the received input signal to determine whether to provide and/or change one or more outputs in response to the input signal. The processing unit  1102  may then send an output signal to one or more of the output devices  1110 , to provide and/or change outputs as appropriate. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses 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 targeted 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. 
     Although the disclosure above is described in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the some embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but is instead defined by the claims herein presented. 
     One may appreciate that although many embodiments are disclosed above, that the operations and steps presented with respect to methods and techniques described herein are meant as exemplary and accordingly are not exhaustive. One may further appreciate that alternate step order or fewer or additional operations may be required or desired for particular embodiments. 
     As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at a minimum one of any of the items, and/or at a minimum one of any combination of the items, and/or at a minimum one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or one or more of each of A, B, and C. Similarly, it may be appreciated that an order of elements presented for a conjunctive or disjunctive list provided herein should not be construed as limiting the disclosure to only that order provided. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is receiving data, and the like. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances this data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter IDs (or other social media aliases or handles), home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to provide haptic or audiovisual outputs that are tailored to the user. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws (e.g., the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”)); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of determining spatial parameters, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, haptic outputs may be provided based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information (e.g., events or states at the device associated with a user, other non-personal information, or publicly available information).

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20220324
Publication Date: 20241203
Grant Date: 20241203
Priority Date: 20200729
Inventors: WANG, PAUL X.
MATHEW, DINESH C.
HENDREN, KEITH J.
QU, NICHOLAS L.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/04886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1677", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/165", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0488", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04897", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/0339", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1634", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1632", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1677", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1669", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/165", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1633", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1643", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/165", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1669", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1669", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04897", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0488", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1677", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/165", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1669", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 80004251