PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9729685-B2
Application Number: US-201113247942-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Cover for a tablet device

Abstract:
Accurate and reliable techniques for determining information of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A consumer product system, comprising:
 a tablet device comprising:
 a housing with an opening defining an entire front portion of the tablet device, 
 a processor carried by the housing, 
 a transparent protective layer carried by the housing and disposed within the opening, 
 a display assembly capable of communicating with the processor and overlaid by the transparent protective layer, the display assembly comprising:
 a display layer for presenting an icon viewable through the transparent protective layer, and 
 a touch sensitive surface covered by the display layer, the touch sensitive surface having a size and a shape in accordance with the display layer and configured to form a capacitive coupling with an object at or near an exterior surface of the transparent protective layer; and 
 
 
 a protective cover releasably attachable to the tablet device, the protective cover comprising:
 a first segment that carries the object; 
 a second segment; and 
 a folding region between the first segment and the second segment that allows the first segment to fold with respect to the second segment, wherein when:
 the first segment engages the transparent protective layer causing the capacitive coupling between the object and the touch sensitive surface defining a covered portion and an uncovered portion of the display layer, the uncovered portion defined by a removal of the second segment from the display layer, the uncovered portion presents a graphical user interface of the icon and the covered portion is inoperable to present the icon, and 
 the first segment is removed from the transparent protective cover, the uncovered portion extends to a location corresponding to the covered portion and allows the icon to display the graphical user interface and video information. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The consumer product system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the protective cover comprises a size and shape to fully cover the display layer, and wherein the touch sensitive surface comprises a plurality of capacitance sensors arranged in a rectangular grid and overlaid by the transparent protective layer. 
     
     
       3. The consumer product system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the object comprises a plurality of capacitive elements that includes correlated conductive strips, at least one of which is oriented diagonal to the rectangular grid. 
     
     
       4. The consumer product system as recited in  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the correlated conductive strips is metallic. 
     
     
       5. The consumer product system as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of capacitive elements comprises information used by the tablet device. 
     
     
       6. The consumer product system as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the protective cover comprises a capacitively linked user interface in communication with the correlated conductive strips, and wherein the correlated conductive strips are alterable in accordance with an external event at an accessible surface of the protective cover to provide a control input to the tablet device. 
     
     
       7. The consumer product system as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the external event comprises a touch event with the accessible surface of the protective cover, the touch event configured to control a media file stored on the tablet device. 
     
     
       8. The consumer product system as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the accessible surface of the cover corresponds to a button assembly. 
     
     
       9. The consumer product system as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the information corresponds to a property of the protective cover, the property selected from a color or a date of origin of the protective cover. 
     
     
       10. The consumer product system as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the protective cover comprises a cut out region, and wherein the tablet device uses the information from the plurality of capacitive elements to 1) locate the cut out region and 2) display the icon on the display layer only at a location corresponding to the cut out region. 
     
     
       11. A tablet device for use with a protective cover, the protective cover comprising a first segment, a second segment, and a folding region between the first segment and the second segment that allows the first segment to fold with respect to the second segment, the tablet device comprising:
 a housing comprising sidewalls that combine to form an opening defining an entire front portion of the housing; 
 a processor carried by the housing; 
 a display layer capable of communication with the processor, the display layer comprising a perimeter detection circuit configured to detect a perimeter capacitive element disposed in the protective cover when the protective cover overlays the display layer such that the display layer is at least partially covered by the protective cover defining a covered portion and an uncovered portion of the display layer, the uncovered portion defined by a removal of the second segment from the display layer when the second segment folds away from the first segment by the folding region; 
 a transparent protective layer carried by the housing at the opening, the transparent protective layer covering the display assembly and comprising a display mask that hides the perimeter detection circuit, wherein in response to the perimeter capacitive element capacitively coupling with the perimeter detection circuit:
 the display layer is inactive to present the visual content, and 
 the perimeter detection circuit remains active to communicate with the processor and provide information corresponding to the perimeter capacitive element, wherein in response to the protective cover partially covering the display layer, the display layer presents the visual content only in a location corresponding to the uncovered portion. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The tablet device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the visual content in the uncovered portion comprises an icon having a graphical user interface used to modify an operation of the tablet device, and wherein the display assembly comprises a size and a shape capable of being fully covered by the protective cover. 
     
     
       13. The tablet device as recited in  claim 12 , wherein in response to the protective cover being partially removed from the display layer, the display layer comprises:
 a second covered portion of the display layer less than the covered portion; and 
 a second uncovered portion of the display layer greater than the uncovered portion, the second uncovered portion causing the icon to 1) extend along the second uncovered portion, and 2) further include a second function comprising video controllable by the graphical user interface. 
 
     
     
       14. A method for controlling a tablet device with a protective cover comprising a first segment that includes an object, the protective cover further including a second segment secured with the first segment at a foldable region such that the first segment and the second segment are foldable with respect to each other, the tablet device comprising a transparent outer protective layer covering both 1) a display layer arranged to present an icon having a graphical user interface used to modify an operation of the tablet device, and 2) a touch sensitive surface comprising capacitive nodes covered by the display layer, the capacitive nodes configured to capacitively couple with the object at or near an exterior surface of the transparent outer protective layer, the method comprising:
 determining, based on a capacitive coupling between at least one of the capacitive nodes and the object, a portion of the transparent outer protective layer that is not viewable defining an unviewable portion of the display layer, wherein a remaining portion of the display layer defines a first viewable portion that displays the icon that includes a graphical user interface, the first viewable portion corresponding to the display layer being uncovered by the second segment of the protective cover; 
 rendering the unviewable portion inoperable to present the icon, wherein all of the capacitive nodes remain fully operable to provide to the tablet device an indication of the protective cover in relation to the tablet device, and wherein the protective cover includes a size and a shape in accordance with the display layer; and 
 removing the first segment to render a second viewable portion of the display layer that is greater than the first viewable portion, thereby causing the icon to extend across the second viewable portion, wherein the tablet device is altered such that the icon includes the graphical user interface and display video. 
 
     
     
       15. The method as recited in  claim 14 , further comprising determining a viewable portion of the display layer, the viewable portion defined by a region of the transparent outer protective layer uncovered by the protective cover, wherein the capacitive nodes comprise:
 a first capacitive node capacitively coupled with the object; and 
 a second capacitive node that is not capacitively coupled with the object. 
 
     
     
       16. The method as recited in  claim 14 , further comprising determining a viewable portion of the display layer based upon the unviewable portion, wherein the viewable portion displays the icon while the protective cover is disposed over the unviewable portion. 
     
     
       17. The method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the object comprises a first set of capacitive elements embedded in the first segment according to a first diagonal pattern, and wherein the second segment comprises a second set of capacitive elements embedded in the second segment according to a second diagonal pattern different from the first diagonal pattern. 
     
     
       18. The method as recited in  claim 14 , further comprising:
 forming a cut out region in the first segment; 
 determining, when the first segment covers the display layer, a location of the cut out region based on a capacitive coupling between the object and the capacitive nodes; and 
 presenting visual information on the display layer at location corresponding to the cut out region.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS 
     The described embodiments generally relate to accessory devices used with portable electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments describe passive and active circuits that can be used individually or in combination to identify specific characteristics of the accessory device. The identified characteristics can be used by the portable electronic device to alter an operating state of the electronic device, identify specific features of the accessory device, and so forth. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Recent advances in portable computing includes the introduction of hand held electronic devices and computing platforms along the lines of the iPad™ tablet manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. These handheld computing devices can be configured such that a substantial portion of the electronic device takes the form of a display used for presenting visual content leaving little available space for an attachment mechanism that can be used for attaching an accessory device. 
     The display can include various user interface features that can interact with external stimuli to convey information from an end user, for example, and processing circuitry in the hand held computing device. For example, the display can include touch sensitive elements that can be used to enable various multi-touch (MT) functions. When the accessory device takes the form of a cover, the handheld computing device can be operable in modes consistent with the presence of the cover. For example, when the handheld computing device has a display, the presence of the cover can render the display unviewable. In order to save power, the unviewable display can be rendered temporarily inoperable until the cover is moved or otherwise repositioned to expose the display. 
     Therefore, accurate and reliable techniques for determining a current status of an accessory device by an electronic device to which it is connected are desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS 
     This paper describes various embodiments that relate to a system, method, and apparatus for passively providing information from an accessory device to a host device. In one embodiment, the accessory device takes the form of a protective cover and the host device takes the form of an tablet computer. 
     In one embodiment, a consumer electronic product is described. The consumer electronic product consumer electronic product includes at least an accessory device. The accessory device includes a flap portion having at least a passive information element associated with accessory device information. The consumer electronic product also includes an electronic device attached to the accessory device that includes a display, and a detection mechanism that detects the presence of the passive information element only when the flap portion is in proximity to the display. The detection mechanism provides the accessory device information associated with the detected passive information element to the processor that uses the accessory device information to alter an operating state of the electronic device. 
     In another embodiment a method for altering an operating state of an electronic device in accordance with accessory device information associated with an accessory device is described. The method is carried out by performing at least the following operations: detecting the passive information element by a detection mechanism in the electronic device, determining the accessory device information based upon the detecting, and altering the operating state of the electronic device in accordance with the accessory device information. 
     Non-transitory computer readable medium for altering an operating state of an electronic device having a processor and a display are described. The computer readable medium includes at least computer code for detecting the passive information element by a detection mechanism in the electronic device, computer code for determining accessory device information based upon the detecting of the passive information element, and computer code for altering the operating state of the electronic device in accordance with the accessory device information. 
     In yet another embodiment, an accessory device is described. The accessory device includes an attachment mechanism for attaching the accessory device to an electronic device having a display and a processor. The accessory device includes at least a flap portion having a size and shape in accordance with the display and an information element. In the described embodiment, the information element is associated with accessory device information such that when the information element is detected by a detection mechanism in the electronic device. The detection mechanism provides the accessory device information to the processor. The processor uses the accessory device information to alter an operating state of the electronic device. Generally, the detection occurs only when the flap portion and the display are in close proximity to each other. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of an electronic device in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a first perspective view of the electronic device in the form of a tablet device and the accessory device in the form of a protective cover. 
         FIG. 2B  shows a second perspective view of the electronic device in the form of a tablet device and the accessory device in the form of a protective cover. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a closed configuration of the cooperating system formed by the tablet device and protective cover shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . 
         FIG. 3B  shows an open configuration of the cooperating system shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4  shows a top view of an embodiment of a segmented cover assembly. 
         FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  shows segmented cover  300  in partial open configurations with respect to tablet device. 
         FIGS. 6 and 7  show a multi-touch (MT) sensing arrangement. 
         FIG. 8  shows a representative ungrounded metallic strip in relation to a detection grid of a touch screen in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows system that includes protective cover pivotally coupled to tablet device in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  shows system that includes protective cover pivotally connected to tablet device in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B  show representative peek mode functionality in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  show representative system that includes protective cover having predetermined cut out regions in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 12C  shows representative system that includes capacitively coupled user interface in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  shows a flowchart detailing process in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  shows a flowchart detailing process in accordance with the described embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram of an electronic device suitable for use with the described embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following description relates in general to a mechanism that can be used to identify characteristics of an accessory device used with an electronic device. In a particular embodiment, the accessory device takes the form of a protective cover pivotally connected to the electronic device in the form of a tablet device having a display. In one embodiment, the display is configured to sense externally applied stimuli, such as a touch event, and in response, provide information that can be used by the electronic device. For example, the display can include multi-touch (MT) functionality well suited for recognizing concurrently applied multiple input events. In one embodiment, the protective cover has a flap portion having a size and shape in accordance with the display. In a particular embodiment, the flap portion can be pivotally attached to a hinge portion. In this way, when coupled with the tablet device, the flap portion can rotate about the hinge portion in one direction to bring the flap portion in substantial contact with the display in a closed configuration. Conversely, the flap portion can pivot about the hinge assembly in the other direction to expose the display, or a portion thereof, in an open configuration. In one aspect of the open configuration, the flap portion can rotate about 360 degrees about the hinge portion in such a way that the flap portion can come into contact with a rear portion of the tablet device. 
     The protective cover can provide protection to certain aspects (such as a display) of the tablet device while enhancing the overall look and feel of the tablet device. The protective cover can include electronic circuits or other elements (passive or active) that can cooperate with electronic elements in the tablet device. As part of that cooperation, signals can be passed between the protective cover and the tablet device that can, for example, be used to modify operations of the tablet device, operations of electronic circuits or elements of the protective cover, and so forth. In one embodiment, the tablet device can operate in a closed cover mode when the protective cover is detected to be in the closed configuration and an open cover mode otherwise. 
     In one embodiment, the display can include a touch sensitive surface that can react to a plurality of conductive elements incorporated into the protective cover. The touch sensitive surface can include a number of capacitive elements that can capacitively couple with an object, or objects, on or near the protective layer of the display. The capacitive coupling can, in turn, provide signals that can be evaluated by a processor in the tablet device that can be used by an end-user, for example, in controlling certain aspects of the operation of the tablet device. In one embodiment, the object, or objects, can take the form of electrically conductive elements embedded in the flap of the protective cover. In this way, when the protective cover is brought near or into contact with the protective layer of the display, the electrically conductive elements can interact with the capacitive elements providing signals to the processor. 
     In one embodiment, the signals provided to the processor can correspond to a size, position, and shape of the electrically conductive objects. Therefore, the size, position, and shape of the electrically conductive objects can be associated with information that can be used by the processor. The information can, for example, be used by the processor to determine aspects of the protective cover based upon information associated with specific configurations of the conductive objects. For example, an orientation of a particular conductive object embedded in the flap can be associated with an information element, such as a bit (i.e., “0” or “1”). For example, a “leftward” tilt can be associated with “0” and a “rightward” tilt can be associated with “1”. It should be noted, however, that in order to avoid any ambiguity, the relative angles of the rightward and leftward tilts should be maximized in relation to each other. For example, having tilt angles of +45° and −45° can be well suited to maximize the differential signal and reduce any interpretation error. Accordingly, a group of conductive objects having a coordinated relationship to each other can passively convey information to the processor that can be used to, for example, identify specific aspects of the protective cover. Such aspects can include, for example, color, type, style, and so forth. 
     In one embodiment, the conductive elements can be metallic. For example, the metallic elements can be formed of aluminum. Besides being a good conductor, aluminum has the added advantages of being lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to fabricate. It should be noted that the metallic elements can also take many shapes. For example, the metallic elements can be circular, square, rectangular, etc. In some cases, however, it has been determined that in most instances, the metallic elements are ungrounded (i.e., “float”) since in most implementations (but not all), the metallic elements do not directly connect to a ground plane, such as a chassis ground provided by the tablet device. In this case where the metallic element is not grounded, the capacitive signal can reduced over those signals provided when the metallic element is grounded. In the ungrounded case, therefore, it has been found that detection of the ungrounded metallic element can be optimized when the metallic element takes on a specific shape that can be associated with a specific signal, or class of signals. For example, when the touch screen includes a rectangular grid of capacitive detection nodes and the metallic element takes on the shape of an elongated rectangle (also referred to as a metal strip) having a diagonal orientation with respect to the capacitive detection grid, the signal produced by the capacitive coupling between the diagonal metal strip and the capacitive detection nodes can be readily distinguished and therefore reliably detected. 
     In this way, any number of characteristics of the metallic strips such as the size, shape, orientation, position, etc. of the diagonal metallic strips can be used to passively convey information from the flap portion of the protective cover to the processor. This information can then be used by the processor to execute instructions that can be used to carry out any number of operations by the tablet device. The information can also be used to convey information specific to the protective cover (such as type, color, style, specific serial number). For example, providing N metallic strips can provide 2 N  bits of information (assuming that the relative orientation of the metallic strip is associated with a particular value of a bit). Other characteristics besides physical orientation can be used to convey information. For example, relative size, shape, and ability to form a capacitive coupling with a capacitive detection node, to name but a few, can be used independently or in combination to represent information that can be used by the tablet device. 
     The electronic device can include a number of sensors in addition to those used to detect the conductive elements in the flap portion of the protective cover. These additional sensors can include, for example, a Hall Effect sensor (HFX) for detecting and responding to a saturating magnetic field, an ambient light sensor (ALS) for detecting ambient light levels in vicinity of the tablet device, and an image capture device such as a camera (still or video). In one embodiment, the ALS can include a photosensitive circuit (such as a photodiode) that can respond to varying levels of incident light, typically in the form of ambient light. Typically, the ALS is configured to detect ambient light. The ALS can, however, be configured to respond to the detection of the ambient light in many ways. For example, the ALS can respond by providing a signal whenever the photosensitive circuit within the ALS detects an amount (i.e., intensity) of ambient light greater than a pre-defined amount of ambient light. In other words, the threshold amount of ambient light can be a defined threshold level that can be constant or variable depending upon the situation at hand. 
     In some situations, the information provided by the conductive elements in the flap can be used in conjunction with the signals provided by the other sensors all of which can be evaluated by the processor. For example, when the flap portion is initially placed upon the protective layer, a magnetic element in the flap portion can be detected by the HFX causing the processor to disable the display. The disabling of the display not only disables the image producing aspect of the display but any touch sensing aspect as well. Therefore, in order to assure consistent pattern recognition by the touch sensitive portion of the display with regards to the conductive elements in the flap, the processor will generally provide an amount of time between the HFX detecting the magnetic element in the flap and the disabling of the display to allow a first detected pattern to be stored in a data storage device. In another embodiment, while in the closed configuration mode, the processor can periodically enable the display for a short period of time long enough to reliably capture the conductive element pattern embedded in the cover. Although this approach can be expected to use more power, the reliability of the pattern detection can be improved. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-15 . 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. 
     The electronic device can take many forms. For the remainder of this discussion, the electronic device is described in terms of a handheld portable computing device. Accordingly,  FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of electronic device  10  in accordance with the described embodiments. Electronic device  10  can process data and more particularly media data such as audio, visual, images, etc. By way of example, electronic device  10  can generally correspond to a device that can perform as a smart phone, a music player, a game player, a visual player, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet device and the like. Electronic device  10  can also be hand held. With regards to being handheld, electronic device  10  can be held in one hand while being operated by the other hand (i.e., no reference surface such as a desktop is needed). Hence, electronic device  10  can be held in one hand while operational input commands can be provided by the other hand. The operational input commands can include operating a volume switch, a hold switch, or by providing inputs to a touch sensitive surface such as a touch sensitive display device or a touch pad. 
     Electronic device  10  can include housing  12 . In some embodiments, housing  12  can take the form of a single piece housing formed of any number of materials such as plastic or non-magnetic metal which can be forged, molded, or otherwise formed into a desired shape. In those cases where electronic device  10  has a metal housing and incorporates radio frequency (RF) based functionality, a portion of housing  12  can include radio transparent materials such as ceramic, or plastic. Housing  12  can be configured to enclose a number of internal components. For example, housing  12  can enclose and support various structural and electrical components (including integrated circuit chips) to provide computing operations for electronic device  10 . The integrated circuits can take the form of chips, chip sets, or modules any of which can be surface mounted to a printed circuit board, or PCB, or other support structure. For example, a main logic board (MLB) can have integrated circuits mounted thereon that can include at least a microprocessor, semi-conductor memory (such as FLASH), and various support circuits and so on. Housing  12  can include opening  14  for placing internal components and as necessary can be sized to accommodate display  16  for presenting visual content, display  16  being covered and protected by a protective cover layer. In some cases, display  16  can be touch sensitive allowing tactile inputs that can be used to provide control signals to electronic device  10 . In some cases, display  16  can be a large prominent display area that covers a majority of the real estate on the front of the electronic device. 
     Electronic device  10  can include a magnetic attachment system that can be used to magnetically attach electronic device  10  to at least one other suitably configured object. The magnetic attachment system can include a number of magnetic attachment features distributed within and in some cases connected to housing  12 . For example, the magnetic attachment system can include first magnetic attachment feature  18  and second magnetic attachment feature  20  located on different sides of electronic device  10 . In particular, first magnetic attachment feature  18  can be located in proximity to side wall  12   a  of housing  12 . Second magnetic attachment feature  20  can be located within opening  14  near side wall  12   b  of housing  12 . In those embodiments where electronic device  10  includes a display with cover glass substantially filling opening  14 , second attachment feature  20  can be placed beneath the cover layer. 
     The placement of first magnetic attachment feature  18  at side wall  12   a  can facilitate the use of magnetic attachment feature  18  to magnetically attach electronic device  10  to another suitably configured object such as another electronic device or an accessory device. Accordingly, without loss of generality, first magnetic attachment feature  18  will henceforth be referred to as device attachment feature  18 . The placement of second magnetic attachment feature  20 , on the other hand, can facilitate the use of second magnetic attachment feature  20  to secure aspects of another device attached to electronic device  10  by way of device attachment feature  18 . In this way, the overall attachment between the other device and electronic device  10  can be more secure than attaching through first attachment feature  18  alone. Accordingly, and again without loss of generality, second attachment feature  20  will henceforth be referred to as securing attachment feature  20 . Securing attachment feature  20  can include one or more of magnetic elements  22 . When a plurality of magnetic elements is used, the arrangement of the plurality of magnetic elements can be widely varied and can magnetically interact with a cooperating feature on another device. In one embodiment, the plurality of magnetic elements associated with securing feature  20  can assist in securing at least a portion of another device otherwise attached to electronic device  10  by way of device attachment feature  18 . Electronic device  10  can also include Hall Effect sensor  24  and magnetometer circuit  26  in the form of onboard compass  26 . 
       FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B  show electronic device  100  presented in terms of tablet device  100  and accessory device  200  is shown as protective cover  200  each in perspective top views. These elements may generally correspond to any of those previously mentioned. In particular,  FIGS. 2A and 2B  shows two perspective views of tablet device  100  and protective cover  200  in the open configuration. For example,  FIG. 2A  shows device attachment feature  108  included in tablet device  100  and its relationship to tablet device  100 .  FIG. 2B , on the other hand, is the view presented in  FIG. 2A  rotated about 180° to provide a second view of attachment feature  202  and its relationship with protective cover  200 . 
     Tablet device  100  can take the form of a tablet computing device such as the iPad™ manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Referring now to  FIG. 2A , tablet device  100  can include housing  102  that can enclose and support device attachment feature  108 . In order to not interfere with the magnetic field generated by device attachment feature  108 , at least that portion of housing  102  nearest device attachment feature  108  can be formed of any number of non-magnetic materials such as plastic or non-magnetic metal such as aluminum. Housing  102  can also enclose and support internally various structural and electrical components (including integrated circuit chips and other circuitry) to provide computing operations for tablet device  100 . Housing  102  can include opening  104  for placing internal components and can be sized to accommodate a display assembly or system suitable for providing a user with at least visual content as for example via a display. In some cases, the display assembly can include touch sensitive capabilities providing the user with the ability to provide tactile inputs to tablet device  100  using touch inputs. The display assembly can be formed of a number of layers including a topmost layer taking the form of transparent cover glass  106  formed of polycarbonate or other appropriate plastic or highly polished glass. Using highly polished glass, cover glass  106  can substantially fill opening  104 . 
     Although not shown, the display assembly underlying cover glass  106  can be used to display images using any suitable display technology, such as LCD, LED, OLED, electronic or e-inks, and so on. The display assembly can be placed and secured within the cavity using a variety of mechanisms. In one embodiment, the display assembly is snapped into the cavity. It can be placed flush with the adjacent portion of the housing. In this way, the display can present visual content that can include visual, still images, as well as icons such as graphical user interface (GUI) that can provide information the user (e.g., text, objects, graphics) as well as receive user provided inputs. In some cases, displayed icons can be moved by a user to a more convenient location on the display. 
     In some embodiments, a display mask can be applied to, or incorporated within or under cover glass  106 . The display mask can be used to accent an unmasked portion of the display used to present visual content and can be used to make less obvious device attachment feature  108  and securing attachment feature  20 . Tablet device  100  can include various ports that can be used to pass information between tablet device  100  and the external environment. In particular, data port  109  can facilitate the transfer of data and power whereas speakers  110  can be used to output audio content. Home button  112  can be used to provide an input signal that can be used by a processor included in tablet device  100 . The processor can use the signal from home button  112  to alter the operating state of tablet device  100 . For example, home button  112  can be used to reset a currently active page presented by the display assembly. Tablet device  100  can also include camera assembly  114  arranged to capture an image or images. Tablet device  100  can also include ambient light sensor  116  (ALS) used to detect a level of ambient light. In one embodiment ALS  116  can be used to set a brightness level of the display assembly. For example, in a darker environment with little ambient light, the readings from ALS  116  can cause a processor in tablet device  100  to dim the display assembly. In a brighter environment, the display assembly can be made brighter. Tablet device can further include compass  118  used to detect external magnetic fields that can help in the determination of a position of tablet device  100 . Tablet device  100  can also include Hall Effect (HFX) sensor  120  that can be used to detect the presence of a magnetic element in when cover  200  is placed on top of tablet device  100  in a closed configuration. An accelerometer and gyroscope (not shown) can determine any dynamic changes in the position and orientation of tablet device  100  in real time. 
     Protective cover  200  can have a look and feel that complements that of the tablet device  100  adding to overall look and feel of tablet device  100 . Protective cover  200  is shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  attached to tablet device  100  in an open configuration in which cover glass  106  is fully viewable. Protective cover  200  can include flap  202 . In one embodiment, flap  202  can have a size and shape in accordance with cover glass  106 . Flap  202  can be pivotally connected to accessory attachment feature  204  by way of hinge assembly  206  each shown in  FIG. 2B . In this way, flap  202  can rotate about pivot line  211 . The magnetic attachment force between attachment feature  204  and device attachment feature  108  can maintain protective cover  200  and tablet device  100  in a proper orientation and placement vis-a-vis flap  202  and cover glass  106 . By proper orientation it is meant that protective cover  200  can only properly attach to tablet device  100  having flap  202  and cover glass  106  aligned in a mating engagement. The mating arrangement between cover glass  106  and flap  202  is such that flap  202  covers substantially all of cover glass  106  when flap  202  is placed in contact with cover glass  106  as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     Flap  202  can be pivotally connected to hinge assembly  206  that, in turn, can be connected to attachment feature  204 . Hinge assembly  206  can, in turn, be coupled to electronic device  100  by way of accessory attachment feature  204 . In this way, the flap  202  can be used as a protective cover to protect aspects of electronic device  100  such as a display cover  106 . Flap  202  can be formed of various materials such as plastic, cloth, and so forth. Flap  202  can be segmented in such a way that a segment of the flap can be lifted to expose a corresponding portion of the display. Flap  202  can also include a functional element that can cooperate with a corresponding functional element in electronic device  100 . In this way, manipulating flap  202  can result in an alteration in the operation of electronic device  100 . 
     Flap  202  can include magnetic material. For example, magnetic elements  207  can be used to magnetically attach to corresponding magnetic attachment feature  20  whereas magnetic element  209  can be used to activate Hall Effect sensor  120  when flap  202  is in position above cover glass  106 . In this way, Hall Effect sensor  120  can respond by generating a signal that can, in turn, be used to alter an operating state of electronic device  100 . Since the cover can be easily attached directly to the housing of the tablet device without fasteners, the flap  202  can essentially conform to the shape of electronic device  100 . In this way, the cover  200  will not detract or otherwise obscure the look and feel of electronic device  100 . Flap  202  can also include capacitive elements  208  arranged in a defined pattern. Capacitive elements  208  can be detected by a multi-touch (MT) sensitive layer incorporated in display assembly. When flap  202  is placed upon cover glass  106 , the MT sensitive layer can respond to the presence of capacitive elements  208  by generating a touch pattern consistent with the defined pattern. The defined pattern can be used to convey information to tablet device  100 . The information can include, for example, aspects and characteristics of protective cover  200  such as color, type, style, serial number, and so forth. 
     In addition to capacitive elements  208 , flap  202  can include RFID device  210  that can be used to identify protective cover  200 . In particular, when protective cover  200  is in the closed configuration, flap  202  can be in contact with cover glass  106  thereby allowing a RFID sensor within tablet device  100  to “read” RFID device  210 . In this way not only can the indication from Hall Effect sensor  120  be corroborated, but an identification of protective cover  200  can also be performed. 
     Although  FIGS. 3A and 3B  show protective cover  200  and tablet device  100  magnetically attached to each other, any form of attachment between flap  200  and tablet device  100  is possible. For example, protective cover  200  can be formed of a sleeve portion pivotally coupled to flap  202 . In this way, tablet device  100  can be inserted into the sleeve portion and flap  202  can then pivot to open and closed configurations without the need for magnetic attachment. However, for the remainder of this discussion and without loss of generality, it is presumed that protective cover  200  and tablet device  100  are magnetically attached to each other. 
     In particular,  FIG. 3A  shows a closed configuration in which cover glass  106  is fully covered by and in contact with flap  202 . Protective cover  200  can pivot about hinge assembly  206  from the closed configuration of  FIG. 3A  to an open configuration of  FIG. 3B . In the closed configuration, inner layer of flap  202  can come in direct contact with cover glass  106 . In this way, capacitive elements  208  can be detected by MT circuit disposed within the display assembly beneath cover glass  106 . Moreover, the MT circuit can detect a pattern, or signature, corresponding to the pattern of capacitive elements  208 . In this way, the detection of the pattern can provide information that can be used to identify various characteristics of protective cover  200 . For example, a first pattern can be a pattern of capacitive elements arranged in a pattern that maximizes a difference in capacitive signal between any two adjacent capacitive. One such pattern can be formed of metallic strips placed diagonally with respect to a Cartesian detection grid disposed beneath cover glass  106 . In this way, by associating a specific information element (such a binary “1”) with a particular orientation, a correlated pattern of metallic strips can be used to passively convey information to the processor in tablet device  100 . It should be noted, however, that the need to maximize a differential signal between adjacent capacitive elements can be achieved by varying not only the orientation, but size, shape, material (by varying the electrical properties of the various capacitive elements) and so forth. 
       FIG. 4  shows a top view of a specific embodiment of protective cover  200  in the form of segmented cover  300 . Segmented cover  300  can include body  302 . Body  302  can have a size and shape in accordance with tablet device  100 . Body  302  can be formed from a single piece of foldable or pliable material. Body  302  can also be divided into segments separated from each other by a folding region. In this way, the segments can be folded with respect to each other at the folding regions. In one embodiment, body  302  can be formed layers of material attached to one another forming a laminate structure. Each layer can take the form of a single piece of material that can have a size and shape in conformance with body  302 . Each layer can also have a size and shape that correspond to only a portion of body  302 . For example, a layer of rigid or semi-rigid material about the same size and shape of a segment can be attached to or otherwise associated with the segment. 
     In another example, a layer of rigid or semi-rigid material having a size and shape in accordance with body  302  can be used to provide segmented cover  300  as a whole with a resilient foundation. It should be noted that the layers can each be formed of materials having desired properties. For example, a layer of segmented cover  300  that comes in contact with delicate surfaces such as glass can be formed of a soft material that will mar or otherwise damage the delicate surface. In another embodiment, a material such as micro-fiber can be used that can passively clean the delicate surface. On the other hand, a layer that is exposed to the external environment can be formed of a more rugged and durable material such as plastic or leather. In yet another embodiment, capacitive elements  208  can be incorporated within the laminate structure of cover assembly  300 . 
     In a specific embodiment, segmented body  302  can be partitioned into a number of segments  304 - 310  interspersed with thinner, foldable portions  312 . Each of the segments  304 - 310  can include one or more inserts disposed therein. By way of example, the segments can include a pocket region where the inserts are placed or alternatively the inserts may be embedded within the segments (e.g., insert molding). If pockets used, the pocket region can have a size and shape to accommodate corresponding inserts. The inserts can have various shapes but are most typically shaped to conform to the overall look of segmented body  302  (e.g., rectangular). The inserts can be used to provide structural support for segmented body  302 . That is, the inserts can provide stiffness to the cover assembly. In some cases, the inserts may be referred to as stiffeners. As such, the cover assembly is relatively stiff except along the foldable regions that are thinner and do not include the inserts (e.g., allows folding) making segmented cover  300  more robust and easier to handle. 
     Segments  306 ,  308 , and  310  can include inserts  314 ,  316 , and  318 , respectively (shown in dotted lines form). Inserts  314 - 318  can be formed of rigid or semi-rigid material adding resiliency to body  302 . Examples of materials that can be used include plastics, fiber glass, carbon fiber composites, metals, and the like. Segment  304  can include insert  320  also formed of resilient material such as plastic but also arranged to accommodate magnetic elements  322  some of which can interact with magnetic elements in table device  100  and more specifically attachment feature  20 . In some embodiments, at least some of magnetic elements  322  can magnetically interact with magnetically attractable element  324  to form useful structures whereas magnetic elements  326  can be used to interact with magnetically sensitive circuits, such as a Hall Effect sensor, included in tablet device  100 . Magnetic elements inserts  314 - 318  can also incorporate capacitive elements  208  that can be sensed by a MT sensitive portion of the display of tablet device  100 . 
     Capacitive elements  208  can be widely varied in both form, material of manufacture, electrical characteristics, and so forth. In this way, an amount of information that can be passively conveyed by capacitive elements  208  can also be widely varied. For example, when capacitive elements  208  are metallic in nature (such as aluminum), the electrical properties of capacitive elements  208  can be varied by altering the thickness of the aluminum that forms each capacitive element  208 . By varying the electrical characteristics, the signature detected by the MT detection grid in tablet device  100  can be based at least in part upon the relationship between capacitive signal strength and less on the particular orientation of the capacitive elements. 
       FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  shows segmented cover  300  in partial open configurations with respect to tablet device  100 . By partial open configuration it is meant that due to the segmented nature of segmented cover  300 , only a portion of protective layer  106  can be exposed at a time. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , when segment  304  is lifted, portion  502  of display  16  can be viewed. However, since magnetic elements  326  are not detectable by HFX sensor  120 , in one embodiment, signals from HFX sensor  120  can be interpreted by a processor in tablet device  100  to enable display  16 . In this way, patterns of capacitive elements in those segments (such as segments  306  and  308 ) that remain in contact with display  16  can be detected. The detected patterns can be used to, for example, identify various characteristics of segmented cover  300 . For example, the information included in the detected patterns in segment  306  can provide the processor in tablet device  100  with information related to the relative position of segment  306 . For example, by virtue of the fact that the capacitive elements in segment  306  can be detected is a clear indication that segment  306  is in essentially the closed configuration with respect to display  16 . However, since HFX sensor  120  is no longer detecting the saturating magnetic field from magnetic elements  326 , the processor in tablet device  100  can deduce that only segment  304  is lifted while all other segments remain in contact with display  16 . 
     Therefore, using this information, an operating state of tablet device  100  can be altered by the processor consistent with the fact that only segment  304  is lifted. For example, the processor can display information, such as battery level, time of day, email, etc. only in that portion  502 . This “peek” mode can be very useful. Information detected in segment  306  can also be used by tablet device  100  to present specific visual content on portion of display  16  that is viewable. For example, since only a small portion of display  16  is viewable, the information provided by segment  306  can cause tablet device  100  to display visual information suitable only for presentation in the small, viewable portion of display  16 . Such suitable visual information can include information icons related to email received, weather conditions and so forth. 
       FIG. 5B  shows another partially open situation where in addition to segment  304 , segment  306  has also been lifted. The determination that only segments  304  and  306  can be ascertained when it is determined that capacitive elements  208  in segment  306  are no longer detected whereas capacitive elements  208  in segment  308  can be detected. In this way, additional display resources can be enabled to provide an enhanced display experience. In addition to using capacitive elements, other sensors can be brought into play. For example, ALS  116  and camera assembly  114  can be used separately or in combination to determine that segment  308  has been lifted based upon amounts of ambient light detected (in the case of ALS  116 ) and/or periodic image capture events by camera assembly  114 . In another embodiment, capacitive elements  504  can be placed on the periphery of segmented cover  300  at selected locations that correspond with capacitive detection nodes  506  in tablet device  100 . In this way, the ability to capacitively detect capacitive elements  504  by capacitive detection nodes  506  can provide an indication of the status of segmented cover  300  in relation to tablet device  100 . In addition to spatial orientation considerations, capacitive elements  208  and  504  can be used to passively convey information to the processor in tablet device  100  for further processing. For example, an identification indicator can be embodied as a pattern of capacitive elements included in capacitive elements  504 . The pattern of capacitive elements can provide unique information associated with particular protective covers such a style, color, date of origin, and so forth. 
     In those embodiments where display  16  includes touch sensing functionality, electronic device  10  can include multi-touch (MT) sensing arrangement  600  shown in  FIG. 6 . MT sensing arrangement  600  can be used for recognizing multiple simultaneous or near-simultaneous touch events. MT sensing arrangement  600  can detect and monitor multiple touch attributes (including, for example, identification, position, velocity, size, shape, and magnitude) across touch sensitive surface  602 , at the same time, or nearly the same time, at different times, or over a period of time. Touch sensitive surface  602  can provide a plurality of sensor points, coordinates, or nodes  604  that function substantially independently of one another and that represent different points on a touch sensitive surface. Sensing nodes  604  can be positioned in a grid or a pixel array, with each sensing point capable of generating a signal at the same time. Sensing nodes  604  can be considered as mapping touch sensitive surface  602  into a coordinate system, for example, a Cartesian or polar coordinate system. To produce a touch screen, the capacitance sensing nodes and other associated electrical structures can be formed with a substantially transparent conductive medium, such as indium tin oxide (ITO). The number and configuration of sensing nodes  604  can be varied. The number of sensing nodes  604  generally depends on the desired resolution and sensitivity. In touch-screen applications, the number of sensing nodes  604  can also depend on the desired transparency of the touch screen. 
     Using a MT sensing arrangement  600 , signals generated at nodes  604  of touch sensitive surface  602  can be used to produce an image of the touches at a particular point in time. For example, each object (e.g., finger) in contact with or in proximity to touch sensitive surface  602  can produce contact patch area  702 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Each of contact patch area  702  can cover several nodes  604 . Covered nodes  604  can detect the object, while remaining nodes  604  do not. As a result, a pixilated image of the touch surface plane (which can be referred to as a touch image, a MT image, or a proximity image) can be formed. The signals for each contact patch area  702  can be grouped together. Each contact patch area  702  can include high and low points based on the amount of touch at each point. The shape of contact patch area  702 , as well as the high and low points within the image, can be used to differentiate contact patch areas  702  that are in close proximity to one another. Furthermore, the current image can be compared to previous images to determine how the objects can be moving over time, and what corresponding action should be performed in a host device as a result thereof. 
     Returning to  FIG. 6 , many different sensing technologies can be used in conjunction with these sensing arrangements, including resistive, capacitive, optical, etc. In capacitance-based sensing arrangements, as an object approaches touch-sensitive surface  602 , a small capacitance forms between the object and sensing nodes  604  in proximity to the object. By detecting changes in capacitance at each of the sensing nodes  604  caused by this small capacitance, and by noting the position of the sensing nodes, a sensing circuit  606  can detect and monitor multiple touches. The capacitive sensing nodes can be based on self-capacitance or mutual capacitance. In self-capacitance systems, the “self” capacitance of a sensing point is measured relative to some reference, e.g., ground. Sensing nodes  604  can be spatially separated electrodes. These electrodes are coupled to driving circuitry  608  and sensing circuitry  606  by conductive traces  612   a  (drive lines) and  612   b  (sense lines). In some self-capacitance embodiments, a single conductive trace to each electrode can be used as both a drive and sense line. In mutual capacitance systems, the “mutual” capacitance between a first electrode and a second electrode can be measured. In mutual capacitance sensing arrangements, the sensing nodes can be formed by the crossings of patterned conductors forming spatially separated lines. For example, driving lines  612   a  can be formed on a first layer and sensing lines  612   b  can be formed on a second layer  612   b  such that the drive and sense lines cross or “intersect” one another at sensing nodes  604 . The different layers can be different substrates, different sides of the same substrate, or the same side of a substrate with some dielectric separation. Because the drive and sense lines are separated, there is a capacitive coupling node at each “intersection.” 
     The manner in which the drive and sense lines are arranged can vary. For example, in a Cartesian coordinate system (as illustrated), the drive lines can be formed as horizontal rows, while the sense lines can be formed as vertical columns (or vice versa), thus forming a plurality of nodes that can be considered as having distinct x and y coordinates. Alternatively, in a polar coordinate system, the sense lines can be a plurality of concentric circles with the drive lines being radially extending lines (or vice versa), thus forming a plurality of nodes that can be considered as having distinct r and angle coordinates. In either case, drive lines  612   a  can be connected to drive circuit  608 , and sensing lines  612   b  can be connected to sensing circuit  606 . 
     During operation, a drive signal (e.g., a periodic voltage) is applied to each drive line  612   a . When driven, the charge impressed on drive line  612   a  can capacitively couple to the intersecting sense lines  612   b  through nodes  604 . This can cause a detectable, measurable current and/or voltage in sense lines  612   b . The relationship between the drive signal and the signal appearing on sense lines  612   b  is a function of the capacitance coupling the drive and sense lines, which, as noted above, can be affected by an object in proximity to node  604 . Capacitance sensing circuit (or circuits)  606  can sense sensing lines  612   b  and can determines the capacitance at each node as described in greater detail below. As discussed above, drive lines  612   a  were driven one at a time, while the other drive lines were grounded. This process was repeated for each drive line  612   a  until all the drive lines had been driven, and a touch image (based on capacitance) was built from the sensed results. Once all the lines  612   a  had been driven, the sequence would repeat to build a series of touch images. 
     However, it is also possible to distinguish not only discrete objects such as a finger, but it is also possible to distinguish what can be referred to as a distributed object, or more simply a shape. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , ungrounded conductive strip  800  can be detected by MT  500  based in part upon the fact that conductive strip  800  is not grounded, there will be at least some conductive coupling between nodes  604  along diagonal D whenever, for example, row R is driven resulting in a signal S being detected by sense detectors S 2  through S 5  concurrently. In this way, even though diagonal conductive strip  800  is ungrounded, there is a sufficient correlation between pixels in separate rows that the presence of conductive strip  800  can be reliably detected as well as its orientation with respect to detection grid  804 . In this way, information can be uniquely associated with various detectable characteristics of diagonal conductive strip  800 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , diagonal conductive strip  800  can have orientation O 1  relative to touch screen  502  whereas diagonal conductive strip  702  can have orientation O 2  relative to touch screen  502 . Accordingly, information can be associated with both the position and orientations of diagonal conductive strip  400  and  402 . 
       FIG. 9  shows system  900  that includes protective cover  902  pivotally coupled to tablet device  100  in accordance with the described embodiments. In this embodiment, protective cover  902  can include a number of segments  904 - 910  at least some of which can include capacitive elements arranged in various patterns. For example, capacitive elements  912  can take the form of metallic strips (formed of, for example, aluminum) that are incorporated into segment  906  in an first diagonal pattern  914  where at least some of diagonal metallic strips  912  are arranged in an diagonal alternating pattern. In order to maximum the reliability of detection by capacitive detection nodes  604  in display  16 , each of the diagonal metallic strips  912  are arranged at about 45° in relation to the capacitive detection grid  804  in display  16  formed of capacitive detection nodes  604 . Referring to first diagonal pattern  914 , metallic diagonal strips  912 - 1  and  912 - 2  are arranged at about +45° in relation to the capacitive detection grid  804  in display  16  whereas metallic diagonal strips  912 - 3  and  912 - 4  are rotated 90° with respect to metallic diagonal strips  912 - 1  and  912 - 2  and about −45° in relation to the capacitive detection grid  806 . In this way, each of the diagonal metallic strips can be associated with a specific information element (such as a data bit “1”) that can depend, in part, upon the orientation of the specific diagonal metallic strip with respect to capacitive detection grid  806 . For example, diagonal metallic strip  912 - 1  can be associated with information element, or bit, corresponding to “1”,  912 - 2  to “1”,  912 - 3  to “0”,  912 - 4  to “0”, and so on. In this way, diagonal capacitive elements  912  can be associated with data word D 1  {1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1}. Likewise capacitive elements  916  in segment  908  can be associated with data word D 2  {0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1) and capacitive elements  918  in segment  910  can be associated with data word D 3  {1, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0). It should be noted that the length of the various data words need not be the same for each segment. Moreover, the capacitive elements themselves can vary from one segment to another and even vary from within each segment. In this way, information can be stored in any number of different ways in protective cover  902 . 
       FIG. 10  shows system  1000  that includes protective cover  1002  pivotally connected to tablet device  1004  in accordance with the described embodiments. Protective cover  1002  can include perimeter capacitive elements  1006  arrayed along a perimeter of flap  1008 . In this way, capacitive detection circuits  1010  disposed beneath display mask  1012  can gather information regardless of the operating state of display  16 . For example, when protective cover  1002  is in the closed configuration, display  16  will most likely be disabled thereby also disabling any touch screen functionality. However, with the presence of perimeter capacitive elements  1006 , tablet device  1004  can still gather information from perimeter capacitive elements  1006  using perimeter detection circuits  1010 . In one embodiment, perimeter capacitive elements  1006  can resemble an optical bar code in that information can be stored based upon the spacing, size, and electrical properties of each constituent capacitive element. It should be noted that the orientation of each of perimeter capacitive elements  1006  can be either diagonal, or not, in relation to the detection grid. 
     For example, due to the proximity of peripheral capacitive elements  1006  to an edge of flap  202  and housing  12  of tablet device  100 , a path to chassis ground can be formed by the contact of the edge of flap  202  and housing  12 . An electrical contact (s) can be incorporated into at least a portion of the edge of flap  202  thereby increasing a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the capacitive signal provided by peripheral capacitive elements  1006 . Therefore, due to the increase in SNR, the necessity for signal differentiation is reduced eliminating the need to use diagonal patterns. 
     The following figures illustrate the use of information provided by information elements embedded in a protective cover in identifying specific functions that can be carried out by an associated tablet device. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , cover information can be used by the tablet device to provide specific visual information at particular locations that correspond to specific features (such as cut outs) of the protective cover. Using the example of the cut out regions, this visual information can be provided even in those situations where the protective cover is closed with respect to the tablet device. 
       FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B  shows a situation where information provided by protective cover  200  can cause tablet device  100  to operate in a peek mode in accordance with the described embodiments. More particularly,  FIG. 11A  illustrates how information provided by protective cover  100  can cause tablet device  100  to operate in a simple peek mode. In the described embodiments, tablet device  100  operates in simple peek mode when selected icons  1102  or other visual elements can be displayed only in viewable portion  1104  of display  16  of tablet device  100 . Icons  1102  can be simply display type icons or in some instances, some or all of icons  1102  can be user interactive. For example, icon  1102 - 1  can display a clock showing the current time whereas icon  1102 - 2  can represent graphical user interfaces used to modify operations of a media player function performed by tablet device  100 . Other icons can include, icon  1102 - 3  representing current weather conditions, icon  1102 - 4  representing a stock market result, and so on.  FIG. 11B , on the other hand, illustrates a more advanced form of peek mode in which additional functionality can be enabled when it is determined that more than a pre-determined amount of display  16  is viewable. In this mode, additional information available in portions of protective cover  1100  in contact with display  16  can cause tablet device  100  to alter its operating state along the lines disclosed. For example, in an advanced peek mode, an additional display area that is viewable can be used to present video  1104  (with overlaid user interface  1102 - 2  or equivalent), textual data  1106  and so on. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  show representative system that includes protective cover  1200  in accordance with the described embodiments. As shown, protective cover  1200  has portions of flap  1202  with specific regions removed. The regions removed can have specific shapes and be positioned in specific locations with respect to display  16 . In this way, information provided by protective cover  1200  can cause tablet device  100  to present visual content in accordance with the size, shape, and locations of the cut out regions of protective cover  1200 . For example, cut out region  1204  shown in  FIG. 12A , can be have a size and shape associated with a clock icon whereas cut out region  1206  can be have a size and shape associated with a textual output such as a stock report, email, and so on. Moving on to  FIG. 12B , cut out  1208  can have a size and shape in accordance with a battery icon used to indicate a current battery status. Accordingly, as an end user changes protective covers, specific characteristics of the protective cover can be used to alter operations of the tablet device in accordance with the specific characteristics conveyed by the information embedded in the protective cover. 
       FIG. 12C  shows representative cover system  1212  that includes capacitively linked user interface  1214  in accordance with the described embodiments. Capacitively linked user interface  1214  can provide an end-user an easy to access user interface that can used to control functions of tablet device  100 . Capacitively linked user interface  1214  can include, for example, physical buttons  1216  (such as dome buttons) that can permit an end-user to provide instructions to tablet device  100 . For example, dome buttons  1216 - 1  and  1216 - 3  can be used to provide a forward/reverse function whereas dome button  1216 - 2  can provide a pause function or a stop function. In one implement, each physical button  1216  can include terminals in the form of electrical traces or the like that can be connected to conductive strips inside protective cover  1200 . When any of buttons  1216  is pressed, the terminals can be shorted having the effect of altering an electrical characteristic of the conductive strips incorporated within protective cover  1200 . The altering of the electrical characteristics can be detected by the detection grid and can be further associated with information that can be used by the processor in tablet device  100 . 
     For example, when fast forward dome button  1216 - 1  is pressed, terminals associated with button  1216 - 1  can be shorted having the effect of altering a capacitive pattern detected by tablet device  100 . The altered capacitive pattern can be associated with increasing a play rate of media currently be presented by tablet device  100 . On the other hand, pressing pause button  1216 - 2  can have the effect of pausing (or stopping and exiting) any current operation currently being carried out by tablet device  100 . Additional input buttons can include, for example, up/down button  1216 - 4  that can be used to advance or regress chapters, go up/down a level, and so forth. 
       FIG. 12C  shows representative cover system  1212  that includes capacitively linked user interface  1214  in accordance with the described embodiments. Capacitively linked user interface  1214  can provide an end-user an easy to access user interface that can used to control functions of tablet device  100 . Capacitively linked user interface  1214  can include, for example, physical buttons  1216  (such as dome buttons) that can permit an end-user to provide instructions to tablet device  100 . For example, dome buttons  1216 - 1  and  1216 - 3  can be used to provide a forward/reverse function whereas dome button  1216 - 2  can provide a pause function or a stop function. In one implement, each physical button  1216  can include terminals in the form of electrical traces or the like that can be connected to conductive strips inside protective cover  1200 . When any of buttons  1216  is pressed, the terminals can be shorted having the effect of altering an electrical characteristic of the conductive strips incorporated within protective cover  1200 . The altering of the electrical characteristics can be detected by the detection grid and can be further associated with information that can be used by the processor in tablet device  100 . 
     For example, when fast forward dome button  1216 - 1  is pressed, terminals associated with button  1216 - 1  can be shorted having the effect of altering a capacitive pattern detected by tablet device  100 . The altered capacitive pattern can be associated with increasing a play rate of media currently be presented by tablet device  100 . On the other hand, pressing pause button  1216 - 2  can have the effect of pausing (or stopping and exiting) any current operation currently being carried out by tablet device  100 . Additional input buttons can include, for example, up/down button  1216 - 4  that can be used to advance or regress chapters, go up/down a level, and so forth. 
       FIG. 13  shows a flowchart detailing process  1300  in accordance with the described embodiments. Process  1300  can be performed by receiving a signal at  1302  from a Hall Effect sensor (HFX) indicating that a protective cover is in a closed configuration with respect to a display of a tablet device. At  1304 , the processor in the tablet device responds to the signal from the HFX sensor and disables the display. At  1306 , if the cover is determined to be identified, and then process  1300  ends, otherwise at  1308  the display is enabled and at  1310 , capacitive patterns embodied within the cover are detected. The detected capacitive patterns are detected using capacitive sensing circuits in the display. At  1312 , once the cover has been identified, then the display is disabled at  1314  and process  1300  ends. 
       FIG. 14  shows a flowchart detailing process  1400  in accordance with the described embodiments. Process  1400  can be carried out by performing at least the following operations by a tablet device associated with a foldable cover. In the described embodiment, process  1400  can start at  1402  by determining if the foldable cover is closed with respect to the tablet device. By closed it is meant that the protective cover is covering and therefore in proximity to a multi-touch (MT) detection grid disposed within the tablet device. For example, when the tablet device includes a display, the display can include MT functionality in accordance with the MT detection grid. Moreover, the determination if the cover is closed or not can be resolved in any suitable manner. For example, an optical sensor can detect the presence, or not, of the protective cover based upon an amount of light detected and based upon the amount of light deduce whether or not the foldable cover is closed or open. 
     In any case, once it is determined that the foldable cover is closed, a determination is made at  1404  if a pattern of information elements is detected. In one embodiment, the information elements can store information capacitively based upon size, orientation, shape, and so forth of the information elements and the MT detection grid. The pattern of information elements can, therefore, be based upon a correlation of individual characteristics of each of the information elements. For example, when the information element is a diagonal strip of aluminum, a rightward tilt can be associated with “1”, whereas a leftward tilt can be associated with “0”, and vice versa. When a pattern is detected, then at  1406 , a determination is made if the pattern is recognized or not. When the pattern is not recognized, then process  1400  ends, otherwise, at  1408 , the recognized pattern is associated with foldable cover information. The foldable cover information can include, for example, color, style, manufacture date and location, and so forth. At  1410 , the foldable cover information can then be stored in a data storage device in the tablet device for future reference. For example, if part of the foldable cover information includes a serial number, then the serial number can be associated with a database of authorized foldable covers that can be periodically stored and updated in the data storage device in the tablet device. If the foldable cover serial number does not match an authorized serial number, then the presumption is that the cover is not authenticated. 
       FIG. 15  is a block diagram of an electronic device  1500  suitable for use with the described embodiments. The electronic device  1500  illustrates circuitry of a representative computing device. The electronic device  1500  includes a processor  1502  that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the electronic device  1500 . The electronic device  1500  stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system  1504  and a cache  1506 . The file system  1504  is, typically, a storage disk or a plurality of disks. The file system  1504  typically provides high capacity storage capability for the electronic device  1500 . However, since the access time to the file system  1504  is relatively slow, the electronic device  1500  can also include a cache  1506 . The cache  1506  is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache  1506  is substantially shorter than for the file system  1504 . However, the cache  1506  does not have the large storage capacity of the file system  1504 . Further, the file system  1504 , when active, consumes more power than does the cache  1506 . The power consumption is often a concern when the electronic device  1500  is a portable media device that is powered by a battery  1524 . The electronic device  1500  can also include a RAM  1520  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  1522 . The ROM  1522  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM  1520  provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache  1506 . 
     The electronic device  1500  also includes a user input device  1508  that allows a user of the electronic device  1500  to interact with the electronic device  1500 . For example, the user input device  1508  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, etc. Still further, the electronic device  1500  includes a display  1510  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  1502  to display information to the user. A data bus  1516  can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system  1504 , the cache  1506 , the processor  1502 , and the CODEC  1513 . 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device  1500  serves to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs, podcasts, etc.) in the file system  1504 . When a user desires to have the electronic device play a particular media item, a list of available media items is displayed on the display  1510 . Then, using the user input device  1508 , a user can select one of the available media items. The processor  1502 , upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC)  1513 . The CODEC  1513  then produces analog output signals for a speaker  1514 . The speaker  1514  can be a speaker internal to the electronic device  1500  or external to the electronic device  1500 . For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the electronic device  1500  would be considered an external speaker. 
     The electronic device  1500  also includes a network/bus interface  1511  that couples to a data link  1512 . The data link  1512  allows the electronic device  1500  to couple to a host computer or to accessory devices. The data link  1512  can be provided over a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface  1511  can include a wireless transceiver. The media items (media assets) can pertain to one or more different types of media content. In one embodiment, the media items are audio tracks (e.g., songs, audio books, and podcasts). In another embodiment, the media items are images (e.g., photos). However, in other embodiments, the media items can be any combination of audio, graphical or visual content. Sensor  1526  can take the form of circuitry for detecting any number of stimuli. For example, sensor  1526  can include a Hall Effect sensor responsive to external magnetic field, an audio sensor, a light sensor such as a photometer, and so on. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is defined as any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. 
     The advantages of the embodiments described are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations can yield one or more of the following advantages. Many features and advantages of the present embodiments are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the embodiments should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents can be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110928
Publication Date: 20170808
Grant Date: 20170808
Priority Date: 20110928
Inventors: IVE JONATHAN P.
KERR DUNCAN R.
ROHRBACH MATTHEW D.
HOTELLING STEVE P.
MULLENS CHRISTOPHER T.
GRUNTHANER MARTIN P.
CRETELLA, JR. MICHAEL A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04M1/724092", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1634", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0245", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0283", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2250/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0283", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0245", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0393", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1677", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1677", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1634", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2250/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0283", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2011/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1634", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2250/12", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1677", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72527", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/0245", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72575", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/7246", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/7246", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/724092", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47910730