PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8762704-B2
Application Number: US-201113248950-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Customized content for electronic devices

Abstract:
A method for providing customized content to an electronic device. The method may include activating the electronic device through a packaging that substantially surrounds the electronic device, without substantially damaging or removing the packaging. Once the device is activating, connecting the electronic device to a content and providing the content to the electronic device without substantially damaging or removing the packaging.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for providing customized content to an electronic device comprising:
 wirelessly activating the electronic device through a packaging substantially surrounding the electronic device without substantially damaging or removing the packaging by passing a magnetic wand over a portion of the packaging and physically moving a mechanical power switch of the electronic device using a magnetic field of the magnetic wand from a first position to a second position so that the mechanical power switch remains in the second position in the absence of the magnetic field, thereby switching an electronic switch within the electronic device; 
 connecting the electronic device to content; and 
 providing the content to the electronic device without substantially damaging or removing the packaging. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing the content to the electronic device comprises one of downloading the content to the electronic device or associating the content to the electronic device. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein associating the content with the electronic device comprises providing a unique identifier corresponding to the electronic device. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 2 , wherein activating the electronic device through the packaging comprises inserting a connector through a connection aperture within the packaging. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the packaging further comprises a temporary connector and activating the electronic device through the packaging comprises electronically connecting a data connector to the temporary connector. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein connecting the electronic device to a content comprises connecting the electronic device to a computer via the data connector. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein providing the content to the electronic device comprises wirelessly transmitting data from a computer to the electronic device. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the content is at least one of an operating system, firmware update, an application, or a data file. 
     
     
       9. A system packaging an electronic device, comprising:
 an electronic device comprising:
 a processor; 
 an enclosure at least partially surrounding the processor and defining an input port; 
 a mechanical power switch coupled with the electronic device, wherein the mechanical switch is comprised of a magnetic material; 
 
 a package substantially surrounding the electronic device, the packaging comprising:
 an access aperture substantially aligned with the input port, 
 an internal guide path that actively guides a connector for communicating with the electronic device through the packaging and into a position for coupling with the input port; 
 
 a magnetic wand configured for physically moving the mechanical power switch of the electronic device by a magnetic field of the magnetic wand from a first position on the electronic device to a second position on the electronic device, thereby switching an electronic switch within the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a temporary connector spanning between the input port and the access aperture. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a living hinge coupled with the package and configured to releasably seal the access aperture. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 11 , wherein the living hinge, when sealing the access aperture, prevents water from entering the input port. 
     
     
       13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising: a medium configured to store computer-readable instructions thereon; and
 the computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a processing device cause the processing device to perform a method, comprising:
 wirelessly activating the electronic device through a packaging substantially surrounding the electronic device without substantially damaging or removing the packaging by passing a magnetic wand over a portion of the packaging and physically moving a mechanical power switch of the electronic device using a magnetic field of the magnetic wand from a first position to a second position so that the mechanical power switch remains in the second position in the absence of the magnetic field, thereby switching an electronic switch within the electronic device; 
 connecting the electronic device to content; and 
 providing the content to the electronic device without substantially damaging or removing the packaging. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 13 , wherein providing the content to the electronic device comprises one of downloading the content to the electronic device or associating the content to the electronic device, and wherein associating the content with the electronic device comprises providing a unique identifier corresponding to the electronic device. 
     
     
       15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 13 , wherein the packaging further comprises a temporary connector and activating the electronic device through the packaging comprises electronically connecting a data connector to the temporary connector. 
     
     
       16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 15 , wherein connecting the electronic device to a content comprises connecting the electronic device to a computer via the data connector. 
     
     
       17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 13 , wherein providing the content to the electronic device comprises wirelessly transmitting data from a computer to the electronic device. 
     
     
       18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 13 , wherein the content is at least one of an operating system, firmware update, an application, or a data file.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to electronic devices and more specifically, to providing content to electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices such as digital music players, video players, smart phones, mobile gaming devices, laptops, and so on may include a variety of content such as music files, video files, applications, and so on. These electronic devices may often be sold in stores, online, or other retailers in packaging. The packaging may protect the electronic devices from damage during shipping, storage, and so on, as well as enhance attractiveness to consumers and/or reduce the likelihood of shoplifting. Prior to a particular electronic device being removed from its packaging, the content on the device typically is not customized. In other words, every electronic device of a particular model, if it includes any content, usually includes the same content. This is because it may be extremely time consuming and prohibitively expensive to customize content for each specific electronic device prior to packaging, as each device need to be accessed individually, slowing manufacturing, shipping, and other processes. 
     SUMMARY 
     Examples of embodiments described herein may take the form of a method for providing customized content to an electronic device. The method may include activating the electronic device through a package that substantially surrounds the electronic device, without substantially damaging or removing the package. Once the device is activated, connecting the electronic device to content and providing the content to the electronic device without substantially damaging or removing the package. 
     Other embodiments may take the form of a method for individualizing content on an electronic device enclosed with a package. The method may include connecting a data connector in the electronic device through the package. Once the data connector has been connected to the electronic device, transferring content from a computer to the electronic device and disconnecting the electronic device from the data connector. 
     Still other embodiments may include a system for packaging an electronic device. The system includes an electronic device and a package. The electronic device includes a processor and an enclosure at least partially surrounding the processor and defining an input port. The package substantially surrounds the electronic device and at least partially protects debris from encountering the electronic device. The package includes an access aperture substantially aligned with the input port, where the access aperture is configured to receive a connector for communicating with the electronic device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic device. 
         FIG. 1B  is a block diagram of the electronic device of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the electronic device substantially enclosed in a package. 
         FIG. 2B  is a bottom plan view of the electronic device substantially enclosed in the package. 
         FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of the electronic device substantially enclosed in the package and including a temporary cover over an access aperture in the package. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the electronic device substantially enclosed in the package with a connector positioned substantially beneath the access aperture. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the electronic device substantially enclosed in the package with the connector inserted through the access aperture and connected to the electronic device. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the package for enclosing the electronic device. 
         FIG. 4B  is a bottom plan view of the package enclosing the electronic device of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the package of  FIG. 4A  with the connector in communication with the electronic device. 
         FIG. 6A  is another embodiment of an electronic device in a package. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of a controller positioned over the package and the electronic device of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart of an exemplary method for providing custom content to the electronic device. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of a user using a second computing device to provide custom content and a label for the electronic device. 
     
    
    
     SPECIFICATION 
     Some embodiments described herein may take the form of various methods and devices for providing customized content to electronic devices without removing the electronic devices from the packaging. As described herein “content” refers to any type of software, firmware, or electronic files, such as but not limited to, data files, operating systems, software or firmware updates, music files, images, videos, and so on. In one embodiment, a package for electronic devices includes a connection or access aperture that may substantially aligned with an input port or other port for the device. In this embodiment, the access aperture is configured to receive a connector therethrough, and the connector may electronically connect to the device through the packaging. Once the device is connected to the connector, a user may selectively choose content to be downloaded or associated with the device. 
     In another embodiment, the package may include an embedded or temporary connector that may include a connection port accessible through the packaging. In this embodiment, the temporary connector may be made of a relatively disposable or inexpensive material, one example of which is cardboard with copper wiring attached thereto, or another similar type of temporary connector mechanism. The temporary connector may be positioned in the packaging so as to be in communication with the device. An external connector may then connect to the device through the temporary connector. Once the connector is attached, a user may select content to be downloaded or associated with the device. 
     In yet another embodiment, the device may be activated wirelessly and data may be transmitted wirelessly through the package. For example, the device may be turned on physically by using a controller, such as a magnetic controller, that may displace the power switch from a first position to a second position. In another example, the controller may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that may be used to activate the device. In another example, the device may include a sensor and may activate itself when a particular motion, sound, light, or image is sensed. The device may also be activated by inducing a current in the device through a magnetic coil or the like. Once the device is activated, the user may select content to be downloaded or associated with the device. 
     The user may select content from another computing device, such as a computer or kiosk, or may select content from a wireless source (e.g., cloud storage, local or online retailer, and the like). The content may be downloaded directly to the device through the package, or may be associated with the device, e.g., through a serial number of the device, gift card identification, user name, or other identification code. Additionally or alternatively, the user may select to delete content from the device, rather than add content to the device. In other examples, the content may be created by the user using the device, e.g., by taking a picture using a camera on the device when the device has been activated. 
     The device may be further customized, in that the content may be integrated into a software package which may allow customized home screens, startup screens, or background images. In one example, a user may associate content with the device that may be select images that may apparent on a home screen or background screen of the electronic device. 
     Furthermore, select content may be printed and included as a part of the package. For example, the user may create content or may select content to be printed by a printing device and placed on the package. The printed content may be selected to correspond to the electrical content stored or tied to the device. 
     The Electronic Device 
     The methods and devices described herein can be used with substantially any type of device that may be transported, sold, or otherwise enclosed in some form of packaging. However, in some embodiments, these methods and devices may be used with an electronic device  100 .  FIG. 1A  is an isometric view of an exemplary electronic device.  FIG. 1B  is an exemplary block diagram of the electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  may be substantially any type of electronic device that stores content, such as but not limited to, a computer, mobile phone, smart phone, digital music player, digital camera, calculator, personal digital assistant, television, and so on. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the electronic device  100  is a portable electronic device such as a digital musical player or mobile phone, but other options are envisioned and the figures are meant to be exemplary only. 
     The electronic device  100  may include a display  104 , at least one input member  108 , an input port  110 , a power switch  106 , and an enclosure  102  at least partially surrounding select or all of the components of the electronic device  100 . The power switch  106  may turn the electronic device  100  and on and off, e.g., may activate and deactivate the electronic device  100 . The power switch  106  may be positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device  100  and may be substantially any type of input mechanism, e.g., button, switch, knob, and so on. 
     The display  104  may provide an image or video output for the electronic device  100 . The display  104  may be substantially any size and may be positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, the display  104  may be a liquid display screen, plasma screen, light emitting diode screen, and so on. The display  104  may further include an input sensor, e.g., capacitive touch screen. 
     The input member  108  (which may be a switch, capacitive sensor, or other input mechanism) allows a user to interact with the electronic device  100 . For example, the input member  108  may be a button or switch to alter the volume, return to a home screen, and the like. Additionally, the input member  108  may also provide haptic feedback or other haptic output for the electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  may include one or more input members  108 , and each button  108  may have a single or multiple input/output function. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the input member  108  may be incorporated into the display  104 , e.g., a capacitive touch screen as the display  104 . The input member  104  (which may be a switch, capacitive sensor, or other input mechanism) allows a user to interact with the electronic device  100 . 
     The enclosure  102  may form a portion of an exterior of the electronic device  100  and may at least partially surround select components, such as a processor, memory, and so on, of the electronic device  100 . The enclosure  102  may be removable from the device  100 , or may be substantially secured around the select components. 
     The input port  110  may be formed within or defined by the enclosure  102  and may electrically connect an external device (e.g., headphones, speakers) to one or more internal components of the mobile computing device  100 . The input port  110  is configured to receive an electrical connector for the electronic device  100 . For example, the input port  110  may be configured to receive a power cord, a data cable (e.g., universal serial bus, fiber optic, tip ring sleeve connector, and the like), or a combination data and power cable. The electronic device  100  may include more than one input port  110  and each input port  110  may be positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device  100 . 
     The electronic device  100  may also include a sensor  122  positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device  100 . The sensor  122  may include a single sensor or multiple sensors. Additionally, the sensor  122  may be configured to sense substantially any type of characteristic, such as but not limited to, images, pressure, light, touch, heat, movement, relative motion, and so on. For example, the sensor  122  may be an image sensor, a heat sensor, a light or optical sensor, an accelerometer, a pressure transducer, a gyroscope, a magnet, and so on. 
     Furthermore, the electronic device  100  may include a processor  112 , a network/communication interface  114 , an input/output interface  118  (which may include the display  104 , input members  108 , and/or input port  110 ), and memory  116 . The processor  112  may control operation of the electronic device  100  and its various components. The processor  112  may be in communication with the input port  110 , the display  104 , the input member  108 , the network/communication interface  114 , the memory  116  and the input/output interface  118 . The processor  112  may be any electronic device cable of processing, receiving, and/or transmitting instructions. For example, the processor  112  may be a microprocessor or a microcomputer. 
     For example, the network/communication interface  114  may be used to place phone calls from electronic device  100  (in embodiments where the electronic device  100  is a phone), may be used to receive data from a network, or may be used to send and transmit electronic signals via a wireless or wired connection (Internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet being a few examples). 
     The memory  116  may store electronic data that may be utilized by the electronic device  100 . For example, the memory  116  may store electrical data or content e.g., audio files, video files, document files, and so on, corresponding to various applications. The memory  116  may be, for example, non-volatile storage, a magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium, magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable memory, or flash memory. 
     The input/output interface  118  facilitates communication by the electronic device  100  to and from a variety of devices/sources. For example, the input/output interface  118  may receive data from user, control buttons (e.g., input member  108 ) on the electronic device  100 , and so on. Additionally, the input/output interface  116  may also receive/transmit data to and from an external drive, e.g., a universal serial bus (USB), or other video/audio/data inputs. Furthermore, in other embodiments input/output interface  118  may include an audio output component such as a speaker or audio jack in order to provide an audio output for the device. 
     It should be noted that  FIGS. 1A and 1B  are exemplary only. In other examples, the electronic device may include fewer or more components than those shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
     Input Port Access Through Packaging 
     A package for the electronic device  100  will now be discussed.  FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of the electronic device  100  substantially enclosed within a package  150 .  FIG. 2B  is a bottom plan view of the electronic device  100  enclosed within the package  150 . The package  150  may substantially enclose the electronic device  100  and may prevent the electronic device  100  from collecting debris, being damaged, and the like during transportation, distribution, storage, sale, and so on. 
     The package  150  may be substantially any shape. However, as shown in  FIG. 2A , it may be configured to generally correspond to the shape of the electronic device  100 . The package  150  may be constructed out of substantially any type of material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, cardboard, paper, expanded polystyrene foam, paperboard, metals or alloys, wood, and so on. In one embodiment, the package  150  may be a hard, at least partially rigid plastic in order to provide a stiff enclosure for the electronic device  100 . 
     The package  150  may include a bottom wall  162  and two sidewalls  158 ,  160  extending substantially vertically upward from opposite edges of the bottom wall  162  and parallel to each other. The package  150  may further include a top wall  156  spanning horizontally between a top end of each side wall  158 ,  160 . A front and back wall  164 ,  166  extend from opposite edges of the bottom wall  162 , and are substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls  158 ,  160 . It should be appreciated that  FIG. 2A  is not necessarily drawn to any particular scale or proportion, and is intended to illustrate certain components generally rather than precise, exact relationships between such components. Likewise, some elements or components may be omitted from the view of  FIG. 2A  in order to more clearly illustrate what is shown in order to effectively describe certain embodiments. The foregoing is true for all other figures in this application, as well. 
     The package  150  may define a cavity  168  in which the electronic device  100  may be supported. The cavity  168  may be modified based on the desired packaging strength or appearance desired. For example, in some embodiments, the walls  158 ,  160 ,  164 ,  166  may be configured to substantially conform to the shape of the electronic device  100 . In these examples, the cavity  168  may substantially trace the shape of the electronic device  100 . However, in other embodiments, the cavity  168  may be much larger than the electronic device  100  and the walls of the package  150  may be spaced apart from the electronic device  100 . 
     The package  150  may also include a product support  170  to support the electronic device  100  within the package  150 . The product support  170  may position the electronic device  100  at a certain height or position within the package  150 . As shown in  FIG. 2A , the product support  170  may support a bottom surface of the electronic device  100 . However, in other examples, the product support  170  may be differently configured and may support a rear surface of the electronic device  100 , a top surface, and so on. Furthermore, the product support  170  may be omitted in other embodiments. It should be noted that after  FIG. 2A , the product support  170  has been hidden so that other aspects of the package  150  may be seen. 
     The package  150  may define an access or connection aperture  152 . The access aperture  152  may be defined through a portion of the package  150  and provides an opening to electronically connect to the electronic device  100 . For example, a connection cable may be inserted through the access aperture  152  to electronically connect to the electronic device  100 . Thus, the electronic device  100  may be accessed without opening the package  150 , thereby potentially substantially maintaining the integrity and strength of the package  150 . The access aperture may permit content to be loaded onto the device electronically without removing the device from the packaging. The access aperture  152  may be positioned in the package  150  so as to be substantially aligned with the input port  110 , therefore the location of the input port  110  may drive the location of the access aperture  152   
       FIG. 2B  is a bottom view of the package  150 . As can been seen in  FIG. 2B , the access aperture  152  may be substantially aligned with the input port  110 , so that a connection cable may be inserted substantially straight through the access aperture  152  in order to connect with the input port  110 . 
     In one example, the access aperture  152  may be a rectangular aperture defined through the bottom wall  162  and may extend into the cavity  168 . In other embodiments, such as ones where the cavity  168  may be substantially formed around the electronic device  100 , the access aperture  152  may extend through the package  150  to the electronic device  100 . In this manner, the access aperture  152  may define a guide path or tunnel through the package  150  to the electronic device  100 . It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the access aperture  152  may be defined via slits or cuts within the package  150 , which may form a door or living hinge. 
     The dimensions of the access aperture  152  may be configured based on the electronic device  100 , its position and configuration within the package  150 , the dimensions of the input port  110 , and/or the spatial relationship of the device/input port to the package. For example in some embodiments, the electronic device  100  may include a smaller sized input port  111  than shown in  FIG. 1A . In this example, the access aperture  152  may have smaller dimensions than those shown in  FIG. 2A . 
     In some embodiments, the package  150  may further include a temporary cover or door to provide a covering or stopper for the access aperture  152 .  FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of the package  150  including the electronic device  100  and a temporary cover  172 . The temporary cover  172  may be positioned over the access aperture  152 . The temporary cover  172  may be a stopper-like member that may be inserted into the access aperture  152  or may be a label or paper including adhesive that may be positioned cover the access aperture  152 . Similarly, the temporary cover  172  may be a door or living hinge that may be define the access aperture  152 . The temporary cover  172  may prevent debris, water, or the like from entering into the cavity  168  and the input port  110 . The temporary cover  172  may be selectively removable so that the electronic device  100  may be accessed and then replaced to cover the access aperture  152 . 
     As described above, the access aperture  152  may provide a port or pathway for a connector (such as a Universal Serial Bus, or other data cable) to access the input port  110  without substantially damaging or otherwise opening the package  150 .  FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the electronic device within the package with a connector  174  about to be inserted into the access aperture.  FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the electronic device  100  within the package  150  with the connector  174  inserted. The access aperture  152  and the input port  110  are configured to receive the connector  174 . 
     The connector  174  may be electronically connected to a second computing device, such as a computer, laptop, mobile electronic device, store kiosk and the like. The connector  174  may be substantially any type of connector, such as a power and/or data connector. In some examples, the connector  174  may be a USB cable or 30 pin connector. However, other connector types are envisioned as well. 
     The connector  174  may be inserted into the access aperture  152  and then into the input port  110 . Once the connector  174  has been received within the input port  110 , the electronic device  100  may be activated or powered on. Additionally, the connector  174  may transfer content or data such as music files, video files, applications, and so on, from the second computer (not shown) to the electronic device  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , once the connector  174  is inserted into the access aperture  152 , the electronic device  100  may activate and the display  104  may display an initial screen  180 . The initial screen  180  may be substantially any type of graphical user interface and may include a display of particular data, such as music information, video information or the like. The transfer of content to the electronic device  100  is discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
     Temporary Connector Embedded into Packaging 
     In another embodiment, a temporary or package connector may form a portion of the package  150 .  FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the electronic device  100  included within the package  150  having a package connector  184 .  FIG. 4B  is a bottom plan view of the electronic device  100  included within the package  150  illustrated in  FIG. 4A . The package connector  184  may be formed within the cavity  168  and may be in communication with the input port  110 . In one example, the package connector  184  may be in electrical communication with the input port  110 . 
     The package connector  184  may extend through at least a portion of the package  150  and may be substantially flush with the access aperture  152  or may extend slight past or terminate slightly before the bottom wall  162 . The package connector  184  may allow the connector  174  to connect to the electronic device  100  without requiring the connector  174  to be inserted into the package  150 . 
     The package connector  184  may be temporary, in that it may be formed of a disposable or relatively inexpensive material, such as cardboard, plastic, or so on. The material forming the package connector  184  may further include conductive wiring, a printed circuit board, or another type of component for transmitting electrical signals. In this manner, the package connector  184  may transmit signals to and from the electronic device  100  and the connector  174 . For example, the package connector  184  may be a plastic portion insert molded into the package  150  including electrical contacts or wiring. 
     The package connector  184  may include a receiving port  188  for receiving a terminal end of the connector  174 . The receiving port  188  may be substantially the same as the input port  110 , so that the connector  174  may be able to be received within either the package connector  184  or the input port  110 . 
     However, in other embodiments, the receiving port  188  may be configured differently from the input port  110 . In these embodiments, a specialized connector may be used in order to connect to the electronic device  100  and the package connector  184  may act as an adapter between the specialized connector and the electronic device  100 . These embodiments may assist in preventing theft of the electronic device  100  prior to being sold. For example, the electronic device  100  may be manufactured, transported and stored within the package  150 , and may not include any content stored in the memory  116 . Once the electronic device  100  is purchased, stocked in a store, or otherwise ready to be used, the specialized connector may connect to the package connector  184  to transfer content to the electronic device  100 . In some cases, this content may include an operating system or other key software component necessary to operate or activate the device. As the electronic device  100  may be substantially blank when being transported, and may only be activated or have content downloaded thereto by the specialized connector, a person may be substantially less likely to steal the electronic device  100  (or may be unable to use a stolen device). The specialized connector may be a non-standard connector with a unique pin layout in certain circumstances. 
     In other embodiments, the package connector  184  may be formed of a more permanent or more expensive material, such as a material similar to the connector  174 . For example, the package connector  184  may be a relatively permanent connector that may be included within the entire packaging of the device  100 . In this example, the package connector  184  may be inserted into the port  110  and then a second end of the package connector  184  may be positioned to be substantially aligned with the access aperture  152 . This embodiment, may allow a connector that may already be included with the packaging to be used to provide access to the electronic device  100  while it is in the package  150 . 
     Similar to the access aperture  152 , the package connector  184  may be positioned and configured in order to accommodate the position and orientation of the electronic device  100  within the package  150 . For example, although the package connector  184  is illustrated as extending or spanning between an inner surface of the bottom wall  162  of the package  150  to the bottom surface of the electronic device  100 , in other embodiments, the package connector  184  may be differently positioned, e.g., on a top, side or other position of the electronic device  100  and/or package  150 . 
     Wireless Connection to the Device 
     In another embodiment, the electronic device  100  may be activated and content may be transferred to the electronic device  100  wirelessly.  FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the package  250 . The package  250  may be substantially similar to the package  150 , but the access aperture  152  may be omitted. In this embodiment, the package  250  may be substantially enclosed and sealed so that debris, water, and so on, may be substantially prevented from entering into the cavity  168 . Thus, the electronic device  100  may be substantially encased within the package  250 . 
     In the embodiment of the package  250  illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the electronic device  100  may be activated and content may transferred to the electronic device  100  wirelessly. In one example, an external device, such as a wand or controller, may be used to activate the device.  FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the package  250  and the electronic device  100 , with a controller  252  activating the electronic device  100 . The controller  252  may couple to the electronic device  100  to activate a switch, one example of which is power switch  106 . 
     In one example, the controller  252  may physically move the power switch  106  from an off position to an on position, and vice versa. The arrows in  FIG. 6B  illustrate the potential relative movement of the power switch  106  as it interacts with the controller  252 . For example, the power switch  106  and the controller  252  may be corresponding magnets, such that the controller  252  can magnetically move the power switch  106  (or other relay) mechanically. In this example, the controller  252  and the power switch  106  may be permanent magnets, electromagnets, or programmable magnets. Further, the controller  252  and the power switch  106  may be substantially any type of material that has a magnetic field or can be configured to produce a magnetic field. 
     In operation, a user may pass the controller  252  over the top wall  156  of the package  250  in a direction in which he or she desires the power switch  106  to move. As the controller  252  passes over the top wall  156 , a magnetic force produced by the controller  252  interacts (through the top wall  156 ) with the power switch  106 . The magnetic force may then pull the power switch  106  in the direction that the controller  252  is moving. As the power switch  106  moves from a first position to a second position, the electronic device  100  may change states, e.g., the electronic device  100  may switch from off to on, from hibernate to on, from on to off, and so on. 
     In one example, the controller  252  may be used to activate or turn on the electronic device  100 . After the electronic device  100  is turned on, content, e.g., music files, data, and so on, may be transferred from a second computing device to the electronic device  100  wirelessly, e.g., through the network/communication interface  114  or the like. The transfer of content to the electronic device will be discussed in more detail with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
     In other embodiments, the controller  252  may activate the electronic device  100  wirelessly rather than mechanically. For example, the controller  252  may have a unique electronic identifier that corresponds to a unique identifier in the electronic device  100 . The sensor  122  may then sense the unique identifier and may activate the electronic device  100 . 
     It should be appreciated that the controller may be stationary in some embodiments and the package, with device, passed beneath it to achieve the same results discussed herein. 
     In one example, the controller  252  may include a RFID tag that may correspond to the electronic device  100 . As the controller  252  passes over the sensor  122 , the sensor  122  may recognize the unique identifier (the RFID tag) that may be transmitted by the controller  252 . If the unique identifier corresponds to the electronic device  100 , the sensor  122  may then activate the electronic device  100 . In this example, the sensor  122  may be an active RFID sensor, and may detect the controller&#39;s RFID tag. In such embodiments, the controller  252  may employ a passive RFID tag. However, other options are possible. 
     In another example, the controller  252  may be an induction coil that operates in conjunction with a corresponding coil in the electronic device  100 . For example, the sensor  122  may include a corresponding induction coil that may produce a current when placed in close proximity to the controller  252 . In another example, the electronic device  100  may include a speaker as a part of the input/output interface  118 . As the controller  252  is positioned over the location of the package  250  corresponding to the speaker, the controller  252  may induce a current in a coil of the speaker. For example, the speaker may include a selectively magnetized coil in order to vibrate a diaphragm in order to produce sounds; this coil may be magnetized by the controller  252  while the device  100  is in the package  250 . 
     As the speaker is activated, it may provide an input to the processor  112  to activate the electronic device  100 . Similarly, the controller  252  may also induce the speaker coil indirectly. For example, the controller  252  may produce a vibration that causes the diagram of the speaker to vibrate, inducting a current in the speaker coil to wake the device  100 . It should be noted that the aforementioned embodiments may also be used with a transducer microphone instead of a speaker in the electronic device  100 . 
     In another embodiment, the controller  252  may be a light source and the sensor  122  may be a light sensor. In this embodiment, the controller  252  may be activated and direct a light, such as a ultra-violet light, an incandescent light, a light emitting diode, or the like, towards the sensor  122  through the package  250 . The sensor  122 , which may be an optical sensor, or other light sensing component, may then sense the light source and activate the electronic device  100  by sending a signal to the processor  112 , or activating a power source of the electronic device  100 . 
     Similar to the previous embodiment, in some embodiments the controller  252  may be omitted and the sensor  122  may be a light sensor. The sensor  122  may then be covered on the outside of the package  250 , e.g., by the temporary cover  172 . The temporary cover  172  or other item may then be removed when the electronic device  100  is to be activated. The sensor  122  may then detect the ambient light or a change in the light and may the activate the electronic device  100 . 
     Other embodiments for the sensor  122  are also possible. For example, the sensor  122  may be a pressure transducer and the electronic device  100  may be activated by a user blowing air or otherwise providing change in pressure into the package  150 . 
     It should be noted that it substantially any of the above mentioned embodiments, the sensor  122  may be detached from the electronic device  100 . For example, the sensor  122  may be included as part of to eh package  250  and may in communication with the electronic device  100 , e.g., through input port  110 . Thus, the sensor  122  may only be used to activate the electronic device  100 , and may not be included during the normal functions of the electronic device  100 . 
     Providing Content to the Device 
     Once the electronic device  100  is activated, content, such as an operating system, firmware (e.g., programs and/or data structures that internally control various electronic devices), software programs, software updates, firmware updates, data files, and applications may be transferred or associated with the electronic device  100 . The content may be customized and individualized for the specific electronic device  100 .  FIG. 7  is a flow chart of an exemplarily method for providing content to the electronic device  100 . 
     The method  300  may begin with operation  302  and the electronic device  100  may be activated or turned on. As described above, the electronic device  100  may be activated in a number of different manners, such as but not limited to, connecting the connector  174  to the device  100  (either through the access aperture  152  or through the temporary connector  184 ), or wirelessly activating the electronic device  100 . 
     After the electronic device  100  has been activated, the method  300  may proceed to operation  304 . In operation  304 , custom content may be associated or downloaded to the device  100 . For example, the user may provide an input to the electronic device  100  indicating that he or she may create his or her own content or otherwise select a unique or individualized selection of content to be associated with or downloaded to the device  100 . Or, the electronic device  100  may not include an essential software component, and the user may select an option to provide the electronic device  100  with content. 
     Custom content may be substantially any type of content, but may be individualized for the particular electronic device  100  (for example, content selected by a user). Non-custom content may be content that may be common to all instances of a particular electronic device, such as an operating system or the like. It should be noted that a user may select particular custom content for a first electronic device and then reselect that same custom content for a second electronic device, and the content on each electronic device may still be considered “custom.” 
     In operation  304 , if custom content is desired, the method  300  may proceed to operation  306 . In operation  306 , the electronic device  100  and/or a second computing device may present an option to the user to determine if he or she wishes to create content, e.g., take a photograph, record a sound, or the like. In operation  306 , if the user wishes to create his or her own content, the method  300  may proceed to operation  310  and the user may create the content. The content may be created with the electronic device  100 , for example, a user may use the sensor  122  to capture an image, record a sound, or the like. In another example, the user may create the content using a second computing device, for example, the user may create the content with a digital camera and transfer the content to the electronic device  100 . 
     After the content has been created or if the user did not choose to create content in operation  306 , the method  300  may proceed to operation  312 . In operation  312  the user may provide an input to the electronic device  100  or the second computing device selecting content to be associated or downloaded to the electronic device  100 . If the content is created by the user, the created content may then be chosen or selected by the user. This may involve providing an input to the electronic device  100  via the input member  108  indicating that a particular content should be added or may involve selecting a content on a second computing device. 
     The content may be selected or chosen from a variety of sources, including the custom content, which may be on the electronic device  100  itself, online content (e.g., content available from online retailers), content stored in the memory of the second computing device and so on. The content may be selected by the electronic device  100  or by the second computing device as well. As an example, the content may be a music selection of the top 25 artists, which may be automatically selected by the electronic device  100  or the second computing device. 
     Returning briefly to operation  304 , in operation  304 , if the user does not chose to create custom content, the method  300  may proceed to operation  308 . In operation  308  the user, the electronic device  100 , or the second computing device may determine whether the content should be updated. In one example, the user decide that the content of the device  100  to be updated. In a second example, the second computing device may determine that the content may need be updated. In yet another example, the electronic device  100 , once activated in operation  302 , may determine that its content is out of date and needs to be updated. 
     The content that may be updated may be content already included on the electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  may include an operating system, data files, musical files, and the like that may be updated. For example, the electronic device  100  may include software which may have been updated to a new version while the electronic device  100  was being transported or stored. Thus, if content is to be updated on the electronic device  100 , the new version of the software may be downloaded or associated with the electronic device  100 , while the electronic device  100  is encased within the package  150 ,  250 . 
     After operation  312 , or in operation  308 , the content was chosen to be updated, the method  300  may proceed to operation  314 . In operation  314  the electronic device  100  or the second computing device presents an option to the user whether the content should be stored over a network or whether the content should be stored on the electronic device  100 . If the content is to be stored remotely, e.g., in cloud storage over a network, the method  300  may proceed to operation  322 . In operation  322  the electronic device  100  associates the content with a unique identifier. The unique identifier may be a serial number of the electronic device  100 , a gift card, a user name, a store name, and so on. Substantially any type of identification to associate the content with the particular user or with the electronic device  100  may be used. 
     Once the content is associated with the electronic device  100  or the user, the content may be selectively or automatically accessed. For example, a user may associate the content with the electronic device  100  while in a retail store purchasing the electronic device  100 . After the electronic device  100  has been purchased, the user may take it home and turn on the electronic device  100 . In one example, the content may be automatically associated with the electronic device  100  and may be accessibly substantially immediately when the user activates the electronic device  100 . In another example, the electronic device  100  may present the user the option of accessing the content, or the user may search for the content. Thus, the content accessible by the electronic device  100  may be substantially customized without opening the package  150 ,  250  or destroying the package  150 ,  250 . 
     After the content has been associated with a unique identifier, the method  300  may proceed to operation  324  and the electronic device  100  may be deactivated. As described above, the electronic device  100  may be deactivated by a user either wirelessly, wired, or another manner, e.g., predetermined time-out session, the device  100  turns off after a set period. 
     In operation  314 , if the content is not stored remotely, the method  300  may proceed to operation  316 . In operation  316  the electronic device  100  or the second computing device determines if the content is local to the electronic device  100 . For example, the content may already be stored on the memory  112  of the device  100  as the content may have been created with the electronic device  100 . If the content is local, the method  300  may proceed to operation  320  and the content may be added by the electronic device  100 , if the content has not already been added to the memory  112  of the electronic device  100 . 
     In operation  316 , if the content is not local, the method  300  may proceed to operation  318 . In operation  318  the content is downloaded to the electronic device  100  via the connection cable  174 , the temporary connector  184 , or wirelessly (e.g., via the network/communication interface  114 , sensor  122 , or input/output  118 ). In one embodiment, the content may be transferred to the electronic device  100  via the connection cable  174 . In another embodiment, the content may be downloaded to the electronic device  100  via the network/communication interface  114 . After the content has been downloaded or otherwise added to electronic device  100 , the method  300  may proceed to operation  324  and the device may be deactivated. 
     After the content has bee added or otherwise associated with the electronic device  100 , a label  402  may be created.  FIG. 8  is a diagram of a user  404  creating a customized label  402  to place on the package  150 ,  250 . The user  404  may use a second computing device  406 , which may be in the form of a computer, laptop, mobile electronic device, or as shown in  FIG. 8 , a kiosk, to create the label  402 . The label  402  may be designed by the user and/or my correspond to the content added or associated with the electronic device  100 . For example, the content may be transferred to the electronic device  100  from the second computing device  406 , and thus the label  402  may be based on the content, e.g., a printout of the content names, an album cover corresponding to music downloaded to the device  100 , and so on. Alternatively or additionally, the user  404  may create the label  402  themselves. 
     Furthermore, the second computing device  406  may also be used to erase content included on the electronic device  100 . For example, a user may use method  300  to associate or download content to the electronic device  100  but may then not purchase the electronic device  100 . In this example, the second computing device  406  may be used to erase content on the electronic device  100 . The operations for erasing the content may be substantially the same as adding content to the electronic device  100 , in that the device  100  may be activated and electronically accessed, but content may be removed rather than added. 
     The method  300  and the embodiments for the package  150 ,  250  and electronic device  100  described herein may allow content to be customized and added to an electronic device without damaging or opening the packaging. This allows a user to give a personalized gift to a person, which may include selected content by the user in addition to the hardware and standardized content already include on the electronic device  100 . Furthermore, content may be updated, e.g., software programs, after a product has manufactured and shipped. Thus a user may purchase an electronic device with the most current software, even if the device had been manufactured weeks or months prior to the purchase. 
     Moreover, the embodiments described herein may provide theft protection for electronic devices. Electronic devices may be manufactured and transported without any content stored thereon. The content may then be added via a proprietary connector, unique identifier, or the like, as the electronic device is purchased. Thus, if an electronic device is stolen during transportation the device may be substantially useless. 
     CONCLUSION 
     The foregoing description has broad application. For example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on the packaging for an electronic device, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to packaging for other devices and apparatuses. Similarly, although the electronic device may be discussed with respect a mobile electronic device, the devices and techniques disclosed herein are equally applicable to other types of devices. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20110929
Publication Date: 20140624
Grant Date: 20140624
Priority Date: 20110929
Inventors: ROTHKOPF FLETCHER
DABOV TEODOR
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F9/445", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H36/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1628", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06K7/10128", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06K7/10366", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/181", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/181", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1628", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F9/445", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H36/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47144094