PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10725722-B1
Application Number: US-201816125371-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Modular multiple display electronic devices

Abstract:
Electronic computer systems are described. In particular embodiments, the electronic systems include a first electronic device having a first display and first computing resources and a second electronic device having a second display and second computing resources. The electronic systems also include a coupling element that is configured to mechanically couple and provide a communication path between the first electronic device and the second electronic device. In a coupled configuration, the first computing resources are available for use by the second electronic device via the communication path such that the first display is operable as a primary display capable of presenting visual content in accordance with the first and second computing resources, and the second display is operable as a secondary display that is capable of providing data for operation of the coupled configuration.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic computer system, comprising:
 a first electronic device having a first display and first computing resources; 
 a second electronic device having a second display and second computing resources; and 
 a coupling element comprising i) a first part coupled to the first electronic device and ii) a second part coupled to the second electronic device, the first part rotationally coupled to the second part, wherein the coupling element is configured to provide a communication path between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, 
 wherein, when the first electronic device is coupled to the second electronic device via the communication path, the first electronic device utilizes the first computing resources and the second computing resources and the second display is operable as a secondary display configured to provide data to the first electronic device. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic computer system of  claim 1 , wherein the second computing resources comprises at least one of an operating system, a memory storage, or a power storage. 
     
     
       3. The electronic computer system of  claim 1 , wherein, when the first electronic device is uncoupled from the second electronic device, the first electronic device and the second electronic device are independently operable. 
     
     
       4. The electronic computer system of  claim 1 , wherein, when the first electronic device is coupled to the second electronic device via the communication path, the first computing resources are configured to be utilized by the second electronic device to augment the second computing resources. 
     
     
       5. The electronic computer system of  claim 1 , wherein the communication path comprises a wireless communication path. 
     
     
       6. The electronic computer system of  claim 1 , wherein the first electronic device is configured in a conjunctive operational mode when the first electronic device is coupled to the second electronic device via the communication path of the coupling element, the conjunctive operational mode permitting the first computing resources to be identified as available for use by the second electronic device. 
     
     
       7. The electronic computer system of  claim 6 , wherein the first electronic device switches to the conjunctive operational mode in response to establishing a connection via the communication path between the first electronic device and the second electronic device. 
     
     
       8. A coupling element for coupling a first electronic device having first computing resources and a first display and a second electronic device having second computing resources and a second display, the coupling element comprising:
 a body element including a first part having a first securing feature capable of attaching to the first electronic device and a second part having a second securing feature capable of attaching to the second electronic device, wherein the first part is rotationally coupled to the second part and vice versa; and 
 a communication path positioned between the first part of the body element and the second part of the body element, the communication path being configured to enable the first electronic device to communicate with the second electronic device, 
 wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are enabled to share the respective computing resources using the communication path provided by the coupling element when the first electronic device and the second electronic device are attached to the body element by way of the first securing feature and the second securing feature respectively. 
 
     
     
       9. The coupling element of  claim 8 , wherein the communication path is disposed within the body element and extends between the first securing feature and the second securing feature. 
     
     
       10. The coupling element of  claim 9 , the body element further comprising a rotating hinge portion that facilitates rotation of the first securing feature at the first part of the body element with respect to the second securing feature at the second part of the body element,
 wherein the communication path further extends through the rotating hinge portion such that the communication path is flexible in response to rotation of the first securing feature with respect to the second securing feature. 
 
     
     
       11. The coupling element of  claim 8 , wherein when the first electronic device and the second electronic device are attached to the body element, the second electronic device is configured to augment the computing resources of the second electronic device with the computing resources shared by the first electronic device. 
     
     
       12. The coupling element of  claim 11 , wherein the first display of the first electronic device is configured to operate as a primary display of the attached first electronic device and the second electronic device when the second electronic device is augmenting its computing resources with the computing resources shared by the first electronic device. 
     
     
       13. The coupling element of  claim 8 , wherein the first securing feature includes at least one magnet configured to form a magnetic circuit with a magnetic element of the first electronic device such that formation of the magnetic circuit attaches the first electronic device to the first securing feature. 
     
     
       14. An electronic device, comprising:
 a first display; 
 a housing coupled with the first display, the housing defining an internal cavity that carries first computing resources including one or more of processing power, dynamic random access memory, memory storage capacity, or graphical processing memory; 
 a communication port defined by an opening in the housing; and 
 a coupling element having a first connector connected to the communication port and a second connector capable of being connected to a second electronic device, the second electronic device including a second display, a second housing coupled to the second display, second computing resources carried by the second housing, and a second communication port, 
 wherein, when connected via a communication path provided by the coupling element, the first computing resources and the second electronic device are operable together such that the second electronic device computing resources is provided access to the first computing resources and the second electronic device provides the first computing resources with access to the second computing resources. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the second display is operable as a primary display when the first computing resources and the second electronic device are operable together. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , wherein when the second display operates as the primary display, the first computing resources are augmented with at least a portion of the second computing resources shared by the second electronic device. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the first computing resources and the second computing resources comprise battery power that is shared between the first computing resources and the second electronic device. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 14 , wherein the coupling element comprises a hinged connector configured to facilitate rotation of the electronic device with respect to the second electronic device. 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the hinged connector includes a resistive force such that the coupling element is capable of maintaining the first display in a fixed orientation with respect to the second electronic device. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 19 , further comprising a camera and is operable to conduct a video call.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/556,203, entitled “MODULAR MULTIPLE DISPLAY ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” filed Sep. 8, 2017, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to coupling multiple electronic devices. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to coupling independently operable electronic devices for combined operation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices incorporate a variety of electrical components that can each provide different functions. Many electronic devices are available as individually operable units. However, depending on the type of electronic device or the environment in which the device is intended to operate, the operational capabilities of the electronic device may be limited. A typical solution is to obtain or replace the less capable device with more powerful devices, but this can be costly and inefficient due to the quickly advancing nature of computing technology. Thus, there exists a need for expanding use of electronic devices in multiple systems or for multiple purposes. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of the present invention can include electronic computer systems. The computer systems include a first electronic device having a first display and first computing resources, a second electronic device having a second display and second computing resources, and a coupling element configured to mechanically couple and provide a communication path between the first electronic device and the second electronic device. In a coupled configuration where the first and second electronic devices are mechanically coupled by the coupling element, the first computing resources are available for use by the second electronic device via the communication path such that the first display is operable as a primary display capable of presenting visual content in accordance with the first and second computing resources, and the second display is operable as a secondary display that is capable of providing data for operation of the coupled configuration. 
     Further embodiments of the present invention include coupling elements for coupling a first electronic device having first computing resources and a first display, and a second electronic device having second computing resources and a second display. The coupling elements include a body element including a first part having a first securing feature capable of attaching to the first electronic device and a second part having a second securing feature capable of attaching to the second electronic device, as well as a communication path positioned between the first part of the body element and the second part of the body element, the communication path being configured to link the first electronic device and the second electronic device in communication with each other. The first electronic device and the second electronic device can be enabled to share their respective computing resources using the communication path provided by the coupling element when the first electronic device and the second electronic device are attached to the body element by way of the first securing feature and the second securing feature, respectively. 
     Additional embodiments of the present invention include an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first display, a communication port, and first computing resources including one or more of processing power, dynamic random access memory, memory storage capacity, or graphical processing memory. When a first connector of a coupling element is connected to the communication port and a second connector of the coupling element is connected to a computing device having second computing resources, the computing device and the electronic device are operable together and enabled to share the first and second computing resources. 
     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 disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates in top plain view an exemplary electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates in front isometric view the electronic device of  FIG. 1A  in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of a system with electronic devices and a coupling element. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates multiple electronic devices of varying operational capabilities. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are diagrams showing multiple electronic devices in a coupled configuration. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of a coupling element. 
         FIG. 6  is a top, partially transparent view of a coupling element. 
         FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C  are side, cross-sectional views of example coupling elements in various rotational orientations. 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of an electronic device and a coupling element aligned for coupling. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of an electronic device and a coupling element aligned for coupling. 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of electronic devices and a coupling element aligned for coupling. 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of electronic devices in a coupled configuration. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are views of electronic devices of various sizes and orientations in coupled configurations. 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  depict electronic devices in a coupled configuration, and a coupling element having lip portions and engagement surfaces. 
         FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 14C  are views of electronic devices in a coupled configuration. 
         FIG. 14D  is a side view of coupled electronic devices in a closed position. 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  depict electronic devices in a coupled configuration and a coupling element having an elevated engagement surface. 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of electronic devices in a coupled configuration with a coupling element having a kick stand. 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of electronic devices in a coupled configuration and in a vertical, book-like orientation. 
         FIG. 18  is a flowchart of steps in a method for coupling electronic devices and determining operational modes for the electronic devices when coupled. 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram of an example computing system utilized in electronic devices. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     Many electronic devices have been designed to be more compact while also providing increased functionality of the computing devices. Computing devices have also been designed to provide an improved user experience. With the availability of multiple computing devices, utilization of such devices in coupled configurations can be advantageous, as computing resources of the devices are shared and distributed, improving the user experience for existing devices. 
     A coupled system includes multiple electronic devices, such as a first electronic device and a second electronic device, as well as a coupling element. Each of the electronic devices is operationally independent of the other, and each of the electronic devices have computing resources associated therewith. The coupling element or mechanism can both physically couple the devices together in a coupled configuration and provide a communication link between the two devices. 
     With the communication link established and the devices physically coupled, the computing resources of each device are shared (or used to augment one device) in accordance with the desired operation of the devices in the coupled configuration. Power transfer management can also be performed, such that power usage between the devices can be optimized and energy can be transferred between the two devices. Furthermore, the individual components of the electronic devices can have altered functionality when coupled. In some examples, one electronic device is designated to operate solely as a display (e.g., a primary display), while computing functions, as well as data input, are mainly handled by the second electronic device. 
     The coupling element includes connectors, such as USB connectors, that establish the communication link between the electronic devices. The connectors, as adapted for physical engagement with receptor ports on the electronic devices, can also act as physical securing features, securing the electronic devices to the coupling element. Furthermore, the coupling element can also include magnetic elements adapted to form magnetic circuits with magnets placed in the electronic devices, thereby also providing magnetic securing features for coupling the electronic devices. The coupling elements can also include lip portions, engagement surfaces, kick stands, and other features to provide weight balancing and ergonomically desired configurations. 
     Once coupled and having the communication link established, an operational mode for each of the electronic devices can be selected to maximize the efficiency of the coupled system or to operate in accordance with a physical orientation of the electronic devices. As the computing resources of each of the electronic devices can be different, if a device is dedicated to a particular operation, the computing resources of one device can be available for use by the other electronic device. A selection of operational modes can designate an amount of computing resources to be shared between devices or an amount of operations to limit a particular device to perform, such that the devices in the coupled configuration perform as expected. 
     Embodiments of the present invention include computer devices, such as tablets, laptops, cellular phones, smart phones, and other devices that utilize magnets or magnetic assemblies. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-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. 
       FIG. 1A  shows a top view of a representative electronic device  100  and  FIG. 1B  shows an isometric view of the representative electronic device  100 . Electronic device  100  can be a tablet computing device, for example, although other similar types and varieties of electronic devices can include the components and features disclosed herein. For example, the various embodiments disclosed herein could also be used with a smart phone, a media playback device, a personal digital assistant, and a laptop computer, among other possible portable electronic devices. The electronic device  100  can include a housing  102 . The housing  102  defines an internal cavity that carries internal components and circuitry, such as circuit boards, memory, batteries, processor(s) and other electronic components. The housing  102  can be formed from a metal (or metals), such as aluminum or an alloy that includes aluminum. Other materials are also possible, such as a rigid plastic or ceramic, or composites thereof. 
     The housing  102  can also provide space for an exterior touchscreen or other display assembly  104 , one or more buttons, such as a home button  106 , a camera  108 , and a connector input  110 , among other possible device components. The display assembly  104  is designed to present visual information, in the form of images and/or video. The display assembly  104  can include a capacitive touch sensitive layer designed to receive a touch input to alter the visual information. In some embodiments, the home button  106  can be virtual and is optionally included with the electronic device  100 . In embodiments where the device  100  is provided with a touch display or touch-screen, the display  104  can have touch capabilities well suited for receiving a touch event, emulating capabilities of a home button  106  (e.g., via a virtual home button presented on the touch-screen), and/or, in embodiments where the device  100  includes a haptic device, providing haptic feedback as a touch event, that can be used, for example, to control various operation of the electronic device, if appropriately configured. 
     Electronic device  100  can additionally include various buttons used as user control inputs of electronic device  100 . The buttons can be carried by the electronic device at different locations along the housing at different openings of the housing. As a non-exclusive and non-limiting example, a home button  106  can be located on a surface of housing  102 . Additional buttons that are not shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B  can also be carried by electronic device  100 . 
     The connector input  110  is shown located at the base or bottom of the device  100 . Alternatively, the connector input  110  can be located on other sides of the device  100 , on the front or rear surfaces of the device  100 , etc. The connector input  110 , which may be alternatively referred to herein as a port or communications port, is shown as an opening in the housing  102  of the device  100 , and is configured to receive a cable connector and/or other connections to external, secondary electronic devices and accessories. In some embodiments, the connector input  110  receives or engages with a securing element or attachment mechanism of an external/accessory device such that the connector input  110  acts as a mechanical engagement mechanism for the electronic device  100 . 
     The connector input  110  is electronically coupled to internal components of the device  100  to facilitate transfer of power, data, computing resources, etc., as accorded by the external connection. In some examples, the connector input  110  is configured to receive a USB-C connector, Thunderbolt connector, mini-USB connector, micro-USB connector, headphone jack, and/or connectors proprietary to the electronic device  100  or external attachment. Other suitable types of connectors for receipt or engagement with the connector input  110  will be understood by those of skill in the art from the description herein. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of an electronic computer system  200  in accordance with examples of the invention. The electronic computer system  200  includes a first electronic device  202 , a second electronic device  204 , and a coupling element  206  linked between or connected to the first electronic device  202  and the second electronic device. In the example system  200 , the first electronic device  202  and the second electronic device  204  include various computing components and software which can contribute to the computing resources of the first electronic device  202  and the second electronic device  204 , although additional/alternative computing components that contribute to computing resources are further described herein. The first electronic device  202  can include one or more processors  208 , an operating system  210 , applications (e.g., software applications)  212 , memory storage  214 , one or more input devices  216 , one or more output devices  218 , communication elements  220 , and a power source  222 . The second electronic device  204  can include one or more processors  224 , an operating system  226 , applications (e.g., software applications)  228 , memory storage  230 , one or more input devices  232 , one or more output devices  234 , communication elements  236 , and a power source  238 . 
     The one or more processors  208 / 224  can also be referred to and/or as including control circuitry, a main processor, an applications processor, power management unit, etc. The one or more processors  208 / 224  can be used to execute instructions (e.g., computer code) stored on the memory storage  214 / 230 . The one or more processors  208  can control operation of the first electronic device  202  and access storage such as memory storage  214 , and the one or more processors  224  can control operation of the second electronic device  204  and access storage such as memory storage  230 . The processors  208 / 224  can also perform power management operations for optimizing power consumption of the electronic devices. The memory storage  214 / 230  can include non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically-programmable-read-only memory forming a solid state drive), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random access memory (SRAM/DRAM)), or any other type of electronic storage medium. 
     Generally, the one or more processors  208  are utilized to run/operate software, such as the operating system  210  and applications  212 , on the first electronic device  202 , and the one or more processors  224  are utilized to run/operate software, such as the operating system  226  and applications  228 , on the second electronic device  204 . Operating systems  210 / 226  of the electronic devices  202 / 204  can include system software suitable (or necessary) for the basic or core operations, such as display interface, file system management, connectivity, accessory operation, etc. Applications  212 / 228  can include internet browsing applications, voice-over-internet-protocol (VOIP) telephone call applications, email applications, media playback applications, operating system functions, etc. The one or more processors  208  are communicatively coupled to various components of the first electronic device  202 , such as the memory storage  214 , one or more input devices  216 , one or more output devices  218 , communication elements  220 , and the power source  222 , etc. The one or more processors  224  are communicatively coupled to various components of the second electronic device  204 , such as the memory storage  230 , one or more input devices  232 , one or more output devices  234 , communication elements  236 , and the power source  238 , etc. 
     The first electronic device  202  also includes one or more input devices  216  and one or more output devices  218 , and the second electronic device  204  includes one or more input devices  232  and one or more output devices  234 . The input devices  216 / 232  and output devices  218 / 234  can be generally configured for accepting and inputting data (e.g., from a user, an accessory attachment, etc.) and for outputting/transmitting data (e.g., from the device, an accessory attachment, etc.), respectively. Input devices  216 / 232  and output devices  218 / 234  can include touch screens, displays with or without touch sensor capabilities, buttons, joysticks, click wheels, scrolling wheels, touch pads, key pads, keyboards, microphones, cameras, buttons, speakers, status indicators, light sources, audio jacks and other audio port components, digital data port devices, light sensors, motion sensors (accelerometers), capacitance sensors, proximity sensors, haptic sensors/feedback providers, etc. 
     As described above, the first electronic device  202  includes communication elements  220  and the second electronic device  204  includes communication elements  236 . The communication elements  220 / 236  can include wireless communications circuitry, such as radio-frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry formed from one or more integrated circuits, power amplifier circuitry, low-noise input amplifiers, passive RF components, one or more antennas, transmission lines, optical transmission, and other circuitry for handling RF wireless signals, etc. The communication elements  220 / 236  can also include satellite navigation system circuitry such as a global positioning system (GPS). The communication elements  220 / 236  can be compatible with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC (near-field communication), and other wireless communication protocols. 
     The first electronic device  202  includes a power source  222  and the second electronic device  204  includes a power source  238 . The power source  222 / 238  can include one or more batteries suitable for portable operation of the electronic devices  202 / 204 . The power source  222 / 238  can alternatively be provided externally, such as by attaching an external battery attachment or cable to a non-portable power supply. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a coupling element  206  is communicatively linked to the first electronic device  202  and the second electronic device  204 . The coupling element  206  can also be physically secured to both the first electronic device  202  and the second electronic device  204 , effectively coupling, attaching or securing the first electronic device  202  to the second electronic device  204  via the coupling element  206 . As the coupling element  206  is communicatively linked to the electronic devices  202 / 204 , when coupled to both the first electronic device  202  and the second electronic device  204 , a communication link can be established between the first electronic device  202  and the second electronic device  204  via a flexible connector or cable included in the coupling element  206 . The link facilitates the transfer of power and/or data between the electronic devices via the coupling element  206 . Thus, the computing resources of the electronic devices, such as the resources provided by the processors  208 / 224 , OS(s)  210 / 226 , applications  212 / 228 , memory  214 / 230 , communication elements  220 / 236 , power sources  222 / 238 , etc., can be shared (e.g., accessed) between the devices  202  and  204  through the coupling element  206 , as is described in further detail below. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 3 , a diagram of a system  300  including multiple electronic devices is shown. The system  300  includes a first electronic device  302  and a second electronic device  304 . The first electronic device  302  is shown as a tablet computer in a portrait orientation and the second electronic device  304  is shown as a tablet computer in a landscape orientation, however this is exemplary and not exclusive, as other suitable orientations and types of electronic devices will be understood by those of skill in the art from the description herein. 
     The first electronic device  302  includes a display screen  306 , a representative input  308  and output  310 , as well as computing resources  312  dedicated to or attributed to the operation of the first electronic device  302 . The second electronic device  304  also includes a display screen  314 , a representative input  316  and output  318 , as well as computing resources  320  dedicated to or attributed to the operation of the second electronic device  302 . Although the computing resources  312 / 320  are shown to be bundled/combined into a singular reference object, the computing resources  312 / 320  can include resources such as those from the inputs, outputs, display screens, and/or other components. 
     In exemplary systems, such as system  300 , the electronic devices can implement varying operational capabilities. In the example shown, the second electronic device  304  has better operational capabilities than the first electronic device  302 . The second electronic device  304  can be a fully functional computing device, operating with attachments such as an external keyboard  322 , external mouse/trackpad  324 , external stylus or digital pen/pencil  326 , and other external input devices (not shown). In contrast, the first electronic device  302  can be a tablet computer with simple operational capabilities, such as limited to digital paper or a dedicated video capture/playback device. While the first electronic device  302  and the second electronic device  304  are operationally independent of each other, the difference in operational capabilities can indicate, for example, that the computing resources  320  of the second electronic device  304  are greater than the computing resources  312  of the first electronic device  302 . In additional embodiments, the computing resources of the devices can be equivalent or opposite in proportionality to those shown in system  300 . 
     It may be desired to couple the first electronic device  302  with the second electronic device  304  so that the devices operate in conjunction together in a coupled or attached configuration. Furthermore, it may be desired to share computing resources between the devices when coupled to increase and/or maximize operational capabilities of the coupled devices. Also, the computing resources of one device can be augmented by the computing resources of another device when coupled. For example, even though the computing resources  312  of the first electronic device  302  are less than the computing resources  320  of the second electronic device  304 , the first electronic device  302  may require even less computing resources to operate in the coupled configuration, thereby enabling unused computing resources from the computing resources  312  to be made available to the second electronic device  304 , augmenting the computing resources  320  of the second electronic device  304 . 
     In some embodiments, the computing resources associated with power consumption (e.g., battery life) can be shared and/or optimized between the first electronic device  302  and the second electronic device  304 , in the coupled configuration. For example, when coupled, the power consumption of the electronic devices can change as opposed to operation when separate (e.g., the second electronic device  304  requiring more power than the first electronic device  302 ). Accordingly, when coupled, the devices can be configured to determine an amount of available power that should be transferred and/or accessed between the two electronic devices in order to maximize remaining battery life. Such determinations can include determining, when coupled, which of the first electronic device  302  or the second electronic device  304  is the “host” device (e.g., the device that will utilize or require more CR) and then optimizing power consumption and exchange between devices accordingly. 
     Additionally, the electronic devices  302 / 304  can also include various operational modes designated for coupled configurations. For example, in response to detecting a coupling of the electronic devices, the first electronic device  302  can switch to an operational mode so the device operates as a dedicated, primary display for the coupled system, while the second electronic device  304  can switch to an operational mode so the device operates as the primary computing portion of the system. These operational modes may advantageously optimize distribution of computing resources between multiple electronic devices to maximize computing capabilities or achieve a desired/specific functionality, when coupled. 
     An example of a coupled system sharing computing resources is shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . The system in the uncoupled configuration  400  includes a first electronic device  402  having a first display  404 , a second electronic device  406  having a second display  408 , and a coupling element  410  positioned between the first electronic device  402  and the second electronic device  406 . The first electronic device  402  includes computing resources  412  and an output mechanism  414 , while the second electronic device  406  includes computing resources  416  and an input mechanism  418 . 
     In the coupled configuration  420  shown in  FIG. 4B , the first electronic device  402  and the second electronic device  406  are coupled via the coupling element  410 . In some embodiments of the coupled configuration  420 , the computing resources  412  of the first electronic device  402  and the computing resources  416  of the second electronic device  406  are shared as shown in  FIG. 4B . As an example, the computing resources  416  associated with or dedicated to power consumption can be optimized between the first electronic device  402  and second electronic device  406 , and the coupling element  410  is configured to facilitate power sharing between the electronic devices. In some embodiments, the remaining battery life in the electronic devices is used to optimize the power consumption in the coupled configuration  420 , and power is transferred accordingly to maximize the effective remaining battery life of both electronic devices while operating in the coupled configuration  420 . One or both of the electronic devices can be adapted to receive charge (e.g., wired connection through a charging input, an additional connection in the coupling element  410 , inductive charging via a charging pad, etc.) and the received charge, along with the remaining battery life of both the first electronic device  402  and the second electronic device  406  can be utilized/distributed accordingly to maximize operation and charging of the devices during operation. As an example, the power distribution between the electronic devices can be optimized such that the first electronic device  402  and second electronic device  406  have an equivalent remaining battery life upon separation from the coupled configuration  420 , or other desired criteria. 
     Furthermore, the coupled configuration  420  also links operations of various components of the electronic devices such that they operate in conjunction. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the input  418  of the second electronic device  406  is linked with the output  414  of the first electronic device  402  as one-way communication (although it is contemplated that two-way communication may be desired in some embodiments, one-way is shown as exemplary for purposes of this embodiment). Thus, when coupled, the second electronic device  406  can be configured to operate as an input mechanism via input  418  (e.g., a digital keyboard displayed on the display  408  of the second electronic device  406 , where the display  408  includes touch-sensitive operations for receipt of input  418 ) and the first electronic device  402  utilizes the output  414  to display the input  418  received from the second electronic device  406  via display screen  404 . Other suitable input/output operational relationships between electronic devices in coupled configurations are further described below and will be understood by one of skill in the art from the disclosure herein. 
     Turning next to  FIGS. 5, 6, 7A, 7B, and 7C , various coupling elements and coupling element operations are shown and will be described. The coupling elements can be adapted to be secured to a first electronic device and a second electronic device at multiple locations/parts/portions of the coupling elements, while providing/establishing a communication path/link between the electronic devices. 
     At  FIG. 5 , an example of a coupling element  500  is shown. The coupling element  500  includes a body element  502 . The body element  502  (and by extension the coupling element  500 ) can include at least a first part or portion or end  504 , a second part or portion or end  506 , and a joining element  508  positioned between the first part  504  and second part  506 . The joining element  508  is configured to affix the first part  504  and the second part  506  together (thereby mechanically coupling a first device to a second device). As shown, the joining element  508  can be a cylindrical hinge component that facilitates rotation of the first part  504  with respect to the second part  506 . As such, the coupling element  500  is depicted at an angled position. In other embodiments, the joining element  508  can be a non-rotating shaft and/or other additional element for joining/affixing/bridging the first part  504  and the second part  506 . In some embodiments, a joining element  508  can be omitted such that the first part  504  and the second part  506  are directly connected to each other. 
     The coupling element  500  also includes a first connector  510  positioned on and extending/protruding from the first part  504  of the body element  502 , and a second connector  512  positioned on and extending/protruding from the second part  506  of the body element  502 . The connectors  510  and  512  are adapted to engage with communication ports or connector inputs on electronic devices (such as connector input  110  of device  100  in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). Thus, the connectors  510  and  512  can include male USB-C connector, Thunderbolt connector, mini-USB connector, micro-USB connector, headphone jack, and/or connectors proprietary to the electronic device  100  or external attachment, as well as any other suitable types of connectors for receipt or engagement with the connector input of electronic devices as will be understood by those of skill in the art from the description herein. In other embodiments, the connectors  510 / 512  can be female connectors adapted to receive and engage with male connectors extending from electronic devices sought to be coupled to the coupling element  500 . 
     Securing elements are included in the coupling element  500  that are adapted to facilitate secure coupling of electronic devices to the coupling element  500 . As the connectors  510  and  512  are adapted to engage with ports on devices in some embodiments, the connectors  510  and  512  additionally act as securing elements because engagement of the connectors  510 / 512  with ports on electronic devices can provide suitable mechanical coupling for securing the devices. 
     The coupling element  500  can also include magnetic components as securing elements. For example, the body element  502  can include one or more magnetic elements  514  embedded within (or externally attached to) the first part  504 , and one or more magnetic elements  516  embedded within (or externally attached to) the second part  506 . Types of magnetic materials utilized as magnets or magnetic elements in the coupling elements and electronic devices disclosed herein include rare earth metals, such as Samarium-cobalt, Neodymium, Lanthanide-based, etc., ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic materials (e.g., iron-based), paramagnetic substances (e.g., platinum, aluminum, oxygen, etc.), diamagnetic materials, superconductors, etc. Other suitable types of materials for use as magnets, magnetic elements, etc., will be understood by those of skill in the art from the description herein. 
     As the first part  504  of the coupling element  500  couples with a first electronic device, the magnetic elements  514  are configured to form a magnetic circuit with magnets in the first electronic device, thereby magnetically securing the first electronic device with the first part  504  of the body element  502 . Congruently, as the second part  506  couples with a second electronic device, the magnetic elements  516  are configured to form a magnetic circuit with magnets in the second electronic device, thereby magnetically securing the second electronic device with the second part  506  of the body element  502 . Thus, the connectors and magnetic elements of the coupling element  500  can be used individually or in combination as securing features that enable or facilitate attachment/coupling of electronic devices to various portions of the body element  502  of the coupling element  500 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 6 , a top view, partially transparent diagram of a coupling element  600 , which is similar to coupling element  500 , is shown. The coupling element  600  includes a body element  602  having a first part  604 , a second part  606 , and a joining element  608  joining the first part  604  and the second part  606 . The coupling element  600  can also include a first connector  610  on the first part  604  and a second connector  612  on the second part  606 . As with coupling element  500  of  FIG. 5 , the first part  604  can include magnetic elements  616  to magnetically secure an electronic device to the first part  604  of the body element  602  and the second part  606  can include magnetic elements  618  to magnetically secure an electronic device to the second part  606  of the body element  602 . 
     Through the coupling element  600 , a communication link/path  614  is provided between the first connector  610  and the second connector  612 . The communication link/path  614  provides a path for communication, as well as data and power transfer, between a first electronic device coupled to the first connector  610  and a second electronic device coupled to the second connector  612 , which facilitates operational communications as well as computing resource exchange between the electronic devices when coupled to the coupling element  600 . The communication link/path  614  can be embedded within the coupling element  600  and/or run external to the coupling element  600 . In some embodiments, the communication link/path  614  includes, at least in part, a wireless path established between the electronic devices. The wireless path can be established based on data transferred between the first connector  610  and the second connector  612 . In some embodiments, the communication link/path  614  is an electrical cable or wire connecting the first connector  610  to the second connector  612 . In addition, the coupling element  600  can also include an additional connector  620  adapted to receive a charging cable connection (e.g., USB-C or other power transfer cable) for transfer of power to either electronic device attached to the coupling element  600 . The connector  620  can also facilitate data transfer to or from devices coupled to the coupling element  600 . 
     Next, in  FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C , side cross-sectional views of coupling elements in various rotational positions are shown. A communication link/path running between connectors in the coupling elements is flexible (e.g., a flexible circuit, a wire/cable with sufficient slack, etc.) such that the link/path can conform to orientations/positions of the coupling elements or electronic devices and can facilitate data and power transfer between the electronic devices. 
     In  FIG. 7A , a coupling element  700  is shown in an upright position, such that the first part  702  and the second part  704  are vertical with respect to each other (e.g., in a 180 degree rotational separation). In the coupling element  700 , the joining element is a rotational hinge component  706 . The first connector  708  is positioned at an end of the first part  702  and the second connector  710  is positioned at an end of the second part  704 . The communication path/link  712  is disposed or embedded within the coupling element  700 , such that the path/link  712  runs from the first connector  708 , through the first part  702 , through the hinge component  706 , and through the second part  704  to the second connector  710 . 
     The communication path/link  712  can also include a flexible or angled portion  714  positioned where the link  712  is embedded at the hinge component  706 , such that the communication path/link  712  is allowed to flex/bend/conform with the movement, orientation, and rotation of the coupling element  700 . Thus, as shown in the orientation  716  in  FIG. 7B , the first part  702  is rotated toward the second part  704 , and the communication link  712  flexes at the flexible portion  714  to maintain connection between the first connector  708  and the second connector  710 . Similarly, in the orientation  718  at  FIG. 7C , the second part  704  of the coupling element  700  is rotated toward the first part  702 , and the communication link  712  flexes at the flexible portion  714  to maintain connection between the first connector  708  and the second connector  710 . Although  FIGS. 7A-7C  depict the communication link  712  as a connection with a flexible portion  714 , other suitable communication links will be understood from the disclosure herein. For example, the communication link can be entirely flexible instead of having a flexible portion, or the communication link can have sufficient slack to maintain connection through rotation. 
     An example of coupling a single electronic device to a coupling element is shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , with  FIG. 8  being a front view  800  and  FIG. 9  being a rear view  900 . As depicted, an electronic device  802  includes a display  804 , and a coupling element  806  includes a first connector  808  for coupling with the electronic device  802  as well as a second connector  810  for coupling with another device (not depicted). Coupling the electronic device  802  to the coupling element  806  utilizes alignment of securing features on both the electronic device  802  and the coupling element  806 . For example, the first connector  808  (e.g., a mechanical securing feature) is aligned with a connector input  902  positioned on a bottom side of the electronic device  802 . Furthermore, the magnetic elements  812  (e.g., magnetic securing features) in the coupling element  806  are aligned with magnets  814  of the electronic device  802  such that magnetic circuits can be sufficiently formed between the magnetic elements  812  and the magnets  814  to magnetically secure the electronic device  802  to the coupling element  806 . 
     A further example of coupling multiple electronic devices to a coupling element are shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , with  FIG. 10  showing an expanded system  1000  and  FIG. 11  showing the connected system  1100 . The systems  1000  and  1100  include a first electronic device  1002  having a first display  1004  and a second electronic device  1006  having a second display  1008 . A coupling element  1010  is positioned between the first electronic device  1002  and second electronic device  1006 . The coupling element  1010  includes a first connector  1012  configured to engage a connector input (not shown) on the first electronic device  1002 , as well as a second connector  1014  configured to engage a connector input (not shown) on the second electronic device  1006 . The connectors  1012  and  1014  are aligned with the connector inputs of the first electronic device  1002  and second electronic device  1006 , respectively, as described at  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     The coupling element  1010  includes magnetic elements  1016  and magnetic elements  1018 . The magnetic elements  1016  are configured to be aligned with the placement of magnets  1020  on the first electronic device  1002  such that, when the coupling element  1010  is placed in proximity of the first electronic device  1002  and the connector  1012  is engaged with the connector input of the first electronic device  1002 , the magnetic elements  1016  form magnetic circuits with the magnets  1020  of the first electronic device  1002 , thereby magnetically securing the first electronic device  1002  to the coupling element  1010 . Similarly, the magnetic elements  1018  are configured to be aligned with the placement of magnets  1022  on the second electronic device  1006  such that, when the coupling element  1010  is placed in proximity of the second electronic device  1006  and the connector  1014  is engaged with the connector input of the second electronic device  1006 , the magnetic elements  1018  form magnetic circuits with the magnets  1022  of the second electronic device  1006 , thereby magnetically securing the second electronic device  1006  to the coupling element  1010 . 
     In some embodiments, any of the magnetic elements described above (or an additional magnetic element in the devices and/or coupling elements) can be implemented as an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) and/or other type of triggering element that, when triggered, actuates or initiates a coupled configuration mode of the devices. For example, when a device is connected to the coupling element, the EPM can be triggered indicating that the devices are to engage in a coupling configuration mode (e.g., a computing resource sharing mode). The triggering elements or EPMs can be positioned in each of the devices as well as the coupling element, such that multiple elements are to be triggered prior to initiating the coupled configuration mode. Additionally, the coupling element can provide a communication path through the coupling element via a wired connection, and the electronic devices can be further configured to establish a wireless communication path. The wireless communication path is available for use simultaneously with the wired path for sharing of the computing resources. In some embodiments, the wireless communication path is opened in response to detection of the triggering element in the coupling element by one or both of the electronic devices. In some embodiments, a wired connection is used for sharing computing resources. In some embodiments, a wireless connection is used for sharing computing resources. 
     It is contemplated that multiple configurations may be utilized as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . For example, the configuration  1200  in  FIG. 12A  shows the first electronic device  1202  being smaller than the second electronic device  1204 . Similarly, in configuration  1206  of  FIG. 12B , the first electronic device  1208  is in a different orientation than the second electronic device  1210 . Many other configurations may be utilized, including phones, mini-tablets, and other tablet devices of various sizes and weights. Accordingly, weight distribution is addressed via coupling elements and other mechanisms. For example, in embodiments where magnetic connection is used to facilitate connection (e.g., at  FIG. 10 ), the strength of the magnetic coupling is adapted accordingly such that the devices in the coupled configuration can remain upright or in various angled positions without inadvertently detaching. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  depict an additional configuration and coupling element adapted to address weight distributions and provide better support for the electronic devices attached thereto. The configuration  1300  shows a first electronic device  1302 , a second electronic device  1304 , and a coupling element  1306 . In the example depicted, the coupling element  1306  is fixed (e.g., non-rotating); however, the features depicted can also be utilized in rotating coupling elements such as those disclosed herein.  FIG. 13B  depicts the coupling element  1306  apart from the electronic devices  1302  and  1304 . The coupling element  1306  includes a top lip portion  1308 , a top engagement surface  1310  and top connector  1312 , as well as a bottom lip portion  1314 , a bottom engagement surface  1316 , and a bottom connector  1318 . 
     The top lip portion  1308  can be oriented at an angle parallel to the top connector  1312  to guide attachment of the first electronic device  1302  to the coupling element  1306 . The bottom lip portion  1314  can be oriented at an angle parallel to the bottom connector  1318  to guide attachment of the second electronic device  1304  to the coupling element  1306 . When coupled in the configuration  1300 , the first electronic device  1302  rests on the top engagement surface  1310  and against the top lip portion  1308 , and the second electronic device  1304  is positioned against the bottom engagement surface  1316  and rests on the bottom lip portion  1314 . The top lip portion  1308  and top engagement surface  1310  can be oriented at an angle greater than 90 degrees (or perpendicular) with respect to the bottom lip portion  1314 , such that the first electronic device  1302  is presented at an angle of greater than 90 degrees (or perpendicular) with respect to the second electronic device  1304 . This orientation also provides additional support to the first electronic device  1302  while in the configuration  1300  in that a rear surface of the first electronic device  1302  rests against the top lip portion  1308  of the coupling element  1306 . 
     As described above, magnets, lips, angles, and other structures/elements can be utilized to strengthen and/or support the weight of the connected devices in coupled configurations. It may also be desired to configure magnetic strength and/or coupling element structure(s) such that one of the devices can be uncoupled from the coupling element without altering, or minimally altering, the position of the other coupled electronic device. For example, the coupling element  1306  above can be biased or weighted down such that the first electronic device  1302  can be lifted and removed from the top engagement surface  1310  and top connector  1312  without altering, or minimally altering, the position or orientation of the second electronic device  1304 . 
       FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D  show an electronic system with coupled electronic device(s) in various orientations and positions. The electronic system includes a first electronic device  1400 , a second electronic device  1402 , and a coupling element  1404  that holds the first electronic device  1400  and the second electronic device  1402  in a coupled configuration.  FIG. 14A  shows a front view,  FIG. 14B  shows a side view, and  FIG. 14C  shows a rear view. In  FIG. 14D , the coupling element  1404  can be configured to attach to the electronic devices  1400  and  1402  such that, when in the coupled configuration, the first electronic device  1400  can be rotated (e.g., folded) toward the second electronic device  1402 , thereby contacting the second electronic device  1402  and/or forming a closed, clam-shell like position. Such a position can be associated with an “off”, “stand-by”, “hibernation”, or “shut-down” operational mode, and such an operational mode in either or both of the first electronic device  1400  and second electronic device  1402  can be triggered in response to detecting such rotation of the coupling element  1404  or relative position of the first electronic device  1400  to the second electronic device  1402 . In some embodiments, cameras positioned on the electronic devices  1400 / 1402  and can be used to detect the proximity of one device to the other in order to trigger or initiate the desired operational mode of the devices. The coupling element  1404  can support additional orientations, such as greater that 90 degrees, 180 degrees (where the display of the electronic devices both face upward with respect to a resting surface), and greater than 180 degrees. Accelerometers (or other mechanisms) in the devices  1400 / 1402  and/or the coupling element  1404  such that a desired orientation or operational mode of the devices can be triggered by changes in respective angles. 
     Additional configurations may be desirable. For example, at  FIGS. 15A and 15B , an ergonomic configuration  1500  along with the coupling element  1506  is shown. The configuration  1500  includes a first electronic device  1502 , a second electronic device  1504 , and the coupling element  1506 . The coupling element  1506  includes a top connector  1508  and a bottom connector  1510 , along with a bottom engagement surface  1512  for engagement with the second electronic device  1504 . The bottom engagement surface  1512  is inclined at an angle with respect to a resting surface such that the second electronic device  1504  is elevated at an inclined angle when engaged with the bottom engagement surface  1512 . As the second electronic device  1504  can be used as an input device (e.g., a multi-touch keyboard) when in the configuration  1500 , the elevated position of the second electronic device  1504  may be preferred ergonomically. 
     Another example configuration  1600  is shown at  FIG. 16 . The configuration  1600  includes a first electronic device  1602 , a second electronic device  1604 , and a coupling element  1606 . To support the weight of the first electronic device  1602  when coupled to the coupling element  1606  (and for overall balance of the configuration as a whole), a kick stand  1608  is included in the coupling element  1606 . The kick stand  1608  can be retractable and can be configured in multiple positions to which it can extend from the coupling element  1606 . 
     Although various coupling elements are depicted and disclosed herein, each embodiment is exemplary and not exclusive. A coupling element as disclosed herein can utilize triggering magnets or EPMs, can be rotatable via a hinge, can include lip portions and angled engagement surfaces, can include kick stands, and/or any combinations thereof. 
     A further orientation and configuration is shown in  FIG. 17 . In  FIG. 17 , a first electronic device  1700  having a first display  1702  and a second electronic device  1704  having a second display  1706  are in a coupled configuration and are coupled via the coupling element  1708 . The first electronic device  1700  and second electronic device  1704  are oriented in a vertical, open-book like position. A first person or object  1710  is shown on the first display  1702  and a second person or object  1712  is shown on the second display  1706 . In some examples, the persons shown on the displays are engaged with a multi-user video call operation. Cameras, such as the camera  1714  located on the long edge of the first electronic device  1700  and/or the camera  1716  located on the short edge of the second electronic device  1704 , can be utilized in this operation, as the first camera  1714  can operate to capture and transmit video data/information to the first user  1710  individually, while the second camera  1716  can operate to capture and transmit video data/information to the second user  1712  individually. Alternatively, only a single camera is utilized, such that the first user  1710  and the second user  1712  are viewing the same image of a user of the electronic devices during the call. In other examples, during the call, the electronic devices can be detached while maintaining the multi-user video call operation, such that the camera can be moved to transmit other images or video to the users  1710  and  1712 . The computing resources of the first electronic device  1700  can be separately designated from the computing resources of the second electronic device  1704  for such an operation, increasing the efficiency of such operations (and, in some cases, permitting such an operation to be conducted as a single device operating independently of other devices may not be capable of such functionality). 
     Referring next to  FIG. 18 , a flowchart  1800  of steps in a method for sharing computing resources between devices is shown. At step  1802 , a first electronic device is coupled to a second electronic device. The electronic devices can be coupled via a coupling element, as described above. At step  1804 , a communication link is established between the coupled electronic devices. The communication link can be established via connectors on a coupling element that facilitates the coupling of the first and second electronic devices. 
     At step  1806 , an operating mode of each electronic device is determined. When in a coupled configuration, the computing resources (such as processing power, DRAM (dynamic random access memory), memory storage, graphical processing power, input/output resources, communication capabilities, power, etc.) can be shared between the coupled devices. In response to being connected or detecting that a communication link is established between the electronic devices, each device can determine an operational mode in which to operate while coupled. Multiple operational modes may be desired because each electronic device is fully operable independently of the other devices (e.g., the devices are fully functional devices individually) such that mere sharing of computing resources is dictated by the determined operational modes of the electronic devices; for example, the amount of computing resources available to each device can vary between them, a particular operation or setup is desired when in the coupled configuration, and so forth. 
     Accordingly, operational modes can be triggered (e.g., by detecting connection of the electronic devices) or selected (e.g., by an application installed on one or both of the electronic devices). In some embodiments, operational modes can include conjunctive operational modes that permit an amount of the computing resources of one of the electronic devices to be available for use by the other electronic device. A determination can be made when two electronic devices are coupled as to which electronic device is to be the “primary” device, or device utilizing the main computing resources shared between the electronic devices, and which device is to be the “secondary” device. For example, the electronic device with less computing resources is designated to provide a primary display for the coupled system, and remaining resources of the electronic device may remain unused, such that the other electronic device can utilize those computing resources to augment the other electronic device&#39;s own computing power. As such, the primary display presents visual content in accordance with the computing resources and operations of both electronic devices, while the other electronic device has a secondary display, which can be used as an input device for providing data for operation of the coupled configuration. Both devices can have equal computing resources, but it may be desired that one only functions as a primary display, such that the operational mode selected can enable a significant amount of computing resources to be utilized for augmentation of the other device. The operational modes can be specific to the system orientation (e.g., selection of an orientation of the devices from a predetermined set of possible operation orientations). The operational modes can be selected on a sliding basis associated with a desired amount of resources to be shared (e.g., the operational mode may indicate a small, medium, or large amount of resources to be shared). Other operational modes can be selected to increase the efficiency of the coupled configuration or maximize the benefits of particular orientations. 
     Furthermore, an operational mode can be determined in accordance with power transfer management between the two electronic devices. The power or remaining battery life of each of the devices can be determined, and then power transfer between the devices can be optimized to maximize operating time, consume battery power equally between the devices, provide more power to the primary device, and the like. The operational mode for power management can be dynamically adjusted during operation in accordance with the use of the system. 
     At step  1808 , based on the operational mode determined/selected, an amount of computing resources to be shared and/or used to augment a device are identified and allocated. In a particular example, a first device includes 2 GB of DRAM, and an operational mode that designates the device to operate as only a primary display can be selected, leaving over 1 GB of DRAM unused. In such a situation, 1 GB of DRAM from the device being used as a primary display is allocated for sharing/augmentation of the other device in the coupled configuration. At step  1810 , the electronic devices are accordingly operated together as a solitary computing unit, sharing the computing resources as designated or determined by the operational modes selected. 
       FIG. 19  is a block diagram of a computing device  1900  that can use the structures with the magnetic materials and can be used to form the deposited and integrated magnetic materials of the disclosed embodiments. It will be appreciated that the components, devices or elements illustrated in and described with respect to  FIG. 19  may not be mandatory and thus some may be omitted in certain embodiments. The computing device  1900  can include a processor  1902  that represents a microprocessor, a coprocessor, circuitry and/or a controller for controlling the overall operation of the computing device  1900 . Although illustrated as a single processor, it can be appreciated that the processor  1902  can include a plurality of processors. The plurality of processors can be in operative communication with each other and can be collectively configured to perform one or more functionalities of the computing device  1900  as described herein. In some embodiments, the processor  1902  can be configured to execute instructions that can be stored at the computing device  1900  and/or that can be otherwise accessible to the processor  1902 . As such, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, the processor  1902  can be capable of performing operations and actions in accordance with embodiments described herein. 
     The computing device  1900  can also include a user input device  1904  that allows a user of the computing device  1900  to interact with the computing device  1900 . For example, the user input device  1904  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 computing device  1900  can include a display  1906  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  1902  to display information to a user. A controller  1908  can be used to interface with and control different equipment through an equipment control bus  1910 . The computing device  1900  can also include a network/bus interface  1912  that couples to a data link  1914 . The data link  1914  can allow the computing device  1900  to couple to a host computer or to accessory devices. The data link  1914  can be provided over a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wireless connection, network/bus interface  1912  can include a wireless transceiver. The computing device  1900  can also include an electronic device  1916  that includes a deposited and integrated magnetic material coupled to the processor  1902 . 
     The computing device  1900  can also include a storage device  1918 , and a storage management module that manages one or more partitions (also referred to herein as “logical volumes”) within the storage device  1918 . In some embodiments, the storage device  1918  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. Still further, the computing device  1900  can include Read-Only Memory (ROM)  1920  and Random Access Memory (RAM)  1922 . The ROM  1920  can store programs, code, instructions, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM  1922  can provide volatile data storage, and store instructions related to components of the storage management module that are configured to carry out the various techniques described herein. The computing device  1900  can further include data bus  1924 . The data bus  1924  can facilitate data and signal transfer between at least the processor  1902 , the controller  1908 , the network/bus interface  1912 , the storage device  1918 , the ROM  1920 , and the RAM  1922 . The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data, which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180907
Publication Date: 20200728
Grant Date: 20200728
Priority Date: 20170908
Inventors: KOELMEL, BLAKE R.
LEONG, Craig C.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/1446", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/266", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1681", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1654", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/1446", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1649", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1649", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/1446", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 71783445