CN102411402A

CN102411402A - Sensor fusion

Info

Publication number: CN102411402A
Application number: CN2011102748719A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 小M·A·克里特拉; V·M·杜金尼; M·M-C·恩格; R·K·黄; C·摩尔; C·T·姆兰斯; A·劳德; M·D·罗尔巴克; D·J·科斯特; C·J·斯特林格; F·W·欧; J·艾; J·P·艾夫; E·M·基比提; J·P·特纳斯; S·D·卢布纳; S·S·科宾
Original assignee: Apple Computer Inc
Current assignee: Apple Inc
Priority date: 2010-09-17
Filing date: 2011-09-16
Publication date: 2012-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2031-09-16
Also published as: KR101520197B1; WO2012036891A3; EP2616896A4; CN203276086U; CA2826239A1; CA2826239C; AU2011101116B4; CN102411402B; CN103294124B; CN103294124A; AU2011101116A4; CN202453763U; EP2616896A2; AU2016204111A1; AU2016204111B2; AU2011302438A1; AU2011302438B2; WO2012036891A2; KR20130076874A; HK1168926A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor fusion. Accurate and reliable techniques for determining a current status of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.

Description

Sensor fusion

Technical field

Described embodiment relates generally to portable electron device.More particularly, these embodiment have described to make up and have used a plurality of sensors to confirm the state of accessories apparatus with respect to electronic installation.

Background technology

The latest developments of portable computing comprise such as by Cupertino, the iPad that the Apple of CA makes ^TMThe portable electric device of panel computer and the introducing of computing platform.These hand-held computing devices can dispose as follows, that is, the major part of electronic installation is used to appear the form of the display of vision content, and is that the attachment means that can be used for attached accessories apparatus keeps free space seldom.

When accessories apparatus adopted the form of lid, portable electric device can done with the corresponding to mode of covering that exists.For example, when hand-held computing device had display, the existence of lid possibly make can not watch display.For power saving, the display that can not watch can not be operated temporarily, up to the position of removing lid or otherwise changing lid with till exposing display.

Therefore, hope to have a kind of accurate and reliable technique of accessories apparatus that be used for confirming with respect to the current state of its electronic installation that is connected to.

Summary of the invention

This instructions has been described and the relevant various embodiment of system, method and equipment that are used for annex is attached to releasedly electronic installation.

A kind of consumption electronic product comprises electronic installation at least.In described embodiment, electronic installation comprise at least processor and with the first sensor of processor communication, this first sensor is set to detect the stimulation of the first kind.First sensor comes the stimulation of the first kind is responded through first signal is provided to processor, and this first signal indication accessories apparatus is with respect to first state of electronic installation.Electronic installation comprises at least also and second sensor of processor communication that this second sensor is set to detect the stimulation of second type.Second sensor comes the stimulation of second type is responded through secondary signal is provided to processor, and this secondary signal indication accessories apparatus is with respect to second state of electronic installation.In described embodiment; When processor when first sensor receives first signal; Processor is relatively by first state of first signal indication with by second state of secondary signal indication, and when processor confirmed that the indication of first state is identical with the indication of second state, processor was accepted first signal; Otherwise processor is ignored first signal.

In aspect of described embodiment, accessories apparatus is the over cap with the capping (flap) that includes magnetic element, and first sensor is Hall effect (HFX) sensor.Over cap is attached to electronic installation pivotally; Make in closed configuration; Magnetic element in the capping provides first to stimulate, wherein this first form of stimulating for only when capping is in closed configuration with respect to electronic installation just by the HFX sensor to saturation magnetic field.Second sensor is following at least any one: ambient light sensor, camera, magnetometer, multiple point touching sensing surface, RFID device and another hall effect sensor.

In another embodiment, consumption electronic product comprises electronic installation and accessory unit at least.In described embodiment; Electronic product comprise processor and with the hall effect sensor (HFX) of processor communication; This HFX sensor is set to detect saturation magnetic field; And to processor signal is provided in response to detected saturation magnetic field, processor utilizes said signal to come the mode of operation with the change electronic installation.Electronic installation also comprises with the HFX sensor and separating and the second different sensors.Accessory unit comprises body, and this body can be attached to electronic installation pivotally, and has magnetic element at least.When accessory unit was in closed configuration, the inside surface of body made magnetic element present saturation magnetic field to the HFX sensor near the protection top layer.When processor receives indication when having the signal of saturation magnetic field from the HFX sensor; Processor is inquired second sensor; It is consistent to be in closed configuration with the signal that confirms to receive from the HFX sensor and lid; Processor is accepted the signal from the HFX sensor, otherwise processor is ignored the signal from the HFX sensor.

In another embodiment, a kind of method by the execution of the processor in this electronic installation in comprising the consumption electronic product of electronic installation has been described.This method can be carried out through operation below carrying out at least: detecting the stimulation of the first kind with the first sensor place of processor communication; Reception is from first signal of first sensor at the processor place, and this first signal indication accessories apparatus is with respect to first state of electronic installation; Detecting the stimulation of second type with the second sensor place of processor communication; Reception is from the secondary signal of second sensor at the processor place, and this secondary signal indication accessories apparatus is with respect to second state of electronic installation; Compare the indication of first state and the indication of second state by processor; And only when the said indication of relatively confirming first state is identical with the indication of second state, processor is just accepted first signal.

In another embodiment; A kind of non-transient state computer-readable medium has been described; This computer-readable medium is used for stored energy to be carried out detecting the program code of over cap with respect to the state of electronic installation by processor, and this electronic installation has processor and the first sensor and second sensor at least.This computer-readable medium comprises at least: be used for receiving the indication over cap is in the signal of closed configuration with respect to electronic installation computer code from first sensor; Be used to inquire the computer code of second sensor; Be used to receive computer code from the information of second sensor; And be used for when the information from second sensor does not have to confirm the signal from first sensor, ignoring from the signal of first sensor otherwise accept computer code from the signal of first sensor.

In aspect of described embodiment, over cap comprises the capping with magnetic element, and first sensor is a hall effect sensor.Over cap is attached to electronic installation pivotally; Make in closed configuration; Magnetic element in the capping provides first to stimulate, wherein this first form of stimulating for only when capping is in closed configuration with respect to electronic installation just by the HFX sensor to saturation magnetic field.Second sensor is following at least any one: ambient light sensor, camera, magnetometer, multiple point touching sensing surface, RFID device and another hall effect sensor.

According to the detailed description of doing below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, will know others of the present invention and advantage, these accompanying drawings by way of example illustration the principle of described embodiment.

Description of drawings

Detailed description with reference to below in conjunction with accompanying drawing will readily appreciate that the present invention, and in the accompanying drawings, similarly drawing reference numeral is indicated similar structural detail, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows the top perspective view according to the electronic installation of described embodiment.

Fig. 2 A shows first stereographic map of the accessories apparatus that electronic installation that form is a board device and form be over cap.

Fig. 2 B shows second stereographic map of the accessories apparatus that electronic installation that form is a board device and form be over cap.

Fig. 3 A shows the closed configuration by board device shown in Fig. 2 A and the 2B and the formed cooperative system of over cap.

Fig. 3 B shows the configuration of opening of the cooperative system shown in Fig. 3 A.

Fig. 4 shows the vertical view of embodiment of the cap assemblies of segmentation.

Fig. 5 A and 5B illustration plate carry compass and as the representative magnetic interaction between the magnetic element in the capping of the part of accessory unit.

Fig. 6 A and 6B with graphical illustration can be carried the various magnetic deflections that compass detects by plate.

Fig. 7 show specify to confirm from hall effect sensor to the process flow diagram of over cap with respect to the process of the indication of the state of electronic installation.

Fig. 8 shows detailed description and ambient light sensor (ALS) is used in combination with hall effect sensor confirms the process flow diagram of over cap with respect to the process of the state of electronic installation.

Fig. 9 shows detailed description and camera is used in combination with hall effect sensor confirms the process flow diagram of over cap with respect to the process of the state of electronic installation.

Figure 10 shows magnetometer that detailed description will have the compass form and is used in combination with hall effect sensor and confirms the process flow diagram of over cap with respect to the process of the state of electronic installation.

Figure 11 shows detailed description and multiple point touching (MT) sensing surface is used in combination with hall effect sensor confirms the process flow diagram of over cap with respect to the process of the state of electronic installation.

Figure 12 shows detailed description and the RFID device is used in combination with hall effect sensor confirms the process flow diagram of over cap with respect to the process of the state of electronic installation.

Figure 13 show the dynamic model that specify to use magnetic field confirm over cap with respect to the state of electronic installation with the process flow diagram of confirmation over cap with respect to the process of the state of electronic installation.

Figure 14 shows the block diagram of the electronic installation that is suitable for using with described embodiment.

Embodiment

Describe illustrative exemplary embodiment in the accompanying drawing below in detail.Should be appreciated that following description is not intended to embodiment is limited to a preferred embodiment.On the contrary, be intended to contain replacement in the spirit that can be included in described embodiment and the scope, revise and be equal to, like that claim limits enclosed.

Below describe the mechanism that can be used to confirm accessories apparatus with respect to the state of the host apparatus that is associated that relates generally to, this host apparatus that is associated has the mode of operation with the state consistency of accessories apparatus.More particularly, when accessories apparatus is when having the over cap of the size and dimension that meets electronic installation, this over cap can have the articulated section and be attached to the capping of this articulated section pivotally.Capping can be around the articulated section along the rotation of direction so that be sealed on and contact electronic installation in the closed configuration basically.Conversely, capping can pivot along another direction around hinge assembly and expose electronic installation to open in the configuration.In one embodiment, when over cap is detected as when being in closed configuration, electronic installation can be done in the closing lid mode; And open when configuration when over cap is detected as to be in, electronic installation can be operated opening under the cover mold formula.Over cap can provide the protection to some aspect (such as display) of electronic installation, promotes the overall appearance and the sensation of electronic installation simultaneously.Over cap can comprise the articulated section at least.The magnetic attachment structure can be used in the articulated section and magnetic is attached to electronic installation.The articulated section can pivot and be connected to capping, and this capping can place on the part that will protect of electronic installation.Over cap can comprise can with the electronic circuit of electronic component in electronic installation cooperation or other element (passive or active).As the part of this cooperation, signal can transmit between over cap and electronic installation, and these signals can be used to revise the operation of electronic installation, the electronic circuit of over cap or the operation of other element, or the like.

Electronic installation can comprise the magnetometer circuit, and this magnetometer circuit can be used for detecting the directivity size of external magnetic field.In this, magnetometer can be as the compass of orientation (directional bearing) that is set to indicate the external magnetic field and size.Like this, can infer the orientation (directional heading) of electronic installation with respect to the external magnetic field.For example, when the external magnetic field came down to the magnetic field of the earth, plate carried compass and can provide the indication of electronic installation with respect to the orientation of terrestrial magnetic pole.In one embodiment, over cap comprises the capping with magnetic element.Magnetic element can comprise the magnetic element that is used for the attached magnetic element of magnetic and is used to trigger Hall effect (HFX) sensor of electronic installation.In the case, can use plate to carry compass carries the influence detection capping of compass to plate based on magnetic element existence.

For example, plate carries compass and can detect capping based on first static-magnetic skew (being also referred to as the Hard Magnetic skew) and be attached to electronic installation by magnetic.First static-magnetic skew can capping based on over cap in included being used to trigger existence and the existence that is used for the magnetic element of attached capping of magnetic and electronic installation of the magnetic element of HFX sensor.In another embodiment, compass can detect when capping dynamic magnetic displacement along with the motion of magnetic element during around the rotation of the pivot of hinge assembly.Can use the dynamic magnetic displacement to confirm whether capping is carried compass with respect to plate and be kept in motion.In one embodiment, can be according to the relative displacement of inferring capping and electronic installation from the data of accelerometer and the real-time reception of gyroscope.Can be relevant from accelerometer and gyrostatic data with the dimensional orientation of electronic installation.Can use these dimensional orientation data and whether confirm magnetic element in the capping with respect to the electronic installation motion, to provide capping around the indication of the pivot axis rotation of hinge assembly from the magnetic reading that plate carries compass.

In one embodiment, electronic installation can have touch sensitive surface, and this touch sensitive surface can be reacted to being attached in the over cap near a plurality of conducting elements at the internal layer place of over cap.When over cap was attached to electronic installation by magnetic, said a plurality of conducting elements can be grounded.In one embodiment, conducting element can be by predetermined thereby be discernible patterned arrangement.Like this, comprise that can be with the mutual element of touch sensitive surface the time, these elements can be arranged by predetermined pattern, detect the current location of over cap to help electronic installation when the internal layer of over cap.For example, in one embodiment, touch sensitive surface can be capacitive in nature, and in this case, the embedding element in the over cap can be formed by conductive material (metal such as aluminium).Conducting element can ground connection, so that increase the capacitive signals noise ratio by the mutual signal that generates between capacitive touch-sensitive surface and the capacitive character embedding element.

Magnetic element in the capping portion can be mutual with the magnetosensitive circuit that is attached in the electronic installation.In one embodiment, the magnetosensitive circuit can adopt the form of HFX sensor, and this HFX sensor can detect the existence in external (extrinsic) magnetic field that is provided by the magnetic element in the over cap.But, should be noted that detected magnetic field must make the HFX sensor saturated in order to trigger the HFX sensor.Reduced the HFX sensor like this, greatly the possibility of over cap being sealed the mistake indication of electronic installation is provided.For example, the weak relatively magnetic field intensity deficiency that is associated with the magnetic field of the earth triggers the mistake indication to the over cap state so that the HFX sensor is saturated.

When the HFX sensor was exposed to saturation magnetic field (that is, having the magnetic field that is enough to make the saturated magnetic field intensity of HFX sensor), the HFX sensor can (that is, ON/OFF) signal comes this saturation magnetic field is responded through generating scale-of-two.One of advantage that (beyond the possibility that reduces wrong lid state indication) used the HFX sensor is that the required amount of power of operation HFX sensor is less relatively, therefore can on electronic installation, not cause excessive power consumption.Under any circumstance, when the HFX sensor was exposed to saturation magnetic field, the HFX sensor can send signal.This signal can be received by processing unit, and is used to change the mode of operation of electronic installation.But, should be noted that as the additional of HFX sensor or substitute, can use any suitable sensing apparatus to detect the state of over cap with respect to electronic installation.For example, can use magnetometer (its a kind of form can be used as compass) to replace the HFX sensor.Compare with the HFX sensor, magnetometer is responsive more to external magnetic field, therefore will respond through more continuous (simulation) signal that the expression exterior magnetic field is provided, thereby needs bigger amount of power.Therefore, can be through periodically the signal from magnetometer being sampled, the cause magnetometer detects dynamic magnetic activity (for example, the relative motion of indication magnetometer and magnetic source).For example, can use the data of being sampled to provide magnetic element in the over cap with respect to the relative position of the magnetometer in the electronic installation.

Therefore, over cap can comprise the magnetic element such as permanent magnet, and the magnetic field of this magnetic element can make the HFX sensor generate signal.Magnetic element can be placed on the such position on the over cap, that is, this position places on the surface of electronic installation or triggers the HFX sensor during near electronic installation surperficial at lid and generates signal.This signal can indicate over cap to be in the precalculated position with respect to electronic installation, and this precalculated position can cause the change of the mode of operation of electronic installation.For example, under the situation of the part with magnetic element near the HFX sensor of over cap, can make the HFX sensor generate signal from the magnetic field of magnetic element.Then can use this signal that the part that mode of operation changes to electronic installation is capped corresponding to state.For example, when electronic installation comprised display, over cap can be used to cover display, therefore display can not be watched, thereby can forbid display.On the other hand, when the part with magnetic element of over cap is moved away to when making the position that the HFX sensor no longer responds to the magnetic field of magnetic element, the HFX sensor then can generate another signal.This another signal can cause at least a portion of electronic equipment entering and display not to be capped and can to watch thereby can show corresponding to another different operating states of vision content.

Yet the HFX sensor can be enough to make the saturated magnetic field of HFX sensor to be triggered by any intensity, and the mistake indication to the existence of over cap possibly is provided thus.Therefore, for fear of this wrong indication, when the HFX sensor is triggered, can inquire additional sensor, the over cap that is provided by the HFX sensor for confirmation is in the indication of closed configuration.In one embodiment, the trigger event that the indication at HFX sensor place lid is in closed configuration can also make electronic installation inquire another sensor at least, the closed configuration by the indication of HFX sensor for confirmation.

In one embodiment, electronic installation can be inquired ambient light sensor (ALS).ALS can comprise photosensitive circuit (such as photodiode), and this photosensitive circuit can respond to different incident light (typical form is a surround lighting) level.In one embodiment, ALS can ambient light.Yet ALS can be configured to respond detecting surround lighting with many modes.For example, ALS can respond through as long as the photosensitive circuit in the ALS detects the amount of ambient light bigger than specific environment light quantity (that is, ambient light intensity) signal just being provided.In other words, the threshold value amount of ambient light can be the threshold level of regulation.For example, the threshold quantity of " x " lumen can be represented to be in the corresponding to amount of ambient light of closed configuration with over cap, and wherein, value " x " has been considered the light that bleeds from the edge of over cap.Certainly, the threshold value amount of ambient light can be set to any suitable amount that is considered to.For example, be under some situation on (such as daytime) in the bright light environments at electronic installation, the light leak amount maybe be more much higher than the expection light leak amount under darker condition.Therefore, maybe be much bigger along the light leak amount at over cap edge, be in the corresponding to threshold value light quantity of closed configuration with over cap and can increase so that this fact is taken into account.

In another embodiment, threshold quantity can be with consistent by the differential variation of the detected surround lighting of photosensitive circuit among the ALS.For example, be at electronic installation under the situation of bright light environments (such as daytime outdoor), when over cap in fact is closed, also have sizable light leak amount.Yet in order to reduce the uncertainty relevant with how many light leaks are really arranged, ALS can be configured to based on the differential variation by the detected light quantity of photosensitive circuit in the ALS signal is provided.For example, when over cap was opened, ALS can detect by " y ₁" light quantity represented of lumen.Yet, when over cap is closed, can be by the detected light quantity of the photosensitive circuit among the ALS from " y ₁" lumen becomes " y ₂" lumen.Only at poor (that is Δ y=abs (y, of detected light quantity ₁-y ₂)) under the situation greater than predetermined value, ALS just can provide the indication over cap to be in the appropriate signals of closed configuration.The advantage of this method is the following fact: the light leak value is difficult to infer, therefore, through depending on the clearly variation of institute's ambient light of definition, can obtain the indication of over cap with respect to the more accurate and robust of the state of electronic installation.

Therefore, through using ALS, electronic installation can confirm the indication to the state of over cap that provided by the HFX sensor.Like this, if ALS is in the consistent indication that confirms from the HFX sensor of closed configuration through detecting amount of ambient light and over cap, then electronic installation can be accepted the indication from the HFX sensor, and correspondingly changes the mode of operation of electronic installation.Yet; If amount of ambient light is inconsistent with the signal that is in closed configuration from the indication over cap of HFX sensor, then electronic installation can be inquired another sensor so that obtain to be used to assess another data point from the signal of HFX sensor, perhaps more simply; Can ignore indication fully from the HFX sensor; Overlay electronic device is fully covered in supposition thus, and therefore, the mode of operation of electronic installation will not be modified to being covered corresponding to mode of operation fully with electronic installation.Yet, if ALS detects the light quantity that has confirmed from the indication of hall effect sensor, electronic installation can accept from the HFX sensor be in the indication of closed configuration about over cap, and can respond accordingly thus.

In another embodiment, camera can be activated, and the type of the image of catching based on camera, and camera can be used for confirming the indication that the HFX sensor provides is closed about lid.For example, when lid was closed, camera can be caught the image of basic black (perhaps low-down lumen value).Yet; If electronic installation is positioned at dark situation (such as dark room, at night and the outdoor of seldom perhaps moonless or other external light source arranged; Or the like) in; Only exterior lighting (such as from display) can be provided for catching the sufficient light (for example, the terminal user on the face) of image for camera.In one embodiment, the image of being caught can use overall lumen value or lumen histogram to characterize, and this can be used for confirming that lid is complete closure or part closure.For example, even lid is closed by fully, also have some light leaks, this can be caught by camera, thereby causes the image of catching of low lumen.Yet in another embodiment, camera can be regulated by this way, that is, only if enough light is arranged on the image capture apparatus in camera, otherwise camera can be based on for example light leak specification and the document image of regulation.Yet; If camera has been caught image, then through assessing the overall lumen value (for example, less than threshold value lumen value) of the image of being caught; Can estimate the position of over cap, and utilize the position of estimated over cap to confirm (or not confirming) from the indication of HFX sensor.

In another embodiment, can type of service be that magnetometer that plate carries compass detects and be embedded in the existence that magnetic element in the over cap is positioned at HFX sensor place or near the corresponding to Hard Magnetic skew of correct position.In this embodiment, can utilize the existence of Hard Magnetic skew to confirm indication about the closing lid state from the HFX sensor.On the other hand, electronic installation can utilize not existing of Hard Magnetic skew to judge the misregister about the state of over cap from the HFX sensor, thereby can be left in the basket, and perhaps can take other action, such as another sensor of inquiry.

Shall also be noted that the magnetic material that comprises in the over cap possibly influence the performance of magnetometer (carrying compass like plate).Especially, the plate basic operation (being implemented as the instruction that can be carried out by processor or other appropriate circuitry) of carrying compass possibly be modified owing to the existence of magnetic material in over cap.Especially, the motion of over cap possibly carried compass by plate and detected the variation for magnetic field intensity and direction, and this can cause " mistake ", will experience dynamic deflection based on the change in location of over cap because plate carries compass.For example; When lid from opening configuration when becoming closed configuration; The dynamic deflection that plate carries the compass place possibly increase because of the following fact: the magnetic element in the over cap is moving near magnetometer; Therefore cause that plate carries the bigger off-set value of compass reading (certainly, become when opening from closure at the lid state, situation is just opposite).

Maybe be caused by the change in location of magnetic element in the over cap, the plate difference of carrying peak excursion that compass experiences or compass azimuth is the function of horizontal intensity that carries magnitude and the external magnetic field in Magnetic Sensor that compass is associated detected magnetic field when the change in location of over cap with plate.For the skew that the motion by over cap (more particularly, the magnetic element in the over cap) is caused compensates, plate carries compass and can utilize and plate is carried the maximum that compass can detected magnetic field amplitude change this model of function as the variation of covering the position.Like this; Through using maximum with magnetic field amplitude to change as the model of the function of lid position and the current estimation of amplitude of using the horizontal component of external magnetic field, electronic installation can estimate to be changed with respect to the relative position of electronic installation by over cap the maximum variation of the compass azimuth that causes.

Correspondingly, the accelerometer and the gyroscope that are combined in the electronic installation can be used in combination with compass, assess the dynamic magnetic variation characteristic (signature) of detected external magnetic field.Accelerometer and gyroscope can provide the locus and the rotation of electronic installation in real time, and compass can provide the indication that changes about the external magnetic field in real time.The reading of accelerometer and gyroscope and compass can use together, and compares with the model of magnetic element with respect to the motion of electronic installation, is used for assessing the possibility (through compass) that lid exists and moving with respect to electronic installation thus.

Below referring to figs. 1 through 15 discussion these and other embodiment.Yet, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the detailed description that provides with reference to these accompanying drawings only is used for task of explanation here, and should not be interpreted as restrictive.For the remainder of this discussion, description suitably is configured to magnetic respectively according to described embodiment is attached to each other first object and second object.Yet suitably the object of configuration can be by accurately being attached to each other with mode magnetic repeatably for the quilt that should be pointed out that any amount and type.Especially, for the purpose of simplification and knowing,, suppose that first object adopts the form of electronic installation, adopts the form of hand-hold electronic device particularly for the remainder of this discussion.

Electronic installation can adopt many forms.For the remainder of this discussion, electronic installation is described with the handheld portable calculation element.Therefore, Fig. 1 shows the top perspective view according to the electronic installation 10 of described embodiment.Electronic installation 10 can deal with data, more specifically, can processing media data, such as audio frequency, video, image etc.For example, the device that can work corresponding to can be used as smart phone, music player, game machine, video player, PDA(Personal Digital Assistant), panel computer etc. usually of electronic installation 10.Electronic installation 10 also can be handed.About hand-held, electronic installation 10 can be held in the hand, simultaneously by another manual manipulation (that is, not need such as the reference surface of desktop).Therefore, electronic installation 10 can be held in the hand, simultaneously can be by the portable confession operation of another input command.The operation input command can comprise operation volume switch, maintained switch, perhaps to touch sensitive surface (such as touch-sensitive display device or touch pad) input is provided.

Electronic installation 10 can comprise housing 12.In certain embodiments, housing 12 can adopt by any amount ofly can be forged, molded or otherwise form the form of the single-piece housing that the material (like plastics or nonmagnetic metal) of desirable shape forms.Have metal shell and have under the situation based on the function of radio frequency (RF) at electronic installation 10, the part of housing 12 can comprise the radio material transparent, like pottery or plastics.Housing 12 can be configured to surround a plurality of internal parts.For example, housing 12 can surround and support various structure members and electric parts (comprising IC chip), so that for electronic installation 10 calculating operation is provided.Integrated circuit can adopt the form of chip, chipset or module, and any in these chips, chipset or the module can be surface mounted to printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) or other supporting structure.For example, on the main logic plate (MLB) integrated circuit can be installed, this integrated circuit can comprise microprocessor, semiconductor memory (like flash memory) and various support circuit etc. at least.Housing 12 can comprise the opening 14 that is used to place internal part, and its size can be designed as and holds the display module that is used to appear vision content in case of necessity, and this display module is covered and protection by over cap 16.In some cases, display module can be a touch-sensitive, thereby allowing to be used for provides the sense of touch of control signal to import to electronic installation 10.In some cases, display module can be big and significant viewing area, and this viewing area has covered the most area in the front of electronic installation.

Electronic installation 10 can comprise the magnetic attachment system, and this magnetic attachment system can be used for electronic installation 10 magnetic are attached at least one other object that suitably disposes.The magnetic attachment system can comprise a plurality of magnetic attachment structures (feature) that are distributed in the housing 12 and are connected to housing 12 in some cases.For example, the magnetic attachment system can comprise the first magnetic attachment structure 18 and the second magnetic attachment structure 20 of the not homonymy that is positioned at electronic installation 10.Especially, the first magnetic attachment structure 18 can be near the sidewall 12a of housing 12.The second magnetic attachment structure 20 can be positioned at opening 14, near the sidewall 12b of housing 12.Have among the embodiment of the cover glass that fills up opening 14 basically at electronic installation 10 included displays, second attachment structure 20 can be positioned at the cap rock below.

Place sidewall 12a magnetic attachment structure 18 easy to use electronic installation 10 magnetic to be attached to another suitably object of configuration the first magnetic attachment structure 18, such as another electronic installation or accessories apparatus.Therefore, under the situation of not losing versatility, below will call device attachment structure 18 to the first magnetic attachment structure 18.On the other hand, the placement of the second magnetic attachment structure 20 can the second magnetic attachment structure, the 20 firm each side that are attached to another device of electronic installation 10 by means of device attachment structure 18 easy to use.Like this, and only carry out attached comparing through first attachment structure 18, whole attached between this another device and the electronic installation 10 can be more firm.Therefore, same under the situation of not losing versatility, below will call firm attachment structure 20 to the second magnetic attachment structure 20.Firm attachment structure 20 can comprise one or more magnetic elements 22.When using a plurality of magnetic element, arranging of these a plurality of magnetic elements can vary widely, and can carry out magnetic interaction with the cooperative structures on another device.In one embodiment, a plurality of magnetic elements that are associated with robust structure 20 can help firm at least a portion that otherwise is attached to another device of electronic installation 10 by means of device attachment structure 18.Electronic installation 10 can also comprise that hall effect sensor 24 and form are the magnetometer circuit 26 that plate carries compass 26.

The remainder of this discussion will be described the specific embodiment of the device that can use the magnetic attachment system.Especially, Fig. 2 A and Fig. 2 B show the electronic installation 100 that appears with board device 100, and accessories apparatus 200 is shown as over cap 200, and these all illustrate with top perspective.These parts can be prevailingly corresponding to any parts of describing in front.Especially, Fig. 2 A and 2B show and are in the board device 100 of opening configuration and two stereographic maps of over cap 200.For example, Fig. 2 A shows the relation of the device attachment structure 108 that comprises in the board device 100 and this device attachment structure 108 and board device 100.On the other hand, Fig. 2 B rotates about 180 ° with the view that appears among Fig. 2 A, so that attachment structure 202 and this attachment structure 202 another view with the relation of over cap 200 to be provided.

The form of board device 100 can be dull and stereotyped calculation element, such as Cupertino, and the iPad that the Apple of CA makes ^TMReferring now to Fig. 2 A, board device 100 can comprise housing 102, and housing 102 can surround and fulcrum arrangement attachment structure 108.For the magnetic field that countermeasure set attachment structure not 108 produces, can the forming by any amount of nonmagnetic substance (such as plastics, perhaps the nonmagnetic metal such as aluminium) with device attachment structure 108 immediate parts at least of housing 102.Housing 102 can also surround and at the various structure members of interior support and electric parts (comprising IC chip and other circuit), so that for board device 100 calculating operation is provided.Housing 102 can comprise the opening 104 that is used to place internal part, and its size can be designed as the system that holds display module or be suitable for for example providing at least for the user via display vision content.In some cases, display module can comprise the touch-sensitive ability, and this makes the user can utilize the touch input to come to board device 100 the sense of touch input to be provided.Display module can form by a plurality of layers, and these layers comprise top layer, and the form of this top layer be by the perhaps transparent cover glass 106 that forms of other suitable plastics materials or press polished glass of polycarbonate.Use press polished glass, cover glass 106 can fill up opening 104 basically.

Although not shown, the display module below cover glass 106 can be used for utilizing any appropriate display technology (such as LCD, LED, OLED, electric ink (being e-ink) etc.) to come display image.Can use various mechanism to place and be fixed on cavity to display module.In one embodiment, display module is fastened in the cavity.It can be set to adjacent housing parts and flush.Like this, display can present vision content, and this vision content can comprise video, rest image and icon, such as can information (for example, text, object, figure) being provided and receiving the graphic user interface (GUI) of the input that the user provides to the user.In some cases, the icon that is shown can move on the display position more easily by the user.

In certain embodiments, can be applied to or be attached in the cover glass 106 or the below with display cover (mask).Display cover can be used for giving prominence to the not shade part that is used for appearing vision content of display, and can be used for making device attachment structure 108 more not obvious with firm attachment structure 20.Board device 100 can comprise can be used between board device 100 and external environment condition the various port of the information of transmitting.Especially, FPDP 109 can be so that transmission data and electric power, and loudspeaker 110 can be used for the output audio content." Home " button 112 can be used to provide can be by the input signal of the processor use that comprises in the board device 100.Processor can use the mode of operation of changing board device 100 from the signal of " Home " button 112.For example, " Home " button can be used for the current active page of resetting and being appeared by display module.Board device 100 can also comprise photomoduel 114, and this photomoduel 114 is set to catch image.Board device 100 can also comprise and is used for the ambient light sensor 116 (ALS) of ambient light level.In one embodiment, ALS 116 can be used for being provided with the luminance level of display module.For example, in having the darker environment of surround lighting seldom, can make the processor in the board device 100 dim display module from the reading of ALS 116.In brighter environment, it is brighter that display module can become.Board device can also comprise the compass 118 that is used for detecting the external magnetic field, and this can help to confirm the position of board device 100.Board device 100 can also comprise hall effect sensor 120, and this hall effect sensor 120 can be used for when lid 200 is placed on the board device 100 that is in closed configuration, detecting the existence of magnetic element.Accelerometer and gyroscope (not shown) can be confirmed the position and directed any dynamic change of board device 100 in real time.

Over cap 200 can have to board device 100 the look and feel of replenishing of the look and feel, it has increased the overall appearance and the sensation of board device 100.Fig. 2 A and 2B show over cap 200 and are attached to and are in the board device 100 of opening configuration, and wherein, cover glass 106 is visible fully.Over cap 200 can comprise capping 202.In one embodiment, capping 202 can have the size and dimension that meets cover glass 106.Capping 202 can pivot through hinge assembly 206 and be connected to annex attachment structure 204, and wherein hinge assembly 206 and annex attachment structure 204 are all shown in Fig. 2 B.Like this, capping 202 can be around pivotal axis 211 rotations.Magnetic attachment forces between attachment structure 204 and the device attachment structure 108 can be kept over cap 200 and have correct directed and layout with board device 100 with respect to capping 202 and cover glass 106.Correct orientation means that over cap 200 can only correctly be attached to board device 100 under capping 202 situation that 106 pairings are alignd with engaging with cover glass.Pairing between cover glass 106 and the capping 202 arranges it is to make to be placed as when contacting with cover glass 106 when capping 202 that the whole basically cover glass 106 of capping 202 coverings is shown in Fig. 3 A.

Capping 202 can pivot and be connected to hinge assembly 206, and hinge assembly 206 can be connected to attachment structure 204 again.Hinge assembly 206 can be couple to electronic installation 100 through annex attachment structure 204 again.Like this, capping 202 can be used the over cap that work is protected the each side (such as display cover 106) of electronic installation 100.Capping 202 can be formed by various materials (such as plastics, fabric etc.).Capping 202 segmentation in such a way, that is, a segmentation of capping can be lifted to expose the counterpart of display.Capping 202 can also comprise can with the function element of corresponding function element in the electronic installation 100 cooperation.Like this, operation capping 202 can cause the change of the operation of electronic installation 100.

Capping 202 can comprise magnetic material.For example, magnetic element 207 can be used for magnetic and be attached to corresponding magnetic attachment structure 20, and magnetic element 209 activates hall effect sensor 120 can be used for appropriate location above capping 202 is positioned at cover glass 106 time.Like this, hall effect sensor 120 can respond through generating signal, and the signal that is generated can be used for changing the mode of operation of electronic installation 100.The housing that can easily directly be attached to board device owing to lid need not securing member, so capping 202 can meet the shape of electronic installation 100 basically.Like this, lid 200 will can not weaken or otherwise cover the look and feel of electronic installation 100.Capping 202 can also comprise the capacitive element of arranging by predetermined pattern 208.Capacitive element 208 can be used for activating multiple point touching (MT) sensitive layer that comprises in the display module.When capping 202 places 106 last times of cover glass, the MT sensitive layer can come the existence of capacitive element 208 is responded through producing the touch mode consistent with this predetermined pattern.Like this, can confirm that indication from hall effect sensor 120 is in the signal of existence of the capping 202 of closed configuration.When confirming, board device 100 can accept from hall effect sensor 120 be in the indication of closed configuration about capping 202, and react accordingly.

In one embodiment, capping 202 can comprise RFID device 210, and this RFID device 210 can be used for identification protecting lid 200.Especially, when over cap 200 was in closed configuration, capping 202 can contact cover glass 106, allowed the RFID sensor in the board device 100 " to read " RFID device 210 thus.Like this, not only can confirm indication, but also can carry out identification over cap 200 from hall effect sensor 120.

Fig. 3 A and 3B show the attached over cap 200 and board device 100 of magnetic each other.Fig. 3 A shows closed configuration, and wherein cover glass 106 capped 202 covers fully and contacts with capping 202.Over cap 200 can pivot around hinge assembly 206, becomes the configuration of opening of Fig. 3 B with the closed configuration from Fig. 3 A.In closed configuration, the internal layer of capping 202 can directly contact with cover glass 106.Like this, capacitive element 208 can by place in the display module the MT electric circuit inspection below cover glass 106 to.And the MT circuit can detect and corresponding pattern of the pattern of capacitive element 208 or characteristic.Like this, to the detection of pattern can confirm from hall effect sensor 120 about capping 202 and cover glass 106 contacted indications.If do not detect pattern, then board device 100 can be ignored the indication (perhaps if possible, using another sensor, such as ALS 116, as further inspection) from hall effect sensor 120.

To open configuration in order being converted to, can to apply release force F capping 202 from closed configuration _ReleaseRelease force F _ReleaseCan overcome attachment structure 207 and the magnetic attraction between the attachment structure 110 in the board device 100 in the capping 202.Therefore, over cap 200 can be fixed to board device 100, up to capping 202 is applied release force F _ReleaseTill.Like this, capping 202 can be used for over cap glass 106.For example, over cap 200 can be attached to board device 100 by magnetic.Capping 202 can place subsequently that magnetic is fixed to cover glass 106 on the cover glass 106 and through the magnetic interaction between magnetic attachment structure 20 and 207.Can be through directly applying release force F to capping 202 _ReleaseAnd capping 202 is unclamped from cover glass 106.Release force F _ReleaseCan overcome the magnetic attachment between magnetic attachment structure 20 and 207.Therefore, capping 202 can unhinderedly be removed from cover glass 106 subsequently.

Fig. 4 shows the vertical view of a specific embodiment of over cap 200 that form is the lid 300 of segmentation.The lid 300 of segmentation can comprise body 302.Body 302 can have the size and dimension that meets board device 100.Body 302 can be by single-piece collapsible or flexible material form.Body 302 also can be divided into a plurality of sections that are separated from each other through the fold domain.Like this, these sections can be relative to each other folding at the place, fold domain.In one embodiment, body 302 a plurality of material layers that can form rhythmo structure by being attached to one another form.Each layer can adopt the form of from one piece, and this from one piece can have the size and dimension that meets body 302.Each layer only also can have a part of corresponding size and dimension with body 302.For example, can be attached to this section with rigidity or semi-rigid material layer that section has a roughly the same size and dimension or otherwise be associated with this section.

In another example, rigidity or the semi-rigid material layer that has a size and dimension that meets body 302 can be used for providing as a whole with elastic substrates the lid 300 of segmentation.Should be pointed out that these layers all can be formed by the material of the attribute with expectation.For example, the contacted layer of the lid 300 and friable surface such as glass of segmentation can be formed by the soft material that can not damage or destroy this friable surface.In another embodiment, can use the material such as microfibril, it can clean friable surface passively.On the other hand, be exposed to external environment condition the layer can form by more coarse and durable material (like plastics or leather).In another embodiment, capacitive element 208 can be incorporated in the rhythmo structure of cap assemblies 300.

In a specific embodiment, the body 302 of segmentation can be divided into a plurality of sections 304-310, is distributed with narrower foldable portion 312 between these sections 304-310.Among these sections 304-310 each can comprise the one or more emboluss that are placed in one.For example, these sections can comprise the bag zone that wherein can place embolus, perhaps replacedly, embolus can the section of being embedded in (for example, insert moulding (insert molding)).If used bag, then the bag zone can have the size and dimension that holds corresponding embolus.These emboluss can have different shape, but the most typically are shaped as the overall appearance (for example, rectangle) of the body 302 that meets segmentation.Embolus can be used to provide the support structure to the body 302 of segmentation.That is, embolus can provide hardness to cap assemblies.In some cases, embolus can be called as stiffened member (stiffener).Therefore, except outside the narrower foldable area place that does not comprise embolus (for example, allow folding), cap assemblies is relatively harder, makes the more healthy and stronger and operation more easily of lid 300 of segmentation.In one embodiment, section 304,306 and 310 dimension scales with respect to section 308 can be about 0.72 to 1, about 72% of the width of section of this means 304,306 and 310 the width dimensions section of being 308.Like this, can form triangle (that is, be described below, be approximately 75 °, be approximately 11 ° for keyboard base and be used for keyboard region) for the display seat with suitable angle.

Section 306,308 and 310 can comprise embolus 314,316 and 318 (illustrating with the dash line form) respectively.Embolus 314-318 can be by being that body 302 increases flexible rigidity or semi-rigid material forms.The example of operable material comprises plastics, spun glass, carbon fiber composite, metal etc.Section 304 can comprise embolus 320; This embolus 320 also can be formed by resilient material (like plastics); And be set to hold magnetic element 322, some in these magnetic elements 322 can interact with the magnetic element (more specifically being attachment structure 110) in the board device 100.Embolus 314-318 also can hold capacitive element 208, and this capacitive element 208 can be by the responsive part of the MT institute sensing of the display of board device 100.

Because the body 302 of segmentation can fold, more particularly, owing to each section can relative to each other fold, so magnetic interaction take place the active embolus 324 of magnetic that the major part in the magnetic element 322 can be used for and be embedded in the embolus 318.Through active embolus 324 and magnetic element 322 magnetic are bound, can form various supporting structures, some in these supporting structures can be triangular shaped.The triangle supporting structure can help the use of board device 100.For example, can use a triangle supporting structure to come bearing flat plate device 100 in such a way, that is, making can be by with respect to the horizontal plane becoming about 75 ° hope visual angle to present vision content.Yet in order suitably to fold the lid 300 of segmentation, section 308 can be designed to the section of being a bit larger tham 304,306 and 310 (these have same size usually) dimensionally.Like this, these sections can form has two equilateral and triangles than the 3rd long limit, and this triangle has an about interior angle of 75 °.

Cap assemblies 300 can be attached to annex attachment structure 202 pivotally through hinge assembly.Hinge assembly can provide one or more pivots to fold on the device to allow lid, and cap assemblies is attached to device through magnet simultaneously.In the illustrative embodiment of institute, hinge assembly can comprise first articulated section (being also referred to as the first end lug (lug)) 328 and with second articulated section (or second end lug) 330 of the first end lug positioned opposite.The first end lug 328 can be through being attached to segmentation the pipe portion of body 302 in connecting link 332 (illustrating) with dashed line form be rigidly connected to the second end lug 330.The longitudinal axis of connecting link 332 can be used as pivotal axis 333, and the body of segmentation can pivot with respect to hinge assembly around pivotal axis 333.Connecting link 332 can be enough to metal or plastics that non-yielding prop cap assemblies 300 and magnetic is attached to any object (like board device 100) of magnetic attachment structure 202 by intensity and form.

In order to prevent metal and Metal Contact, the first end lug 328 and the second end lug 330 all can have the

protective seam

336 and 338 that is attached to them respectively.Protective seam (being also referred to as bolster) 336 and 338 can prevent direct contact the between the first end lug 328 and the second end lug 330 and the housing 102.This is even more important when end lug 328,330 and housing 102 are formed by metal.Bolster 336 and 338 existence can be prevented metal and Metal Contact between not-go-end lug and the housing 102, eliminate at the contact point place risk that the essence of overall appearance and sensation that maybe deterioration board device 100 is worn and torn thus.

The first end lug 328 and the second end lug 330 can be attached to electronic installation through hinged cross bar (hinge span) 340 magnetic, and this hinged cross bar 340 is configured to pivot with respect to the end lug.This pivot can utilize pivot pin 342 (its part can be exposed) to realize.Pivot pin 342 can rotatably be fixed to the first end lug 328 and the second end lug 330 with hinged cross bar 340.Hinged cross bar 340 can comprise magnetic element.These magnetic elements can be set to hinged cross bar 340 magnetic are attached to the magnetic attachment structure of the magnetic element layout that has coupling in the electronic installation.In order these magnetic elements to be fixed on the correct position in the hinged cross bar 340; Can use pivot pin 342 to fix the magnetic element at the two ends that are positioned at hinged cross bar 340, move and possibly interrupt the attached possibility of magnetic between the magnetic attachment structure in hinged cross bar 340 and the electronic installation thereby reduce magnetic element in the hinged cross bar 340.

Fig. 5 A and 5B illustration plate carry the representational magnetic interaction between the

magnetic element

207 and 209 in compass 118 and the capping 202.For the remainder of this discussion, for the sake of clarity,

magnetic element

207 and 209 is assumed that the composite magnetic element ME that carries compass 118 apart r with plate.In opening configuration, be fixed range R apart from r _Open, and in closed configuration, be fixed range R apart from r _ClosedTherefore, plate carries compass 118 and can detect the magnetic flux density M that sends from composite magnetic element ME according to formula (1):

M (r)=B _ME/ r ²Formula (1)

Wherein:

B _MEBe the magnetic flux density (tesla) of composite magnetic element ME, and

R is that composite magnetic element ME and plate carry the distance between the compass 118.

Therefore, in opening configuration, plate carries compass 118 can detect magnetic flux density according to formula (2):

M _Open=B _ME/ R _Open ²Formula (2)

And in closed configuration, plate carries compass 118 can detect magnetic flux density according to formula (3):

M _Closed=B _ME/ R _Closed ²Formula (3)

Yet, because composite magnetic element ME and plate carry changing with angle of pivot Θ apart from r between the compass 118, so the variation of carrying compass 118 detected magnetic flux density M by plate can provide the estimation of capping 202 around the motion of pivotal axis 211.Like this, through capping 202 is carried out modeling around the motion of pivotal axis 211, can infer the motion of capping 202 through assessing variation by the magnetic flux density M of compass 118 detected composite magnetic element ME according to formula (4):

M (Θ)=B _ME/ r (Θ) ²Formula (4)

Wherein: 0≤Θ≤π.

Because board device 100 can not directly detect angle of pivot Θ, so can utilize the accelerometer and the gyroscope (not shown) that comprise in the board device 100 to obtain indirect confirming.Accelerometer and gyroscope can provide the dimensional orientation of board device 100; And carrying compass 118, plate can detect total magnetic flux density (comprising the magnetic deflection shown in Fig. 6 A and the 6B); Whether this total magnetic flux density can compare with dynamic model, rotating around pivotal axis 211 to infer capping 202.

Fig. 6 A and 6B with graphical illustration can be carried the various magnetic deflections that compass 118 detects by plate.For example, the magnetic element in the magnetic attachment structure 204 can produce magnetic deflection M1.Magnetic deflection M1 can provide the indication that is attached to board device 100 about over cap 200 magnetic.For example, detect the variation of magnetic flux density if plate carries compass 118 according to magnetic deflection M1, then plate carries compass 118 corresponding signal can be provided to the processor in the board device 100.Processor can use this signal infer over cap 200 magnetic be attached to board device 100.

Fig. 7 show specify to confirm from hall effect sensor to the process flow diagram of over cap with respect to the process 700 of the indication of the state of electronic installation.Process 700 can start from 702, detects the stimulation of the first kind at this first sensor place in electronic installation.704, receive first signal according to aforementioned detection, this first signal indication accessories apparatus is with respect to first state of electronic installation.706, the stimulation of second type is detected at the second sensor place in electronic installation.708, receive secondary signal according to aforementioned detection, this secondary signal indication accessories apparatus is with respect to second state of electronic installation.710, if first state is identical with second state, then accept first signal, and process 700 finishes 712.Otherwise,, determine whether to receive signal from another sensor 714.If confirm to receive another signal, then forward control to 706 from another sensor; Otherwise, ignore first signal 716, and process 700 finishes.

Fig. 8 shows the process flow diagram of detailed description as the process 800 of an embodiment of the step 702 of process 700, and wherein, first sensor is Hall effect (HFX) sensor.More specifically, process 800 starts from 802, is in closed indication at this state about lid that receives from the HFX sensor.804, activate ambient light sensor (ALS).806, confirm whether ALS detects the amount of ambient light bigger than surround lighting threshold value.If detected amount of ambient light is greater than threshold value, then do not confirm from the HFX sensor be in closed indication about lid, and ignore this 808 and be in closed indication about lid from the HFX sensor; Otherwise, accept this indication from the HFX sensor at 810 electronic installations.

Fig. 9 shows the process flow diagram of detailed description as the process 900 of an embodiment of the step 702 of process 700, and wherein, first sensor is Hall effect (HFX) sensor.More specifically, process 900 starts from 902, is in closed indication at this state about lid that receives from the HFX sensor.904, activate camera, and, confirm whether camera has caught image 906.If confirm that 906 cameras do not capture image, then accept to be in closed indication about lid from the HFX sensor 908.On the other hand, if confirm that 906 cameras have captured image,, and ignore this indication by electronic installation from the HFX sensor 910 then from being in closed indication about the lid state and not being proved of HFX sensor.

Figure 10 shows the process flow diagram of detailed description as the process 1000 of an embodiment of the step 702 of process 700, and wherein, first sensor is Hall effect (HFX) sensor.More specifically, process 1000 starts from 1002, is in closed indication at this state about lid that receives from the HFX sensor.1004, detect magnetic field at the compass place, then 1006, confirm that the Hard Magnetic skew that whether causes with the existence of the magnetic element of Yin Gainei in detected magnetic field is consistent.If confirm not detect hard skew,, and ignore this indication from the HFX sensor at 1008 electronic installations then from being in closed indication about lid and not being proved of HFX sensor 1006.On the other hand, if confirm to detect hard skew 1006, then confirmed from the HFX sensor be in closed indication about the lid state, and accept this indication by electronic installation from the HFX sensor 1010.

Figure 11 shows the process flow diagram of detailed description as the process 1100 of an embodiment of the step 702 of process 700, and wherein, first sensor is Hall effect (HFX) sensor.More specifically, process 1100 starts from 1102, is in closed indication at this state about lid that receives from the HFX sensor.1104, detect the MT incident at the MT sensing surface.1106, confirm that whether and with the lid state MT incident is in closed corresponding to MT characteristic matching.If it is closed consistent to confirm that MT characteristic and lid state are in, then 1108, electronic installation is accepted the indication from the HFX sensor.On the other hand,, then ignore indication, and process 1100 finishes from the HFX sensor at 1110 electronic installations if MT incident and MT characteristic do not match.

Figure 12 shows the process flow diagram of detailed description as the process 1200 of an embodiment of the step 702 of process 700, and wherein, first sensor is Hall effect (HFX) sensor.More specifically, process 1200 starts from 1202, is in closed indication at this state about lid that receives from the HFX sensor.1204, detect the RFID characteristic.1206, confirm detected RFID characteristic whether and with the corresponding to RFID characteristic matching of lid.If confirm that the RFID characteristic is consistent with lid, then 1208, electronic installation is accepted the indication from the HFX sensor.On the other hand,, then ignore indication, and process 1200 finishes from the HFX sensor at 1210 electronic installations if the RFID characteristic is inconsistent with lid.

Figure 13 shows the process flow diagram of detailed description process 1300.More specifically, process 1300 starts from 1302, uses the current locus and the rotation of accelerometer and the real-time detection. electronics of gyroscope at this.1304, detect exterior magnetic field by magnetometer (form is a compass).1306, based on accelerometer and gyroscope reading and compass reading the dynamic magnetic field of gained is provided in real time, wherein the dynamic magnetic field of gained is the clean magnetic field of all exterior magnetic fields of recording at the compass place.Based on the current locus of electronic installation and the clean magnetic field of rotation real-time update, so that dynamic gained magnetic field to be provided, will this dynamic gained magnetic field follow 1308 to compare with there not being the reference data of covering corresponding to dynamic magnetic field.1310, confirm the measured dynamic magnetic field and the deviation of reference data.If less than the threshold deviation value, then there is not lid in this deviation, and ignores the indication from the HFX sensor at 1312 electronic installations.On the other hand, if greater than the threshold deviation value, then there is lid in this deviation, and accept indication from the HFX sensor at 1314 electronic installations.

Figure 14 is the block diagram of the electronic installation 1450 that is suitable for using with described embodiment.Electronic installation 1450 illustrations the circuit of representational calculation element.Electronic installation 1450 comprises processor 1452, and processor 1452 relates to the microprocessor or the controller of the overall operation that is used to control electronic installation 1450.Electronic installation 1450 is the storage media data relevant with media item in file system 1454 and high-speed cache 1456.File system 1454 is memory disc or a plurality of dish normally.File system 1454 is generally electronic installation 1450 high capacity storage capability is provided.Yet, since longer relatively to the access time of file system 1454, so electronic installation 1450 can also comprise high-speed cache 1456.High-speed cache 1456 for example is the random-access memory (ram) that is provided by semiconductor memory.The relative access time to high-speed cache 1456 is shorter than the access time to file system 1454 greatly.Yet high-speed cache 1456 does not have the large storage capacity of file system 1454.And file system 1454 power than high-speed cache 1456 consumption when activity is many.When electronic installation 1450 was the portable media device by battery 1474 power supply, power consumption usually became problem.Electronic installation 1450 also can comprise RAM 1470 and ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) 1472.ROM 1472 can store program, instrument (utility) or the process that will carry out with non-volatile mode.RAM 1470 provides the volatile data storage that for example is used for high-speed cache 1456.

Electronic installation 1450 also comprises user input apparatus 1458, and this user input apparatus 1458 allows the user and the electronic installation 1450 of electronic installation 1450 mutual.For example, user input apparatus 1458 can be taked various forms, catches the input of input interface, sensing data form etc. like button, keypad, dial, touch-screen, audio input interface, video.And electronic installation 1450 comprises can be by processor 1452 controls with the display 1460 (screen display) to user's display message.Data bus 1466 can be so that carrying out data transmission between file system 1454, high-speed cache 1456, processor 1452 and the CODEC 1463 at least.

In one embodiment, electronic installation 1450 is used in file system 1454, storing a plurality of media item (for example, song, blog etc.).When the user hopes to play certain media items with electronic installation, on display 1460, show the tabulation of available media items.Subsequently, the user can use user input apparatus 1458 in available media items, to select one.After the selection that receives certain media items, processor 1452 offers encoder/decoder (CODEC) 1463 with the media data (for example, audio file) of this certain media items.CODEC 1463 generates the analog output signal to loudspeaker 1464 subsequently.Loudspeaker 1464 can be at the inner loudspeaker of electronic installation 1450, or at the outside loudspeaker of electronic installation 1450.For example, the headphone or the receiver that are connected to electronic installation 1450 are considered to external loudspeaker.

Electronic installation 1450 also comprises the network/bus interface 1461 that is couple to data link 1462.Data link 1462 makes electronic installation 1450 can be couple to host computer or is couple to accessories apparatus.Data link 1462 can provide through wired connection or wireless connections.For the situation of wireless connections, network/bus interface 1461 can comprise transceiver.Media item (media asset) can relate to one or more dissimilar media contents.In one embodiment, media item is audio-frequency music (for example, song, audio books and a blog).In another embodiment, media item is image (for example a, photo).Yet in other embodiments, media item can be any combination of audio frequency, figure or vision content.Sensor 1476 can adopt the form of the circuit that is used to detect any amount of stimulation.For example, sensor 1476 can comprise hall effect sensor that the external magnetic field is responded, audio sensor, optical sensor (like photometer) etc.

The various aspects of described embodiment, embodiment, embodiment or characteristic can be used separately or use by any combination.The various aspects of described embodiment can realize through the combination of software, hardware or hardware and software.Described embodiment also may be implemented as the computer-readable code on the non-transient state computer-readable medium.Computer-readable medium is defined as any data storage device that can store data, and wherein these data subsequently can be by computer system reads.The example of computer-readable medium comprises ROM (read-only memory), RAS, CD-ROM, DVD, tape and optical data storage device.Computer-readable medium also can be distributed on the computer system through network coupling, thereby with distribution mode storage and computer readable code executed.

More than the description made for explanation use particular term that the thorough to described embodiment is provided.Yet it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that to putting into practice described embodiment does not need these specific details.Therefore, the above description of described specific embodiment here is used for illustration and explanation.They are not intended to limit or these embodiment are limited to disclosed precise forms.It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that according to above instruction and can make many modifications and modification.

The advantage of described embodiment is a lot.Different aspects, embodiment or embodiment can bring one or more in the following advantage.To know according to written description and therefore, to be intended to many feature and advantage of these embodiment contain all these feature and advantage of the present invention by accompanying claims.In addition, because those skilled in the art will understand numerous modifications and change easily, so embodiment should be not limited to accurate structure and operation like institute's illustration and description.Therefore, all suitable modifications and equivalent can be regarded as and fall in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. consumption electronic product comprises:

Electronic installation, this electronic installation comprises:

Processor;

Display;

First sensor with said processor communication; This first sensor is set to detect the stimulation of the first kind; Wherein, This first sensor comes the stimulation of the first kind is responded through first signal is provided to said processor, and first signal indication accessories apparatus is with respect to first state of said electronic installation; And

With second sensor of said processor communication, this second sensor is set to detect the stimulation of second type, wherein; This second sensor comes the stimulation of second type is responded through secondary signal is provided to said processor, and secondary signal is indicated second state of said accessories apparatus with respect to said electronic installation, wherein; When said processor when first sensor receives first signal; Relatively by first state of first signal indication and second state of being indicated by secondary signal, when said processor confirmed that first state is relevant with second state, said processor was accepted first signal to said processor; Otherwise said processor is ignored first signal.

2. consumption electronic product according to claim 1, wherein, said accessories apparatus is an over cap, it comprises:

Pivot assembly, this pivot assembly are set to said over cap and said electronic installation are attached at together pivotally; With

Capping, this capping is attached to said pivot assembly pivotally, and has the size and dimension that is consistent with said display, and wherein, this capping comprises the magnetic element that is set to provide magnetic signal.

3. consumption electronic product according to claim 2; Wherein, Said magnetic signal is a saturation magnetic field, and wherein, first sensor is the hall effect sensor that is set to detect said saturation magnetic field; Only when said capping is in closed configuration with respect to the display of said electronic installation and the said magnetic element in the said capping during near said hall effect sensor, said hall effect sensor just detects said saturation magnetic field and said saturation magnetic field is responded.

4. according to each described consumption electronic product in the claim 1 to 3; Wherein, second sensor be at least below in any: be set to the ambient light sensor of ambient light, the camera that is set to catch image, the magnetometer that is set to detect the external magnetic field, the multiple point touching sensing surface that is set to detect the pattern of the capacitive element that comprises in the said capping, another hall effect sensor that is set to detect the RFID circuit of the RFID chip that comprises in the said capping and is set to detect another magnetic element in the said capping.

5. according to each described consumption electronic product in the claim 1 to 4, wherein, first sensor is any in following at least: ambient light sensor, camera, magnetometer, multiple point touching sensing surface, RFID device.

6. according to each described consumption electronic product in the aforementioned claim, also comprise the 3rd sensor.

7. consumption electronic product according to claim 6; Wherein, The 3rd sensor be at least below in any: be set to the ambient light sensor of ambient light, the camera that is set to catch image, the magnetometer that is set to detect the external magnetic field, the multiple point touching sensing surface that is set to detect the pattern of the capacitive element that comprises in the said capping, another hall effect sensor that is set to detect the RFID circuit of the RFID chip that comprises in the said capping and is set to detect another magnetic element in the said capping, and said second sensor is a hall effect sensor.

8. consumption electronic product comprises:

Electronic installation, this electronic installation comprises:

Display, this display comprise protection top layer and the display device that is arranged in this protection top layer below;

Processor;

Hall effect sensor with said processor communication; This hall effect sensor is set to detect saturation magnetic field; And to said processor first signal is provided in response to detected saturation magnetic field, said processor utilizes first signal to change with first mode mode of operation of said electronic installation; And

Separate and the second different sensors with said hall effect sensor; This second sensor is set to detect the stimulation of second type and responds with corresponding secondary signal, and said processor utilizes secondary signal to change with second mode mode of operation of said electronic installation;

Accessory unit, this accessory unit comprises:

Be attached to the body of said electronic installation pivotally; This body has magnetic element at least, wherein, and when said accessory unit is in closed configuration; The inside surface of said body contacts with said protection top layer; Make said hall effect sensor detect said saturation magnetic field, and through providing first signal to respond to said processor, wherein; When said processor receives indication when having first signal of said saturation magnetic field from said hall effect sensor; Said processor confirms whether second sensor is generating secondary signal in response to the stimulation of second type, and it is consistent that said processor comparison first signal and secondary signal are in closed configuration with first signal that confirms to receive from said hall effect sensor and said accessory unit with respect to said display, wherein; When second sensor confirms that said accessory unit is in closed configuration; Said processor is accepted to move from first signal of said hall effect sensor and according to first signal, otherwise said processor is ignored first signal from said hall effect sensor.

9. consumption electronic product according to claim 8; Wherein, Second sensor is an ambient light sensor, and wherein, said ambient light sensor generates the secondary signal of confirmation from first signal of said hall effect sensor through detecting surround lighting less than threshold level.

10. consumption electronic product according to claim 8, wherein, second sensor is a camera, and wherein, said camera generates the secondary signal of confirmation from first signal of said hall effect sensor through detecting and catching image.

11. consumption electronic product according to claim 8, wherein, second sensor is a compass, and wherein, said compass generates the secondary signal that confirms from first signal of said hall effect sensor through detecting the Hard Magnetic skew.

12. consumption electronic product according to claim 8, wherein, second sensor is a compass; And wherein, said electronic installation also comprises the 3rd sensor, and the 3rd sensor is accelerometer and gyroscope; Wherein, said compass and said accelerometer and gyroscope provide dynamic result magnetic field, wherein; Said processor is compared said dynamic result magnetic field with reference data; Wherein, if with respect to the skew of said reference data greater than predetermined value, then said processor is accepted first signal from said hall effect sensor.

13. consumption electronic product according to claim 8, wherein, said capping also comprises a plurality of capacitive elements of arranging by predetermined pattern.

14. consumption electronic product according to claim 13; Wherein, Second sensor is a multipoint touch sensor; And wherein, said multipoint touch sensor generates the secondary signal of confirmation from first signal of said hall effect sensor through the pattern that detects the capacitive element in the said capping.

15. the method in comprising the consumption electronic product of electronic installation, this method comprises:

Detecting the stimulation of the first kind with the first sensor place of said processor communication;

Reception is from first signal of first sensor at said processor place, and this first signal indication accessories apparatus is with respect to first state of said electronic installation;

Detecting the stimulation of second type with the second sensor place of said processor communication;

Reception is from the secondary signal of second sensor at said processor place, and this secondary signal is indicated second state of said accessories apparatus with respect to said electronic installation;

Compare the indication of first state and the indication of second state by said processor; And

Only when the said indication that comparison shows that first state was identical with the indication of second state, said processor was just accepted first signal.

16. method according to claim 15, wherein, said accessories apparatus is an over cap, and it comprises:

Magnetic hinge assembly, this magnetic hinge assembly are set to said over cap and said electronic installation magnetic are attached at together; With

Capping, this capping are attached to said magnetic hinge assembly pivotally, and have the size and dimension that is consistent with said electronic installation, and wherein, this capping comprises the magnetic element that is set to provide the magnetic element saturation magnetic field.

17. method according to claim 16; Wherein, First sensor is the hall effect sensor that is set to detect saturation magnetic field; Wherein, be the said magnetic element saturation magnetic field when said capping is in closed configuration with respect to said electronic installation only by the detected saturation magnetic field of said hall effect sensor.

18. method according to claim 17; Wherein, second sensor be at least below in any: be set to the ambient light sensor of ambient light, the camera that is set to catch image, the magnetometer that is set to detect the external magnetic field, the multiple point touching sensing surface that is set to detect the pattern of the capacitive element that comprises in the said capping, another hall effect sensor that is set to detect the RFID circuit of the RFID chip that comprises in the said capping and is set to detect another magnetic element in the said capping.

19. method according to claim 16, wherein, first sensor is any in following at least: ambient light sensor, camera, magnetometer, multiple point touching sensing surface, RFID device.

20. method according to claim 19, wherein, second sensor is a hall effect sensor.

21. method according to claim 17, wherein, said capping also comprises a plurality of capacitive elements of arranging by predetermined pattern.

22. method according to claim 21; Wherein, Second sensor is multiple point touching (MT) sensor, and wherein, said multipoint touch sensor confirms the signal from said hall effect sensor through the pattern that detects the capacitive element in the said capping.

23. one kind is used to detect the method for over cap with respect to the state of electronic installation, this electronic installation has processor and the first sensor and second sensor at least, and this method comprises:

Receive the said over cap of indication is in closed configuration with respect to said electronic installation signal from first sensor;

Inquire second sensor;

Reception is from the information of second sensor;

When the information from second sensor does not have to confirm the signal from first sensor, ignore from the signal of first sensor otherwise accept signal from first sensor.

24. method according to claim 23, wherein, first sensor is a hall effect sensor.

25. method according to claim 24, wherein, second sensor is an ambient light sensor, and wherein, said ambient light sensor confirms the signal from said hall effect sensor through detecting surround lighting less than threshold level.

26. method according to claim 24, wherein, second sensor is a camera, and wherein, said camera confirms the signal from said hall effect sensor through detecting and catching image.

27. method according to claim 24, wherein, second sensor is a compass, and wherein, said compass confirms the signal from said hall effect sensor through detecting the Hard Magnetic skew.

28. one kind is used to detect the equipment of over cap with respect to the state of electronic installation, this electronic installation has processor and the first sensor and second sensor at least, and this equipment comprises:

Be used for receiving the said over cap of indication is in the signal of closed configuration with respect to said electronic installation parts from first sensor;

Be used to inquire the parts of second sensor;

Be used to receive parts from the information of second sensor;

Be used for when the information from second sensor does not have to confirm the signal from first sensor, ignoring from the signal of first sensor otherwise accept parts from the signal of first sensor.

29. equipment according to claim 28, wherein, first sensor is a hall effect sensor.

30. equipment according to claim 29, wherein, second sensor is ambient light sensor (ALS), and wherein, said ambient light sensor confirms the signal from said hall effect sensor through detecting surround lighting less than threshold level.

31. equipment according to claim 29, wherein, second sensor is a camera, and wherein, said camera confirms the signal from said hall effect sensor through detecting and catching image.

32. equipment according to claim 29, wherein, second sensor is a compass, and wherein, said compass confirms the signal from said hall effect sensor through detecting the Hard Magnetic skew.

33. an electronic installation comprises:

Processor;

Display;

34. an electronic installation comprises:

Processor;

Separate and the second different sensors with said hall effect sensor; This second sensor is set to detect the stimulation of second type and responds with corresponding secondary signal, and said processor utilizes secondary signal to change with second mode mode of operation of said electronic installation.