CN102411402B - Method for using a plurality of sensor to confirm status of device, and the device - Google Patents

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

Multiple sensor is used to confirm method and the device thereof of unit state

Technical field

Described embodiment relates generally to portable electron device.More particularly, these examples describe and combinationally use multiple sensor to confirm the state of accessories apparatus relative to electronic installation.

Background technology

The latest developments of portable computing comprise the iPad such as manufactured by the Apple of Cupertino, CA ^tMthe portable electric device of panel computer and the introducing of computing platform.These hand-held computing devices can configure as follows, that is, the major part of electronic installation adopts the form of the display for presenting vision content, and is that the attachment means that can be used for attachment accessories apparatus retains little free space.

When accessories apparatus adopt lid form time, portable electric device can with lid there is consistent pattern under operate.Such as, when hand-held computing device has display, the existence of lid may make to watch display.In order to power saving, the display that can not watch can be made can not to operate temporarily, until remove lid or otherwise change lid position to expose display.

Therefore, the accurate of a kind of current state for determining the electronic installation that accessories apparatus is connected to relative to it is wished and reliable technology.

Summary of the invention

Present specification describes the various embodiments with the system for annex being attached to releasedly electronic installation, method and device-dependent.

A kind of consumption electronic product at least comprises electronic installation.In the embodiments described, electronic installation at least comprises processor and the first sensor with processor communication, and this first sensor is set to the stimulation detecting the first kind.First sensor responds by providing the stimulation of the first signal to the first kind to processor, and this first signal designation accessories apparatus is relative to the first state of electronic installation.Electronic installation also at least comprises the second sensor with processor communication, and this second sensor is set to the stimulation detecting Second Type.Second sensor responds by providing the stimulation of secondary signal to Second Type to processor, and this secondary signal instruction accessories apparatus is relative to the second state of electronic installation.In the embodiments described, when processor receives the first signal from first sensor, processor compares by the first state of the first signal designation and the second state of being indicated by secondary signal, and when processor determines that the instruction of the first state is identical with the instruction of the second state, processor accepts the first signal, otherwise the first signal ignored by processor.

In in of described embodiment, accessories apparatus is the over cap with the capping (flap) including magnetic element, and first sensor is Hall effect (HFX) sensor.Over cap is attached to electronic installation pivotally; make in the closed configuration; magnetic element in capping provides the first stimulation, and wherein this first form stimulated is the saturation magnetic field only just detected by HFX sensor when capping is in closed configuration relative to electronic installation.Second sensor is at least following 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 at least comprises electronic installation and accessory unit.In the embodiments described, electronic product comprises processor and the hall effect sensor (HFX) with processor communication, this HFX sensor is set to detect saturation magnetic field, and provide signal in response to detected saturation magnetic field to processor, processor utilizes described signal to come with the mode of operation changing electronic installation.Electronic installation also comprises and separating and the second different sensors from HFX sensor.Accessory unit comprises body, and this body can be attached to electronic installation pivotally, and at least has magnetic element.When accessory unit is in closed configuration, the inside surface of body, close to protection top layer, makes magnetic element present saturation magnetic field to HFX sensor.When processor from HFX sensor receive instruction there is the signal of saturation magnetic field time, the second sensor inquired by processor, consistent to confirm that signal and the lid received from HFX sensor is in closed configuration, processor accepts the signal from HFX sensor, otherwise the signal from HFX sensor ignored by processor.

In another embodiment, a kind of method performed by the processor in this electronic installation in consumption electronic product comprising electronic installation is described.The method can perform by performing at least following operation: the stimulation detecting the first kind at the first sensor place with processor communication; Receive the first signal from first sensor at processor place, this first signal designation accessories apparatus is relative to the first state of electronic installation; The stimulation of Second Type is detected at the second sensor place with processor communication; Receive the secondary signal from the second sensor at processor place, this secondary signal instruction accessories apparatus is relative to the second state of electronic installation; The instruction of the first state and the instruction of the second state is compared by processor; And only described compare determine that the instruction of the first state is identical with the instruction of the second state time, processor just accepts the first signal.

In another embodiment; describe a kind of non-transitory computer-readable medium; this computer-readable medium is used for stored energy and is performed to detect the program code of over cap relative to the state of electronic installation by processor, and this electronic installation has processor and at least first sensor and the second sensor.This computer-readable medium at least comprises: for being in the computer code of the signal of closed configuration relative to electronic installation from first sensor reception instruction over cap; For inquiring the computer code of the second sensor; For receiving the computer code of the information from the second sensor; And for ignoring signal from first sensor when the information from the second sensor does not confirm the signal from first sensor otherwise accepting the computer code from the signal of first sensor.

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

According to the detailed description done below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, will know other aspects and advantages of the present invention, these accompanying drawings are by way of example exemplified with the principle of described embodiment.

Accompanying drawing explanation

With reference to the detailed description below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, will readily appreciate that the present invention, in the accompanying drawings, similar drawing reference numeral indicates similar structural detail, wherein:

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

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

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

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

What Fig. 3 B showed the cooperative system shown in Fig. 3 A opens configuration.

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

Fig. 5 A and 5B carries compass exemplified with plate and as the representative magnetic interaction between the magnetic element in the capping of a part for accessory unit.

Fig. 6 A and 6B with figure exemplified with can by plate carry compass detect various magnetic deflections.

Fig. 7 show describe in detail confirm from hall effect sensor to the process flow diagram of over cap relative to the process of the instruction of the state of electronic installation.

Fig. 8 shows to describe in detail ambient light sensor (ALS) to be combined with hall effect sensor and confirms the process flow diagram of over cap relative to the process of the state of electronic installation.

Fig. 9 shows to describe in detail camera to be combined with hall effect sensor and confirms the process flow diagram of over cap relative to the process of the state of electronic installation.

Figure 10 shows to describe in detail the magnetometer with compass form to be combined with hall effect sensor and confirms the process flow diagram of over cap relative to the process of the state of electronic installation.

Figure 11 shows to describe in detail multiple point touching (MT) sensing surface to be combined with hall effect sensor and confirms the process flow diagram of over cap relative to the process of the state of electronic installation.

Figure 12 shows to describe in detail RFID device to be combined with hall effect sensor and confirms the process flow diagram of over cap relative to the process of the state of electronic installation.

Figure 13 shows to describe in detail and uses the dynamic model in magnetic field to determine that the state of over cap relative to electronic installation is to confirm the process flow diagram of over cap relative to the process of the state of electronic installation.

Figure 14 shows the block diagram being suitable for the electronic installation used together with described embodiment.

Embodiment

Illustrative representative embodiment in accompanying drawing is described 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 the replacement in the spirit and scope that can be included in described embodiment, amendment and equivalent, as defined by the appended claims.

Below describe to relate generally to and may be used for confirming the mechanism of accessories apparatus relative to the state of the host apparatus be associated, this host apparatus be associated has the mode of operation with the state consistency of accessories apparatus.More particularly, when accessories apparatus is the over cap with the size and dimension meeting electronic installation, this over cap can have articulated section and be attached to the capping of this articulated section pivotally.Capping can rotate to make capping substantially contact electronic installation in the closed configuration along a direction around articulated section.Conversely, capping can around hinge assembly along another direction pivotable to expose electronic installation in the open configuration.In one embodiment, when over cap be detected as be in closed configuration time, electronic installation can operate under closing lid pattern; And when over cap be detected as be in open configuration time, electronic installation can operate opening under cover mold formula.Over cap can provide the protection of some aspect (such as display) to electronic installation, promotes overall appearance and the sensation of electronic installation simultaneously.Over cap at least can comprise articulated section.Articulated section can use magnetic attachment structure and magnetic is attached to electronic installation.Articulated section pivotable can be connected to capping, and this capping can be placed in the part that will protect of electronic installation.Over cap can comprise the electronic circuit that can cooperate with the electronic component in electronic installation or other element (passive or active).As a part for this cooperation, signal can transmit between over cap and electronic installation, and these signals may be used for the operation revising the operation of electronic installation, the electronic circuit of over cap or other element, etc.

Electronic installation can comprise magnetometer circuit, and this magnetometer circuit can be used for detecting the directivity size of external magnetic field.In this, magnetometer can as being set to the instruction orientation (directional bearing) of external magnetic field and the compass of size.Like this, the orientation (directional heading) of electronic installation relative to external magnetic field can be inferred.Such as, when external magnetic field is in fact magnetic field of the earth, plate carries compass and can provide the instruction of electronic installation relative to the orientation of terrestrial magnetic pole.In one embodiment, over cap comprises the capping with magnetic element.Magnetic element can comprise for the magnetic element of magnetic attachment and the magnetic element for Hall effect (HFX) sensor in triggerable electronic device.In the case, plate can be used to carry compass, based on magnetic element, the existence of capping is detected on the impact that plate carries compass.

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

In one embodiment, electronic installation can have touch sensitive surface, and this touch sensitive surface can be reacted to multiple conducting elements at the internal layer place be attached near over cap in over cap.When over cap is attached to electronic installation by magnetic, described multiple conducting element can be grounded.In one embodiment, conducting element can by predetermined because of but discernible patterned arrangement.Like this, when the internal layer of over cap comprise can be mutual with touch sensitive surface element time, these elements can be arranged by predetermined pattern, with the current location helping electronic installation to detect over cap.Such as, in one embodiment, touch sensitive surface can be capacitive in nature, and in this case, the embedded components in over cap can be formed by conductive material (metal of such as aluminium and so on).Conducting element can ground connection, to increase by the capacitive signals noise ratio of mutual the generated signal between capacitive touch-sensitive surface and capacitive character embedded components.

Magnetic element in capping portion can be mutual with the magnetosensitive circuit be attached in electronic installation.In one embodiment, magnetosensitive circuit can adopt the form of HFX sensor, and this HFX sensor can detect the existence in external (extrinsic) magnetic field provided by the magnetic element in over cap.But, it should be noted that, in order to trigger HFX sensor, detected magnetic field must make HFX sensor saturated.Like this, the possibility that HFX sensor provides mistake instruction over cap being sealed to electronic installation is substantially reduced.Such as, the relative weak magnetic field intensity be associated with magnetic field of the earth is not enough to make HFX sensor saturated and triggers indicate the mistake of over cap state.

When HFX sensor is exposed to saturation magnetic field (that is, having the magnetic field being enough to make magnetic field intensity that HFX sensor is saturated), HFX sensor can respond this saturation magnetic field by generating scale-of-two (that is, ON/OFF) signal.One of advantage of (reducing beyond the possibility of lid state instruction of mistake) use HFX sensor is that the amount of power needed for operation HFX sensor is relatively little, therefore can not cause excessive power consumption on the electronic device.Under any circumstance, when HFX sensor is exposed to saturation magnetic field, HFX sensor can send signal.This signal can be received by processing unit, and is used to the mode of operation changing electronic installation.But, it should be noted that as the additional of HFX sensor or substitute, any suitable sensing apparatus can be used to detect the state of over cap relative to electronic installation.Such as, magnetometer (its a kind of form can be used as compass) can be used to replace HFX sensor.Compared with HFX sensor, magnetometer is more responsive to exterior magnetic field, therefore represents that more continuous print (simulation) signal of exterior magnetic field responds by by providing, thus needs larger amount of power.Therefore, can by periodically sampling to the signal from magnetometer, cause magnetometer detects dynamic magnetic activity (such as, indicating the relative motion of magnetometer and magnetic source).Such as, sampled data can be used to provide the magnetic element in over cap relative to the relative position of the magnetometer in electronic installation.

Therefore, over cap can comprise the magnetic element of such as permanent magnet, and the magnetic field of this magnetic element can make HFX sensor generate signal.Magnetic element can be placed on the such position on over cap, that is, this position is covering on the surface being placed in electronic installation or generate signal close to triggering HFX sensor during electronic installation surperficial.This signal can indicate over cap to be in precalculated position relative to electronic installation, and this precalculated position can cause the change of the mode of operation of electronic installation.Such as, when the part with magnetic element of over cap is close to HFX sensor, the magnetic field from magnetic element can make HFX sensor generate signal.Then this signal can be used to be changed to by mode of operation and to be capped consistent state with a part for electronic installation.Such as, when electronic installation comprises display, over cap may be used for covering display, therefore makes display watch, thus can forbid display.On the other hand, when the part with magnetic element of over cap is removed the position making HFX sensor no longer respond to the magnetic field of magnetic element, HFX sensor then can generate another signal.Thus this another signal can cause electronic equipment to enter from the not capped at least partially of display and can watch can show another consistent different mode of operation of vision content.

But HFX sensor can be enough to make the saturated magnetic field of HFX sensor trigger by any intensity, may provide thus and indicate the mistake of the existence of over cap.Therefore, in order to avoid this mistake instruction, when HFX sensor is triggered, can inquire additional sensor, the over cap provided by HFX sensor for confirmation is in the instruction of closed configuration.In one embodiment, the trigger event that the indicating cover at HFX sensor place is in closed configuration can also make electronic installation inquire at least another sensor, the closed configuration indicated by HFX sensor for confirmation.

In one embodiment, electronic installation can inquire 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 surround lighting) levels.In one embodiment, ALS can ambient light.But ALS can be configured in many ways to detecting that surround lighting responds.Such as, as long as ALS can detect by the photosensitive circuit in ALS that the amount of ambient light (that is, ambient light intensity) larger than specific environment light quantity just provides signal, respond.In other words, threshold value amount of ambient light can be the threshold level of regulation.Such as, the threshold quantity of " x " lumen can represent and is in the consistent amount of ambient light of closed configuration with over cap, and wherein, value " x " take into account the light bled from the edge of over cap.Certainly, threshold value amount of ambient light can be set to any and be considered to suitable amount.Such as, light leak amount may be more much higher than the expection light leak amount under darker condition to be in some cases in (such as daytime) in bright light environments at electronic installation.Therefore, the light leak amount along over cap edge may be much bigger, is in the consistent threshold value light quantity of closed configuration can increases this fact to be taken into account with over cap.

In another embodiment, threshold quantity can be consistent with the differential variation of the surround lighting detected by the photosensitive circuit in ALS.Such as, when electronic installation is in bright light environments (outdoor on such as daytime), when over cap is in fact closed, sizable light leak amount may also be had.But in order to the uncertainty reduced to really have how many light leaks relevant, ALS can the differential variation be configured to based on the light quantity detected by the photosensitive circuit in ALS provide signal.Such as, when over cap is opened, ALS can detect by " y ₁" light quantity that represents of lumen.But when over cap closes, the light quantity detected by the photosensitive circuit in ALS can from " y ₁" lumen becomes " y ₂" lumen.Only at difference (that is, the Δ y=abs (y of the light quantity detected ₁-y ₂)) when being greater than predetermined value, ALS just can provide instruction over cap to be in the appropriate signals of closed configuration.The advantage of this method is the following fact: light leak value is difficult to infer, therefore, by depending on the change of clearly defined institute ambient light, can obtain the instruction of over cap relative to the more accurate and robust of the state of electronic installation.

Therefore, by using ALS, electronic installation can confirm the instruction of the state to over cap provided by HFX sensor.Like this, if ALS is consistent and confirm the instruction from HFX sensor by detecting that amount of ambient light and over cap are in closed configuration, then electronic installation can accept the instruction from HFX sensor, and correspondingly changes the mode of operation of electronic installation.But; if the signal that amount of ambient light is in closed configuration with the instruction over cap from HFX sensor is inconsistent; then electronic installation can inquire another sensor so that acquisition will for assessment of another data point of the signal from HFX sensor; or more simply; the instruction from HFX sensor can be ignored completely; the incomplete overlay electronic device of supposition lid thus, therefore, the mode of operation of electronic installation will not be modified as being completely covered consistent mode of operation with electronic installation.But if ALS detects the light quantity of the instruction confirmed from hall effect sensor, then electronic installation can accept the instruction being in closed configuration about over cap from HFX sensor, 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 the instruction closed about cover confirming that HFX sensor provides.Such as, when the cover is closed, camera can catch the image of basic black (or low-down lumen value).But, if electronic installation be positioned at dark situation (such as dark room, have an outdoor that is little or moonless or other external light source at night, etc.) in, only exterior lighting (such as from display) can be provided for the sufficient light (such as, terminal user on the face) of catching image for camera.In one embodiment, the image of catching can characterize with overall lumen value or lumen histogram, and this can be used for determining that lid closes completely or partly closes.Such as, even if lid is fully closed, also have some light leaks, this can be caught by camera, thus cause low lumen catch image.But in another embodiment, camera can regulate by this way, unless image capture apparatus that is, in camera had enough light, otherwise camera can not record image based on the light leak specification such as specified.But; if camera captures image; then by assessing the overall lumen value of the image of catching (such as; be less than threshold value lumen value); can estimate the position of over cap, and the position of over cap estimated by utilizing confirms (or not confirming) instruction from HFX sensor.

In another embodiment, can type of service be that magnetometer that plate carries compass detects the existence being positioned at HFX sensor place or the consistent Hard Magnetic of neighbouring correct position with the magnetic element be embedded in over cap and offseting.In this embodiment, the existence that Hard Magnetic can be utilized to offset confirms the instruction about closing lid state from HFX sensor.On the other hand, the misregister of the state about over cap judged from HFX sensor that what electronic installation can utilize Hard Magnetic to offset do not exist, thus can be left in the basket, or can take other action, such as inquire another sensor.

Shall also be noted that magnetic material that over cap comprises may affect the performance of magnetometer (as plate carries compass).Especially, plate carry compass basic operation (being implemented as the instruction that can be performed by processor or other appropriate circuitry) may due in over cap magnetic material existence and be modified.Especially, the motion of over cap may be carried by plate the change that compass is detected as magnetic field intensity and direction, and this can cause " mistake ", because plate carries compass, and the change in location based on over cap is experienced dynamic deflection.Such as; when cover from open configuration become closed configuration time; the dynamic deflection that plate carries compass place may increase because of the following fact: the magnetic element in over cap is mobile near magnetometer; therefore plate is caused to carry the larger off-set value of compass reading (certainly; lid state from closed become open time, situation is just contrary).

May caused by the change in location of magnetic element in over cap, difference that plate carries peak excursion that compass experiences or compass azimuth is that the amplitude of carrying the magnetic field that Magnetic Sensor that compass is associated detects when the change in location of over cap with plate changes and the function of horizontal intensity of external magnetic field.In order to by over cap (more particularly; magnetic element in over cap) the skew that causes of motion compensate, plate carries compass and the maximum change of plate being carried the magnetic field amplitude that compass can detect can be utilized as this model of function of change covering position.Like this; by using the current estimation of the maximum change of magnetic field amplitude as the amplitude of the model of function and the horizontal component of use external magnetic field that cover position, electronic installation can estimate the maximum change that may be changed the compass azimuth caused by over cap relative to the relative position of electronic installation.

Correspondingly, can be combined with compass in conjunction with accelerometer in an electronic and gyroscope, assess the dynamic magnetic variation characteristic (signature) of detected external magnetic field.Accelerometer and gyroscope can provide locus and the rotation of electronic installation in real time, and compass can provide the instruction about external magnetic field change in real time.The reading of accelerometer and gyroscope and compass can together with use, and compare with the model of magnetic element relative to the motion of electronic installation, be used for thus assess lid exist and relative to electronic installation motion possibility (passing through compass).

Referring to Fig. 1 to 14 discussion these and other embodiments.But, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the detailed description provided with reference to these accompanying drawings is only for task of explanation here, and should not be interpreted as restrictive.For the remainder of this discussion, be appropriately configured to magnetic respectively according to described embodiment be attached to the first object each other and the second object by describing.But, it should be pointed out that the object be properly configured of any quantity and type can be attached to each other by accurately and repeatably mode magnetic.Especially, for the purpose of simplifying and know, for the remainder of this discussion, assuming that the first object adopts the form of electronic installation, the form of hand-hold electronic device is adopted particularly.

Electronic installation can adopt many forms.For the remainder of this discussion, with handheld portable calculation element, electronic installation is described.Therefore, Fig. 1 shows the top perspective view of the electronic installation 10 according to described embodiment.Electronic installation 10 can process data, more specifically, and can processing media data, such as audio frequency, video, image etc.For example, electronic installation 10 can correspond to the device that can work as smart phone, music player, game machine, video player, personal digital assistant (PDA), panel computer etc. usually.Electronic installation 10 also can be hand-held.About hand-held, electronic installation 10 can be held in one hand, simultaneously by another manual manipulation (that is, not needing the reference surface of such as desktop).Therefore, electronic installation 10 can be held in one hand, can provide operation input command by another hand simultaneously.Operation input command can comprise operation volume switch, maintained switch, or provides input to touch sensitive surface (such as touch-sensitive display device or touch pad).

Electronic installation 10 can comprise housing 12.In certain embodiments, the form of the single-piece housing that housing 12 can adopt by any amount ofly can being forged, material (as plastics or nonmagnetic metal) that is molded or that be otherwise formed as desirable shape is formed.When electronic installation 10 has metal shell and has the function based on radio frequency (RF), a part for housing 12 can comprise the material of radio transparent, as pottery or plastics.Housing 12 can be configured to surround multiple internal part.Such as, housing 12 can surround and support various structure member and electric parts (comprising integrated circuit (IC) chip), to provide calculating operation for electronic installation 10.Integrated circuit can adopt the form of chip, chipset or module, and any one in these chips, chipset or module can be surface mounted to printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) or other supporting structure.Such as, main logic board (MLB) can be provided with integrated circuit, this integrated circuit at least can comprise microprocessor, semiconductor memory (as flash memory) and various support circuit etc.Housing 12 can comprise the opening 14 for placing internal part, and its size can be designed as the display module held for presenting vision content if desired, and this display module is covered by over cap 16 and protects.In some cases, display module can be touch-sensitive, thus allows can be used for providing the sense of touch of control signal to input to electronic installation 10.In some cases, display module can be large and significant viewing area, and this viewing area covers most of area in the front of electronic installation.

Electronic installation 10 can comprise magnetic attachment system, and this magnetic attachment system can be used for electronic installation 10 magnetic being attached at least one other object suitably configured.Magnetic attachment system can comprise and is distributed in housing 12 and is connected to multiple magnetic attachment structures (feature) of housing 12 in some cases.Such as, magnetic attachment system can comprise the first magnetic attachment structure 18 and the second magnetic attachment structure 20 of the not homonymy being positioned at electronic installation 10.Especially, the first magnetic attachment structure 18 can near the sidewall 12a of housing 12.Second magnetic attachment structure 20 can be positioned at the sidewall 12b of opening 14, close housing 12.Have at the display included by electronic installation 10 in the embodiment of the cover glass substantially filling up opening 14, the second attachment structure 20 can be positioned at below cap rock.

First magnetic attachment structure 18 is placed in sidewall 12a and electronic installation 10 magnetic can be attached to another object suitably configured, such as another electronic installation or accessories apparatus by magnetic attachment structure 18 easy to use.Therefore, without loss of generality, below the first magnetic attachment structure 18 will be called device attachment structure 18.On the other hand, the placement of the second magnetic attachment structure 20 can the firm each side being attached to another device of electronic installation 10 by means of device attachment structure 18 of the second magnetic attachment structure 20 easy to use.Like this, and carry out compared with attachment by means of only the first attachment structure 18, the entirety between this another device and electronic installation 10 is attached can be more firm.Therefore, equally without loss of generality, below the second magnetic attachment structure 20 will be called firm attachment structure 20.Firm attachment structure 20 can comprise one or more magnetic element 22.When using multiple magnetic element, the arrangement of this multiple magnetic element can vary widely, and can carry out magnetic interaction with the cooperative structures on another device.In one embodiment, the multiple magnetic elements be associated with robust structure 20 can contribute to firmly otherwise being attached to another device of electronic installation 10 at least partially by means of device attachment structure 18.Electronic installation 10 can also comprise hall effect sensor 24 and form is the magnetometer circuit 26 that plate carries compass 26.

The remainder of this discussion will describe the specific embodiment that can use the device of magnetic attachment system.Especially, Fig. 2 A and Fig. 2 B shows the electronic installation 100 presented with board device 100, and accessories apparatus 200 is shown as over cap 200, and these all illustrate with top perspective.These parts can correspond to any parts described above in general manner.Especially, Fig. 2 A and 2B shows two stereographic maps of the board device 100 and over cap 200 being in and opening configuration.Such as, Fig. 2 A shows the relation of device attachment structure 108 that board device 100 comprises and this device attachment structure 108 and board device 100.On the other hand, the view presented in Fig. 2 A is rotated about 180 °, to provide another view of the relation of attachment structure 202 and this attachment structure 202 and over cap 200 by Fig. 2 B.

The form of board device 100 can be tablet computing device, the iPad of Apple's manufacture of such as Cupertino, CA ^tM.Referring now to Fig. 2 A, board device 100 can comprise housing 102, and housing 102 can surround and fulcrum arrangement attachment structure 108.In order to the magnetic field of not countermeasure set attachment structure 108 generation, at least can being formed by any amount of nonmagnetic substance (such as plastics, or the nonmagnetic metal of such as aluminium and so on) with the immediate part of device attachment structure 108 of housing 102.Housing 102 can also surround and at the various structure member of interior support and electric parts (comprising integrated circuit (IC) chip and other circuit), to provide calculating operation for board device 100.Housing 102 can comprise the opening 104 for placing internal part, and its size can be designed as hold display module or be suitable for such as via display for user at least provides the system of vision content.In some cases, display module can comprise touch-sensitive ability, and this enables user utilize touch input to provide sense of touch to input to board device 100.Display module can be formed by multiple layers, and these layers comprise most top layer, and the form of this most top layer is the transparent cover glass 106 formed by polycarbonate or other suitable plastics or press polished glass.Use press polished glass, cover glass 106 can fill up opening 104 substantially.

Although not shown, the display module below cover glass 106 can be used for utilizing any suitable display technique (such as LCD, LED, OLED, electric ink (i.e. e-ink) etc.) to show image.Can use various mechanism that display module is placed in and fix in the cavities.In one embodiment, display module is clasped in cavity.It can be set to and flush with adjacent housing parts.Like this, display can present vision content, this vision content can comprise video, rest image and icon, such as can provide information (such as, text, object, figure) to user and receive the graphic user interface (GUI) of the input that user provides.In some cases, shown icon can move to more convenient position on display by user.

In certain embodiments, display cover (mask) can be applied to or be attached in cover glass 106 or below.Display cover can be used for highlighting the non-shade part being used for presenting vision content of device, and can be used for making device attachment structure 108 and firm attachment structure 20 more not obvious.Board device 100 can comprise can be used for the various ports of between board device 100 and external environment condition transmission of information.Especially, FPDP 109 can so that transmission data and electric power, and loudspeaker 110 can be used for output audio content." Home " button 112 can be used to provide the input signal of the processor use that can be comprised by board device 100.Processor can use signal from " Home " button 112 to change the mode of operation of board device 100.Such as, " Home " button can be used for resetting the current active page presented 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 the ambient light sensor 116 (ALS) for ambient light level.In one embodiment, ALS 116 can be used for arranging the luminance level of display module.Such as, in the darker environment with little surround lighting, the reading from ALS 116 can make the processor in board device 100 dim display module.In brighter environment, display module can become brighter.Board device can also comprise the compass 118 for detecting external magnetic field, and this can help the position determining board device 100.Board device 100 can also comprise hall effect sensor 120, this hall effect sensor 120 can be used for lid 200 be placed on be in closed configuration board device 100 on time detect the existence of magnetic element.Accelerometer and gyroscope (not shown) can determine the position of board device 100 and directed any dynamic change in real time.

Over cap 200 can have to board device 100 the look and feel of supplementing of the look and feel, which increase overall appearance and the sensation of board device 100.Fig. 2 A and 2B shows over cap 200 and is attached to the board device 100 being in and opening configuration, and wherein, cover glass 106 is completely visible.Over cap 200 can comprise capping 202.In one embodiment, capping 202 can have the size and dimension meeting cover glass 106.Capping 202 can be connected to accessory attachment structures 204 by hinge assembly 206 pivotable, and wherein hinge assembly 206 and accessory attachment structures 204 illustrate all in fig. 2b.Like this, capping 202 can rotate around pivotal axis 211.Magnetic attachment forces between attachment structure 204 and device attachment structure 108 can maintain over cap 200 and board device 100 has correct orientation and layout relative to capping 202 and cover glass 106.Correct orientation means that over cap 200 can only correctly be attached to board device 100 when capping 202 and cover glass 106 are matched and alignd with engaging.Pairing between cover glass 106 with capping 202 arrange be make when capping 202 be placed as contact with cover glass 106 time, capping 202 covers substantially whole cover glasses 106, as shown in Figure 3A.

Capping 202 pivotable can 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 by accessory attachment structures 204 again.Like this, capping 202 can as the over cap protected each side (such as display cover 106) of electronic installation 100.Capping 202 can be formed by various material (such as plastics, fabric etc.).Capping 202 can segmentation in such a way, that is, a segmentation of capping can be lifted the corresponding part exposing display.Capping 202 can also comprise can with the function element of the corresponding function co-operation in electronic installation 100.Like this, the change that capping 202 can cause the operation of electronic installation 100 is operated.

Capping 202 can comprise magnetic material.Such as, magnetic element 207 can be used for magnetic and be attached to corresponding magnetic attachment structure 20, and activates hall effect sensor 120 during appropriate location that magnetic element 209 can be used for above capping 202 is positioned at cover glass 106.Like this, hall effect sensor 120 can respond by generating signal, and the signal generated can be used for changing the mode of operation of electronic installation 100.Due to lid can easily directly be attached to board device housing and without the need to securing member, so capping 202 can meet the shape of electronic installation 100 substantially.Like this, cover 200 can not weaken or otherwise cover the look and feel of electronic installation 100.Capping 202 can also comprise the capacitive element 208 arranged by predetermined pattern.Capacitive element 208 can be used for activating multiple point touching (MT) sensitive layer comprised in display module.When capping 202 is placed on cover glass 106, MT sensitive layer can respond by producing the existence of touch mode to capacitive element 208 consistent with this predetermined pattern.Like this, the signal of the existence being in the capping 202 of closed configuration from the instruction of hall effect sensor 120 can be confirmed.When confirming, board device 100 can accept the instruction being in closed configuration about capping 202 from hall effect sensor 120, and reacts 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 is in closed configuration, capping 202 can contact cover glass 106, allows the RFID sensor in board device 100 " to read " RFID device 210 thus.Like this, not only can confirm the instruction from hall effect sensor 120, but also the identification to over cap 200 can be performed.

Fig. 3 A and 3B shows over cap 200 and the board device 100 of magnetic attachment each other.Fig. 3 A shows closed configuration, and wherein cover glass 106 capped 202 covers completely and contacts with capping 202.Over cap 200 can around hinge assembly 206 pivotable, opens configuration with what become Fig. 3 B from the closed configuration of Fig. 3 A.In the closed configuration, the internal layer of capping 202 directly can contact with cover glass 106.Like this, capacitive element 208 can by the MT electric circuit inspection below cover glass 106 be placed in display module to.And MT circuit can detect the pattern corresponding with the pattern of capacitive element 208 or feature.Like this, the instruction contacted with cover glass 106 about capping 202 from hall effect sensor 120 can be confirmed to the detection of pattern.If pattern do not detected, then board device 100 can ignore the instruction (or if possible, use another sensor, such as ALS 116, as further inspection) from hall effect sensor 120.

Opening configuration to be converted to from closed configuration, release force F can be applied to capping 202 _release.Release force F _releasethe magnetic attraction between the attachment structure 207 in capping 202 and the attachment structure 110 in board device 100 can be overcome.Therefore, over cap 200 can be fixed to board device 100, until apply release force F to capping 202 _releasetill.Like this, capping 202 can be used for over cap glass 106.Such as, over cap 200 can be attached to board device 100 by magnetic.Capping 202 can be placed on cover glass 106 subsequently and magnetic is fixed to cover glass 106 by the magnetic interaction between magnetic attachment structure 20 and 207.Can by applying release force F directly to capping 202 _releaseand capping 202 is unclamped from cover glass 106.Release force F _releasethe magnetic attachment between magnetic attachment structure 20 and 207 can be overcome.Therefore, capping 202 can unhinderedly be removed from cover glass 106 subsequently.

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

In another example, there is the lid 300 that the rigidity of the size and dimension meeting body 302 or semi-rigid material layer can be used for providing as a whole segmentation together with elastic substrates.It should be pointed out that these layers all can be formed by the material of the attribute with expectation.Such as, the layer contacted with the friable surface of such as glass and so on of the lid 300 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 of such as microfibril, it can clean friable surface passively.On the other hand, the layer being exposed to external environment condition can be formed by more coarse and durable material (as 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 multiple sections of 304-310, is distributed with narrower foldable portion 312 between these section of 304-310.Each in these section of 304-310 can comprise the one or more emboluss be placed in one.Such as, these sections can comprise the bag region wherein can placing embolus, or alternatively, and embolus can in the section of being embedded in (such as, insert-molding (insert molding)).If employ bag, then bag region can have the size and dimension holding corresponding embolus.These emboluss can have various shape, but are the most typically shaped as the overall appearance (such as, rectangle) of the body 302 meeting segmentation.Embolus can be used to provide the support structure of the body 302 to segmentation.That is, embolus can provide hardness to cap assemblies.In some cases, embolus can be called as stiffened component (stiffener).Therefore, except outside the narrower foldable area place not comprising embolus (such as, allowing folding), cap assemblies is relatively hard, makes the lid 300 of segmentation more healthy and stronger and more easily operates.In one embodiment, section 304,306 and 310 can be about 0.72 to 1 relative to the dimension scale of section 308, about 72% of the width of the width dimensions section of being 308 of the section of this means 304,306 and 310.Like this, the triangle (that is, as described below, 75 ° to be approximately for display seat, 11 ° are approximately for keyboard region for keyboard base) with suitable angle can be formed.

Section 306,308 and 310 can comprise embolus 314,316 and 318 (illustrating with dash line form) respectively.Embolus 314-318 can by increasing flexible rigidity for body 302 or semi-rigid material is formed.The example of operable material comprises plastics, glass fibre, carbon fiber composite, metal etc.Section 304 can comprise embolus 320, this embolus 320 also can be formed by resilient material (as plastics), and be set to hold magnetic element 322, some in these magnetic elements 322 can interact with the magnetic element (more specifically attachment structure 110) in board device 100.Embolus 314-318 also can hold capacitive element 208, and this capacitive element 208 can be sensed by the MT non-sensitive part of the display of board device 100.

Because the body 302 of segmentation can fold, more particularly, because each section can be folded relative to each other, so the major part in magnetic element 322 can be used for, with the magnetic activity embolus 324 be embedded in embolus 318, magnetic interaction occurs.By active embolus 324 and magnetic element 322 magnetic being bound, can form various supporting structure, some in these supporting structures can be triangular shaped.Triangular support structures can contribute to the use of board device 100.Such as, a triangular support structures can be used in such a way to carry out bearing flat plate device 100, that is, make it possible to by with respect to the horizontal plane becoming the hope visual angle of about 75 ° to present vision content.But in order to suitably 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 the triangle with two articles of equilateral and the 3rd limits of an article longer, and this triangle has about interior angle of 75 °.

Cap assemblies 300 can be attached to accessory attachment structures 202 pivotally by hinge assembly.Hinge assembly can provide one or more pivot to fold on device to allow lid, and cap assemblies is attached to device by magnet simultaneously.In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, hinge assembly can comprise the first articulated section (also referred to as first end lug (lug)) 328 and second articulated section positioned opposite with first end lug (or second end lug) 330.First end lug 328 can be rigidly connected to the second end lug 330 by the connecting link 332 (illustrating in phantom) be attached in the pipe portion of the body 302 of segmentation.The longitudinal axis of connecting link 332 can be used as pivotal axis 333, and the body of segmentation can around pivotal axis 333 relative to hinge assembly pivotable.Connecting link 332 can be enough to non-yielding prop cap assemblies 300 and magnetic by intensity and be attached to the metal of any object (as board device 100) of magnetic attachment structure 202 or plastics are formed.

In order to prevent metal and Metal Contact, first end lug 328 and the second end lug 330 all can have the protective seam 336 and 338 being attached to them respectively.Protective seam (also referred to as bolster) 336 and 338 can prevent first end lug 328 and the second end lug 330 from contacting with direct between housing 102.This is even more important when holding lug 328,330 and housing 102 to be formed by metal.The existence of bolster 336 and 338 can metal between anti-not-go-end lug and housing 102 and Metal Contact, and eliminating thus at contact point place may the risk of the overall appearance of deteriorated board device 100 and the essence wearing and tearing of sensation.

First end lug 328 and the second end lug 330 can be attached to electronic installation by hinged cross rod (hinge span) 340 magnetic, and this hinged cross rod 340 is configured to relative to end lug pivotable.This pivotable can utilize pivot pin 342 (its part can be exposed) to realize.Hinged cross rod 340 can be rotatably fixed to first end lug 328 and the second end lug 330 by pivot pin 342.Hinged cross rod 340 can comprise magnetic element.These magnetic elements can be set to hinged cross rod 340 magnetic to be attached in electronic installation the magnetic attachment structure of the magnetic element layout with coupling.In order to these magnetic elements being fixed on the correct position in hinged cross rod 340, pivot pin 342 can be used to fix the magnetic element at the two ends being positioned at hinged cross rod 340, thus the magnetic element reduced in hinged cross rod 340 move and may interrupt the possibility of the magnetic attachment between the magnetic attachment structure in hinged cross rod 340 and electronic installation.

Fig. 5 A and 5B carries the representational magnetic interaction between the magnetic element 207 and 209 in compass 118 and capping 202 exemplified with plate.For the remainder of this discussion, for the sake of clarity, magnetic element 207 and 209 is assumed that the composite magnetic element ME carrying compass 118 distance r with plate.In the open configuration, distance r is fixed range R _open, and in the closed configuration, distance r is fixed range R _closed.Therefore, plate carries compass 118 and can detect according to formula (1) the magnetic flux density M sent from composite magnetic element ME:

M (r)=B _mE/ r ²formula (1)

Wherein:

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

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

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

M _open=B _mE/ R _open ²formula (2)

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

M _closed=B _mE/ R _closed ²formula (3)

But the distance r carried between compass 118 due to composite magnetic element ME and plate changes with angle of pivot Θ, so the change of carrying the magnetic flux density M that compass 118 detects by plate can provide the estimation of capping 202 around the motion of pivotal axis 211.Like this, by carrying out modeling to capping 202 around the motion of pivotal axis 211, by assessing the change of the magnetic flux density M of the composite magnetic element ME detected by compass 118 according to formula (4), the motion of capping 202 can be inferred:

M (Θ)=B _mE/ r (Θ) ²formula (4)

Wherein: 0≤Θ≤π.

Because board device 100 can not direct-detection angle of pivot Θ, indirectly determine so the accelerometer that board device 100 can be utilized to comprise and gyroscope (not shown) obtain.Accelerometer and gyroscope can provide the dimensional orientation of board device 100, and plate carries compass 118 can detect total magnetic flux density (comprising the magnetic deflection shown in Fig. 6 A and 6B), this total magnetic flux density can compare with dynamic model, to infer whether capping 202 is rotating around pivotal axis 211.

Fig. 6 A and 6B with figure exemplified with being carried by plate the various magnetic deflections that compass 118 detects.Such as, the magnetic element in magnetic attachment structure 204 can produce magnetic deflection M1.Magnetic deflection M1 can provide the instruction being attached to board device 100 about over cap 200 magnetic.Such as, if plate carries compass 118 detects magnetic flux density change according to magnetic deflection M1, then plate carries compass 118 can provide corresponding signal to the processor in board device 100.Processor can use this signal to infer over cap 200 magnetic be attached to board device 100.

Fig. 7 show describe in detail confirm from hall effect sensor to the process flow diagram of over cap relative to the process 700 of the instruction 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 an electronic.704, receive the first signal according to aforementioned detection, this first signal designation accessories apparatus is relative to the first state of electronic installation.706, the stimulation of Second Type is detected at the second sensor place in an electronic.708, receive the secondary signal according to aforementioned detection, this secondary signal instruction accessories apparatus is relative to the second state of electronic installation.710, if the first state is identical with the second state, then accept the first signal 712, and process 700 terminates.Otherwise, 714, determine whether to receive the signal from another sensor.If determine to receive another signal from another sensor, then forward control to 706; Otherwise, ignore the first signal 716, and process 700 terminates.

Fig. 8 shows the process flow diagram described in detail 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, and the state about lid received from HFX sensor at this is in closed instruction.804, activate ambient light sensor (ALS).806, determine whether ALS detects the amount of ambient light larger than ambient light threshold.If the amount of ambient light detected is greater than threshold value, then do not confirm from HFX sensor about lid be in closed instruction, and 808 ignore this from HFX sensor about lid be in closed instruction; Otherwise, accept this instruction from HFX sensor at 810 electronic installations.

Fig. 9 shows the process flow diagram described in detail 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, and the state about lid received from HFX sensor at this is in closed instruction.904, activate camera, and 906, determine whether camera catches image.If determine that camera does not capture image 906, then 908 accept from HFX sensor about lid be in closed instruction.On the other hand, if determine that camera captures image 906, then being in closed instruction about lid state and not being proved from HFX sensor, and ignore this instruction from HFX sensor 910 by electronic installation.

Figure 10 shows the process flow diagram described in detail 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, and the state about lid received from HFX sensor at this is in closed instruction.1004, in detection magnetic field, compass place, then 1006, determine that the Hard Magnetic whether detected magnetic field causes with the existence of the magnetic element of Yin Gainei offsets consistent.If determine hard skew not detected 1006, then being in closed instruction not being proved about lid from HFX sensor, and ignore this instruction from HFX sensor at 1008 electronic installations.On the other hand, if determine hard skew to be detected 1006, then confirm and be in closed instruction from HFX sensor about lid state, and accept this instruction from HFX sensor 1010 by electronic installation.

Figure 11 shows the process flow diagram described in detail 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, and the state about lid received from HFX sensor at this is in closed instruction.1104, detect MT event at MT sensing surface.1106, determine that whether and be in closed consistent MT characteristic matching with lid state MT event.If it is closed consistent to determine that MT feature and lid state are in, then 1108, electronic installation accepts the instruction from HFX sensor.On the other hand, if MT event is not mated with MT feature, then ignore the instruction from HFX sensor at 1110 electronic installations, and process 1100 terminates.

Figure 12 shows the process flow diagram described in detail 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, and the state about lid received from HFX sensor at this is in closed instruction.1204, detect RFID feature.1206, determine that whether and the RFID characteristic matching consistent with lid detected RFID feature.If determine that RFID feature is consistent with lid, then 1208, electronic installation accepts the instruction from HFX sensor.On the other hand, if RFID feature is inconsistent with lid, then ignore the instruction from HFX sensor at 1210 electronic installations, and process 1200 terminates.

Figure 13 shows the process flow diagram of detailed description process 1300.More specifically, process 1300 starts from 1302, uses current spatial location and the rotation of accelerometer and the real-time detection. electronics of gyroscope at this.1304, detect exterior magnetic field by magnetometer (form is compass).1306, provide the dynamic magnetic field of gained in real time based on accelerometer and gyroscope readings and compass reading, wherein the dynamic magnetic field of gained is the clean magnetic field of all exterior magnetic fields recorded at compass place.Based on electronic installation current spatial location and rotate the clean magnetic field of real-time update, to provide dynamic gained magnetic field, this dynamic gained magnetic field followed 1308 and there is not the reference data covering consistent dynamic magnetic field and compare.1310, determine measured dynamic magnetic field and the deviation of reference data.If this deviation is less than threshold deviation value, then there is not lid, and ignore the instruction from HFX sensor at 1312 electronic installations.On the other hand, if this deviation is greater than threshold deviation value, then there is lid, and accept the instruction from HFX sensor at 1314 electronic installations.

Figure 14 is the block diagram of the electronic installation 1450 being suitable for using together with described embodiment.Electronic installation 1450 is exemplified with the circuit of representational calculation element.Electronic installation 1450 comprises processor 1452, and processor 1452 relates to microprocessor or the controller of the overall operation for controlling electronic installation 1450.Electronic installation 1450 stores the media data relevant with media item in file system 1454 with high-speed cache 1456.File system 1454 is memory disc or multiple dish normally.File system 1454 is generally electronic installation 1450 and provides high capacity storage capability.But, due to relatively long to the access time of file system 1454, so electronic installation 1450 can also comprise high-speed cache 1456.High-speed cache 1456 is such as the random access memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory.Access time to file system 1454 is shorter than greatly to the relative access time of high-speed cache 1456.But high-speed cache 1456 does not have the large storage capacity of file system 1454.And the power that file system 1454 consumes than high-speed cache 1456 when activity is many.When electronic installation 1450 is the attachment device for displaying audios of being powered by battery 1474, power consumption usually becomes problem.Electronic installation 1450 also can comprise RAM 1470 and ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) 1472.The program that ROM 1472 will be able to perform with non-volatile fashion storage, instrument (utility) or process.RAM 1470 provides such as the volatile data storage of high-speed cache 1456.

Electronic installation 1450 also comprises user input apparatus 1458, this user input apparatus 1458 allow the user of electronic installation 1450 and electronic installation 1450 mutual.Such as, user input apparatus 1458 can take various forms, as button, keypad, driver plate, touch-screen, audio input interface, video/image catch the input etc. of input interface, sensing data form.And electronic installation 1450 comprises the display 1460 (screen display) that can control to show information to user by processor 1452.Data bus 1466 can so that at least carrying out data transmission between file system 1454, high-speed cache 1456, processor 1452 and CODEC 1463.

In one embodiment, electronic installation 1450 is used in file system 1454, store multiple media item (such as, song, blog etc.).When certain media items play by user's hope electronic installation, display 1460 shows the list of available media items.Subsequently, user can use user input apparatus 1458 to select one in available media items.After receiving the selection to certain media items, the media data (such as, audio file) of this certain media items is supplied to encoder/decoder (CODEC) 1463 by processor 1452.CODEC 1463 generates the analog output signal for loudspeaker 1464 subsequently.Loudspeaker 1464 can be the loudspeaker in electronic installation 1450 inside, or the loudspeaker in electronic installation 1450 outside.Such as, 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 being couple to data link 1462.Data link 1462 makes electronic installation 1450 can be couple to host computer or be couple to accessories apparatus.Data link 1462 can be provided by 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 (such as, song, audio books and blog).In another embodiment, media item is image (such as, photo).But 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 for detecting any amount of stimulation.Such as, sensor 1476 can comprise the hall effect sensor, audio sensor, optical sensor (as photometer) etc. that respond external magnetic field.

Various aspects, embodiment, the embodiment of described embodiment or feature can be used alone or combinationally use by any.The various aspects of described embodiment can be realized by the combination of software, hardware or hardware and software.Described embodiment also may be implemented as the computer-readable code in non-transitory computer-readable medium.Computer-readable medium is defined as any data storage device that can store data, and wherein these data subsequently can by computer system reads.The example of computer-readable medium comprises ROM (read-only memory), random access memory, CD-ROM, DVD, tape and optical data storage device.Computer-readable medium also can be distributed in the computer system of network coupling, thus stores in a distributed fashion and computer readable code executed.

Above for explanation and the description made use particular term to provide thorough understanding to described embodiment.But it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that does not need these specific details for putting into practice described embodiment.Therefore, to the above description of specific embodiment as described herein for illustrating and illustrating.They are not intended to limit or these embodiments are limited to disclosed precise forms.It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above instruction of basis can make many amendments and modification.

The advantage of described embodiment is a lot.It is one or more that different aspects, embodiment or embodiment can bring in following advantage.To many feature and advantage of these embodiments be known according to written description, therefore, be intended to by claims to contain all these feature and advantage of the present invention.In addition, because those skilled in the art will easily understand numerous amendments and change, thus embodiment should be not limited to as illustrated in and describe precise arrangements and operation.Therefore, all suitable amendments and equivalent can be regarded as falling within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (33)

1. a consumption electronic product, comprising:

Electronic installation, this electronic installation comprises:

Processor;

Display;

With the first sensor of described processor communication, this first sensor is set to the stimulation detecting the first kind, wherein, this first sensor responds by providing the stimulation of the first signal to the first kind to described processor, and the first signal designation accessories apparatus is relative to the first state of described electronic installation; And

With the second sensor of described processor communication, this second sensor is set to the stimulation detecting Second Type, wherein, this second sensor responds by providing the stimulation of secondary signal to Second Type to described processor, secondary signal indicates described accessories apparatus relative to the second state of described electronic installation, wherein, when described processor receives the first signal from first sensor, described processor compares by the first state of the first signal designation and the second state of being indicated by secondary signal, when described processor determines that the first state is relevant to the second state, described processor accepts the first signal, otherwise, the first signal ignored by described processor.

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

Pivot assembly, this pivot assembly is set to described over cap and described electronic installation to be attached together pivotally; With

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

3. consumption electronic product according to claim 2, wherein, described magnetic signal is saturation magnetic field, and wherein, first sensor is the hall effect sensor being set to detect described saturation magnetic field, when described magnetic element only when described capping is in closed configuration relative to the display of described electronic installation and in described capping is close to described hall effect sensor, described hall effect sensor just detects described saturation magnetic field and responds described saturation magnetic field.

4. the consumption electronic product according to Claims 2 or 3, wherein, the second sensor is any one at least following item: be set to the ambient light sensor of ambient light, be set to catch the camera of image, be set to detect external magnetic field magnetometer, be set to the multiple point touching sensing surface of the pattern detecting the capacitive element that described capping comprises and be set to detect another hall effect sensor of another magnetic element in described capping.

5. consumption electronic product according to claim 1 and 2, wherein, first sensor is any one at least following item: ambient light sensor, camera, magnetometer, multiple point touching sensing surface, RFID device.

6. the consumption electronic product according to Claims 2 or 3, also comprises the 3rd sensor.

7. consumption electronic product according to claim 6, wherein, 3rd sensor is any one at least following item: the ambient light sensor being set to ambient light, be set to the camera of catching image, be set to the magnetometer detecting external magnetic field, be set to the multiple point touching sensing surface of the pattern detecting the capacitive element that described capping comprises, be set to the RFID circuit detecting the RFID chip that described capping comprises, and be set to another hall effect sensor detecting another magnetic element in described capping, and described second sensor is hall effect sensor.

8. a consumption electronic product, comprising:

Electronic installation, this electronic installation comprises:

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

Processor;

With the hall effect sensor of described processor communication, this hall effect sensor is set to detect saturation magnetic field, and provide the first signal in response to detected saturation magnetic field to described processor, described processor utilizes the first signal to change the mode of operation of described electronic installation in the first way; And

Separate from described hall effect sensor and the second different sensors, this second sensor is set to the stimulation of detection Second Type and responds with corresponding secondary signal, and described processor utilizes secondary signal to change the mode of operation of described electronic installation in a second manner;

Accessory unit, this accessory unit comprises:

Be attached to the body of described electronic installation pivotally, this body at least has magnetic element, wherein, when described accessory unit is in closed configuration, the inside surface of described body contacts with described protection top layer, described hall effect sensor is made described saturation magnetic field to be detected, and by providing the first signal to respond to described processor, wherein, when described processor from described hall effect sensor receive instruction there is the first signal of described saturation magnetic field time, described processor determines whether the second sensor generates secondary signal in the stimulation in response to Second Type, it is consistent to confirm that the first signal of receiving from described hall effect sensor and described accessory unit are in closed configuration relative to described display that described processor compares the first signal and secondary signal, wherein, when described in the second sensor validation, accessory unit is in closed configuration, described processor accepts the first signal from described hall effect sensor and carries out action according to the first signal, otherwise, the first signal from described hall effect sensor ignored by described processor.

9. consumption electronic product according to claim 8, wherein, second sensor is ambient light sensor, and wherein, described ambient light sensor generates the secondary signal confirmed from the first signal of described hall effect sensor by detecting surround lighting to be less than threshold level.

10. consumption electronic product according to claim 8, wherein, the second sensor is camera, and wherein, described camera is by detecting and catching image and generate the secondary signal confirmed from the first signal of described hall effect sensor.

11. consumption electronic products according to claim 8, wherein, the second sensor is compass, and wherein, described compass generates by detecting Hard Magnetic skew the secondary signal confirmed from the first signal of described hall effect sensor.

12. consumption electronic products according to claim 8, wherein, second sensor is compass, and wherein, described electronic installation also comprises the 3rd sensor, 3rd sensor is accelerometer and gyroscope, wherein, described compass and described accelerometer and gyroscope provide dynamic result magnetic field, wherein, described processor by described dynamic result magnetic field compared with reference data, wherein, if be greater than predetermined value relative to the skew of described reference data, then described processor accepts the first signal from described hall effect sensor.

13. consumption electronic products according to claim 8, wherein, described body also comprises the multiple capacitive elements arranged by predetermined pattern.

14. consumption electronic products according to claim 13, wherein, second sensor is multipoint touch sensor, and wherein, described multipoint touch sensor generates by the pattern of the capacitive element in described body being detected the secondary signal confirmed from the first signal of described hall effect sensor.

15. 1 kinds of methods in the consumption electronic product comprising electronic installation, the method comprises:

The stimulation of the first kind is detected at the first sensor place with processor communication;

Receive the first signal from first sensor at described processor place, this first signal designation accessories apparatus is relative to the first state of described electronic installation;

The stimulation of Second Type is detected at the second sensor place with described processor communication;

Receive the secondary signal from the second sensor at described processor place, this secondary signal indicates described accessories apparatus relative to the second state of described electronic installation;

The instruction of the first state and the instruction of the second state is compared by described processor; And

Only when described compare show that the instruction of the first state is identical with the instruction of the second state time, described processor just accepts the first signal.

16. methods according to claim 15, wherein, described accessories apparatus is over cap, and it comprises:

Magnetic hinge assembly, this magnetic hinge assembly is set to described over cap and described electronic installation magnetic to be attached together; With

Capping, this capping is attached to described magnetic hinge assembly pivotally, and has the size and dimension be consistent with described electronic installation, and wherein, this capping comprises the magnetic element being set to provide magnetic element saturation magnetic field.

17. methods according to claim 16, wherein, first sensor is the hall effect sensor being set to detect saturation magnetic field, wherein, the saturation magnetic field detected by described hall effect sensor is the described magnetic element saturation magnetic field only when described capping is in closed configuration relative to described electronic installation.

18. methods according to claim 17, wherein, the second sensor is any one at least following item: be set to the ambient light sensor of ambient light, be set to catch the camera of image, be set to detect external magnetic field magnetometer, be set to the pattern detecting the capacitive element that described capping comprises multiple point touching sensing surface, be set to detect the RFID circuit of the RFID chip that described capping comprises and be set to detect another hall effect sensor of another magnetic element in described capping.

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

20. methods according to claim 19, wherein, the second sensor is hall effect sensor.

21. methods according to claim 17, wherein, described capping also comprises the multiple capacitive elements arranged by predetermined pattern.

22. methods according to claim 21, wherein, second sensor is multiple point touching (MT) sensor, and wherein, described multipoint touch sensor confirms the signal from described hall effect sensor by the pattern of the capacitive element in described capping being detected.

23. 1 kinds for detecting the method for over cap relative to the state of electronic installation, this electronic installation has processor and at least first sensor and the second sensor, and the method comprises:

Be in the signal of closed configuration relative to described electronic installation from the described over cap of first sensor reception instruction;

Inquire the second sensor;

Receive the information from the second sensor;

The signal from first sensor is ignored otherwise the signal accepted from first sensor when the information from the second sensor does not confirm the signal from first sensor.

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

25. methods according to claim 24, wherein, the second sensor is ambient light sensor, and wherein, described ambient light sensor confirms the signal from described hall effect sensor by detecting surround lighting to be less than threshold level.

26. methods according to claim 24, wherein, the second sensor is camera, and wherein, described camera is by detecting and catching image and confirm the signal from described hall effect sensor.

27. methods according to claim 24, wherein, the second sensor is compass, and wherein, described compass confirms the signal from described hall effect sensor by detecting Hard Magnetic skew.

28. 1 kinds for detecting the equipment of over cap relative to the state of electronic installation, this electronic installation has processor and at least first sensor and the second sensor, and this equipment comprises:

For being in the parts of the signal of closed configuration relative to described electronic installation from the described over cap of first sensor reception instruction;

For inquiring the parts of the second sensor;

For receiving the parts of the information from the second sensor;

For ignoring signal from first sensor when the information from the second sensor does not confirm the signal from first sensor otherwise accepting the parts from the signal of first sensor.

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

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

31. equipment according to claim 29, wherein, the second sensor is camera, and wherein, described camera is by detecting and catching image and confirm the signal from described hall effect sensor.

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

33. 1 kinds of electronic installations, comprising:

Processor;

Display;

With the first sensor of described processor communication, this first sensor is set to the stimulation detecting the first kind, wherein, this first sensor responds by providing the stimulation of the first signal to the first kind to described processor, and the first signal designation accessories apparatus is relative to the first state of described electronic installation; And

With the second sensor of described processor communication, this second sensor is set to the stimulation detecting Second Type, wherein, this second sensor responds by providing the stimulation of secondary signal to Second Type to described processor, secondary signal indicates described accessories apparatus relative to the second state of described electronic installation, wherein, when described processor receives the first signal from first sensor, described processor compares by the first state of the first signal designation and the second state of being indicated by secondary signal, when described processor determines that the first state is relevant to the second state, described processor accepts the first signal, otherwise, the first signal ignored by described processor.