WO2020257755A1

WO2020257755A1 - Monitor device and case for use in combination with a mobile device

Info

Publication number: WO2020257755A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/038908
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth G. Mages; Joseph JASINSKI; Michael Morton; Christopher Scott MURRAY; Viatcheslav Anatolyevich ORLOV; Charles Y. Choi; Mark R. Pavel; Colin T. HEARON; Christopher KARAPLIS; Amir N. Penn
Original assignee: Green Street Capital Llc
Priority date: 2019-06-20
Filing date: 2020-06-22
Publication date: 2020-12-24

Abstract

A monitor device for use in combination with an app on a mobile device is disclosed. The monitor device (on its own or encased in a monitor device case) is configured to be attached to at least a part of the mobile device (such as to the mobile device or to a mobile device case). The monitor device includes a display and communication functionality for the monitor device to communicate with the app on the mobile device. After verification, an encrypted channel may be established between the app and the monitor device so that the app can exclusively output content on the display of the monitor device. The app, via the mobile device, can communicate with an external server, such as an advertising content server, and can determine when, how, and what content (including advertising content) to output on the display of the monitor device. The monitor device may be attached to the mobile device via a monitor device-mobile device case, which includes a monitor device case and a mobile device case. The monitor device case and the mobile device case mate with one another via a connection, such as a magnetic connection, and are configured to connect in a plurality of predetermined orientations, such as a flat orientation, a notebook orientation, or a tent orientation.

Description

MONITOR DEVICE AND CASE FOR USE IN COMBINATION WITH A MOBILE DEVICE

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/864,144 (filed on June 20, 2019), to US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/934,389 (filed on November 12, 2019), and to US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/969,927 (filed on February 4, 2020), the entirety of each of US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/864,144, US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/934,389, and US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/969,927 are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Smartphones are a type of mobile computing device that combines telephone functionality and other electronic functionality. For example, smartphones may include mobile operating systems, which facilitate execution of software applications (e.g.,“apps” or“software apps”) resident in the smartphone, internet browsing functionality, and multimedia functionality (including music, video, cameras, gaming, and the like), alongside core telephone functions such as voice calls and text messaging. Smartphones may further include various sensors, such as a GPS receiver (such as a GPS chipset or other types of devices configured to generate the position of the smartphone), a magnetometer, proximity sensors, barometer, gyroscope, an accelerometer, and may support one or more wireless communications protocols, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular communication. Because of this flexible functionality, smartphone usage has steadily increased, with billions of people currently using smartphones.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one or some embodiments, a monitor device-mobile device case is disclosed. The monitor device-mobile device case includes a monitor device case that is configured to at least partly encase a monitor device and includes a first magnetic attraction element, and a mobile device case that is configured to at least partly encase a mobile device and includes a second magnetic attraction element, with the first magnetic attraction element (which may include one or both of a magnet or a metallic substance) and the second magnetic attraction element (which likewise may include one or both of a magnet (with opposite polarity) or a metallic substance) that work in combination to generate magnetic attraction between the monitor device case and the mobile device case in order to maintain contact of at least a part of the monitor device case with at least a part of the mobile device case. Further, the monitor device case and the mobile device case are configured for positioning in a plurality of predetermined configurations relative to one another, the manner of which using any one, any combination, or all of: (i) different orientations of magnets on one or both of the mobile device case or the monitor device case in order to position the monitor device case and the mobile device case in the plurality of predetermined configurations relative to one another; (ii) one or both of a multi-sided magnet or a multi-sided covering for a magnet on one or both of the mobile device case or the monitor device case, with different sides of the multi-sided magnet or the multi-sided covering configured to position the mobile device case and the monitor device case in the plurality of predetermined configurations relative to one another; or (iii) one or more mechanical elements on one or both of the monitor device case or the mobile device case to mechanically configure the monitor device case relative to the mobile device case in the plurality of predetermined configurations or to increase or decrease magnetic attraction between the monitor device case and the mobile device case in order to configure the monitor device case relative to the mobile device case in the plurality of predetermined configurations.

[0004] With regard to (i), one of the first magnetic attraction element or the second magnetic attraction element may comprise magnets and the other of the first magnetic attraction element or the second magnetic attraction element may comprise a metallic material or opposite polarity magnets. In this way, the first magnetic attraction element and the second magnetic attraction element are attracted to one another. Further, the monitor device-mobile device case includes the different orientations of magnets by having: a first magnet in a first orientation that is configured to increase magnetic attraction between the mobile device case and the monitor device case so that the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a first predetermined configuration relative to one another and a second magnet in a second orientation that is configured to increase the magnetic attraction between the mobile device case and the monitor device case so that the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a second predetermined configuration relative to one another, the first predetermined configuration being different than the second predetermined configuration, the second orientation being at a different angle than the first orientation. In this way, the first orientation, which has a first perpendicular from its surface that defines a first ray, and the second orientation, which has a second perpendicular from its surface that defines a second ray, with the first ray and the second ray defining an angle, which results in the different angle (e.g., the different angle may be at least 25°).

[0005] Using the different orientation magnets, the different orientations of the monitor device- mobile device case may be achieved. As one example, the first predetermined configuration may comprise a flat configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a same plane. For the flat configuration, the first magnet may be positioned against one side of the mobile device case or the monitor device case, and the other of the mobile device case or monitor device case may include a first opposing magnet of opposite polarity to the first magnet and oriented to be positioned against one side of the other of the mobile device case or the monitor device case so that a maximum area of contact between the first magnet and the first opposing magnet is when the monitor device-mobile device case is in the flat configuration. As another example, the second predetermined configuration comprises a notebook configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case, relative to one another, are at the different angle (e.g., the orientation of the second magnet defines the different angle relative to the orientation of the first magnet, thereby resulting in the different angle of the orientation in the notebook configuration relative to the flat configuration). In this way, the second magnet may be oriented to be at the different angle relative to the orientation of the first magnet and the other of the mobile device case or monitor device case may include a second opposing magnet of opposite polarity to the second magnet and oriented to be at the different angle relative to the orientation of the first opposing magnet so that a maximum area of contact between the second magnet and the second opposing magnet is when the monitor device-mobile device case is in the notebook configuration. In other words, the mobile device case and the monitor device case may lock into the notebook configuration when the second magnet and the second opposite magnet contact facing surfaces (resulting in the maximum area of contact between the second magnet and the second opposing magnet). The notebook configuration may likewise be defined based on a monitor device display (resident on the monitor device) and a mobile device display (resident on the mobile device). Specifically, a perpendicular from the monitor device display (when the monitor device is in the monitor device case) and a perpendicular from the mobile device display (when the mobile device is in the mobile device case) form a notebook angle. The notebook angle may be predefined to be a single angle between 40° and 125° (e.g., 100°) so that when the mobile device (when in the mobile device case) and the monitor device (when in the monitor device case) form the notebook angle, the monitor device-mobile device case is in the notebook configuration.

[0006] Separate from the flat configuration and the notebook configuration, the monitor device- mobile device case may have a tent configuration, which may be defined when a perpendicular from the monitor device display and a perpendicular from the mobile device display form a tent angle, with the tent angle being greater than 180°. As discussed above, the flat configuration is defined as the mobile device case and the monitor device case being flat (e.g., when the perpendicular from the monitor device display and the perpendicular from the mobile device display form a flat angle equals 180°). The tent angle is thus greater than 180° by a tent predetermined angle (e.g., if the tent angle is 225°, the tent predetermined angle is 45°). The tent predetermined angle may define the orientation of a third magnet (used for the tent configuration) relative to the first magnet (used for the flat configuration). Specifically, the third magnet and a third opposing magnet of opposite polarity to the third magnet may be oriented to be at the tent predetermined angle relative to the orientation of the first opposing magnet so that a maximum area of contact between the third magnet and the third opposing magnet is when the monitor device-mobile device case is in the tent configuration.

[0007] With regard to (ii), a multi-sided magnetic structure may be used, which may comprise a multi-sided magnet without a covering, a multi-sided magnet with a covering that follows the multi-sided magnet and so that the multi-sided magnet/covering is multi-sided, or a cylindrical magnet with a multi- sided covering. Further, a first side of the multi-sided magnetic structure may mate with a first corresponding side on another of the mobile device case or the monitor device case to position the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a first predetermined configuration and a second side of the multi-sided magnetic structure may mate with a second corresponding side on another of the mobile device case or the monitor device case to position the mobile device case and the monitor device case in a second predetermined configuration, with the first predetermined configuration comprising the flat configuration and the second predetermined configuration comprising the notebook configuration (e.g., in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are at an angle of at least 90 degrees relative to one another).

[0008] In addition, the multi-sided magnetic structure may be a convex structure, and wherein the first corresponding side and the second corresponding side (which mate with the multi-sided magnetic structure) in one embodiment is also a convex structure or alternatively is a concave structure. In one or some embodiments, the multi-sided magnetic structure causes sufficient attraction between the mobile device case and the monitor device case so that the mobile device case and the monitor device case remain adjacent to one another when transitioning between the various configurations, such as from the flat configuration to the notebook configuration, from the notebook configuration to the tent configuration, from the tent configuration to a back-to-back configuration, etc.

[0009] With regard to (iii), in one or some embodiments, one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case may include a plurality of protrusions in order to configure the monitor device case and the mobile device case in the flat configuration and in the notebook configuration. The other of the monitor device case or the mobile device case may include a plurality of insets that mate with the plurality of protrusions in order to configure the monitor device case and the mobile device case in the various configurations, such as the flat configuration and the notebook configuration. Alternatively, the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device case may include a plurality of protrusions between which valleys are formed, with the plurality of the protrusions on one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case mating with the valleys in order to configure the monitor device case and the mobile device case in the flat configuration and the notebook configuration. Still alternatively, one of the monitor device or the mobile device includes a magnet covering that covers portions of the magnet but not an entirety of the magnet, with the other of the mobile device case or the monitor device case includes a metallic material or an opposite polarity magnet of opposite polarity to the magnet. The portions of magnet covered reduce attraction to the metallic material or the opposite magnet of opposite polarity while other portions of the magnet that are not covered by the magnet covering comprise holes in the magnet covering where the magnet is attracted to the metallic material or the opposite polarity magnet. So that, positioning of the holes in the magnet covering are such that the monitor device-mobile device case are positioned in the plurality of predetermined configurations.

[0010] In one or some embodiments, a monitor device-mobile device case is disclosed. The monitor device-mobile device case includes: a monitor device case configured to at least partly encase a monitor device, the monitor device including a monitor device display; and a mobile device case configured to at least partly encase a mobile device, the mobile device including a mobile device display. The monitor device case and the mobile device case may each include one or both of a magnetic element or a mechanical element in order to configure the monitor device case and the mobile device case relative to one another in a plurality of predetermined configurations. The plurality of predetermined configurations may include any two of: a flat configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a same plane; a notebook configuration wherein a surface of the mobile device case configured to receive the mobile device and a surface of the monitor device case configured to receive the monitor device, relative to one another, form an angle of at least 25 degrees; a tent configuration wherein the surface of the mobile device case configured to receive the mobile device and the surface of the monitor device case configured to receive the monitor device, relative to one another, form an angle of between 225 degrees and 335 degrees; a back-to-back configuration wherein the surface of the mobile device case configured to receive the mobile device and the surface of the monitor device case configured to receive the monitor device face in opposite directions. Moving between any of the plurality of configurations may be performed without detachment of the monitor device case from the mobile device case, such as from the flat configuration to the notebook configuration, from the notebook configuration to the tent configuration, from the tent configuration to the back-to-back configuration. In this way, moving between the plurality of configurations may keep the monitor device-mobile device case intact (e.g., the magnetic attraction between the mobile device case and the monitor device case is sufficient so that during movement, the mobile device case and the monitor device case are not pulled apart from each other with at least a side of the mobile device case maintaining contact with a side of the monitor device case), with one or both of the monitor device case or the mobile device case rotating relative to each other.

[0011] In one or some embodiments, a mobile device case is disclosed. The mobile device case includes: a platform configured for attachment to a mobile device; and a magnetic strip positioned relative to the platform such that when the platform is attached to the mobile device, the magnetic strip is proximate to a side of the mobile device, the magnetic strip comprising a plurality of sides and one or more magnets positioned to produce magnetic fields on a surface of each of the plurality of sides so that when the platform is attached to the mobile device, a mating case is in a plurality of discrete configurations; wherein the platform comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the magnetic strip in one or both of a longitudinal direction or a transverse direction of the mobile device.

[0012] In one or some embodiments, a method for establishing a farther-field communication channel between a first mobile device and a second mobile device is disclosed. The method includes: establishing a nearer-field communication channel between the first mobile device and the second mobile device; transmitting, via the nearer-field communication channel between the first mobile device and the second mobile device, information in order to establish the farther-field communication channel in realtime between the first mobile device and the second mobile device; responsive to transmitting the information and in real-time, establishing the farther-field communication channel between the first mobile device and the second mobile device using the information; transmitting, via the nearer-field

communication channel, update information in order to determine whether to update the farther-field communication channel; and responsive to determining to update the farther-field communication channel, updating in real-time the farther-field communication channel using the update information.

[0013] In one or some embodiments, a method for streaming content to a monitor device, the monitor device paired to a mobile device via one or both of a personal area network or a local area network is disclosed. The method includes: receiving, via an application executed by and resident on the mobile device, an indication of authorization to receive protected content; transmitting, from the mobile device to a content server, the indication of authorization to receive the protected content, the content server reviewing the indication of authorization in order to determine, at a server level, whether to transmit the protected content to the mobile device for output on the monitor device paired to the mobile device; responsive to transmitting the indication of authorization to receive the protected content, receiving, by the mobile device, the protected content; determining, by the app on the mobile device and at a local level, whether the monitor device paired with the mobile device is entitled to receive any content from the mobile device; and responsive to receiving the protected content and to determining that the monitor device is entitled to receive any content from the mobile device, transmitting, from the mobile device, the protected content to the monitor device.

[0014] In one or some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is disclosed. The non-transitory computer-readable medium has data stored therein representing software executable by a mobile device, the software including instructions, when executed by one or more processors on the mobile device, causing performance of a method that comprises: communicating, via the mobile device, with an external server to obtain information; accessing sensor data from one or more sensors resident on the mobile device in order to determine a status or a configuration of the mobile device; communicating, via the mobile device, with a monitor device in order for the monitor device to verify the software or for the software to verify the monitor device and in order to establish an encryption channel using a session key, the monitor device being separate from the mobile device and reversibly attached to at least a part of the mobile device or housed in a common case; generating, based on the information, a communication for transmission to the monitor device; encrypting the communication with the session key; and transmitting, via the mobile device, the encrypted communication to the monitor device for output via the monitor device, wherein the communication is generated based on the sensor data or the transmission of the encrypted communication is responsive to the sensor data.

[0015] In one or some embodiments, a monitor device is disclosed. The monitor device includes: a housing configured for removable connection to a mobile device; a communication interface configured to communicate via Bluetooth or other near-field communication protocol with the mobile device;

verification functionality configured to verify a software app resident on the mobile device; decryption functionality configured to decrypt communications sent from the software app resident in the mobile device; and a touchscreen configured to receive input.

[0016] In one or some embodiments, a method for operating a mobile device and a monitor device paired to the mobile device is disclosed. The method includes: accessing, by the mobile device, a weblink; causing the weblink to be accessed by the monitor device such that the weblink is transferred to the monitor device via an encrypted channel established between the mobile device and the monitor device for near-field communication; and using, by the monitor device, the weblink in order to generate output on a display on the monitor device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain its principles. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements.

[0018] FIG. 1 A is a first exemplary block diagram of a monitor device, a mobile device, and a backend server.

[0019] FIG. IB is a second exemplary block diagram of a monitor device s/mobile devices communicating with an application server.

[0020] FIG. 1C is a third exemplary block diagram illustrating monitor devices/mobile devices with mobile devices communicating amongst themselves in a local network.

[0021] FIG. ID is a fourth exemplary block diagram illustrating monitor devices/mobile devices with monitor devices communicating amongst themselves in a local network.

[0022] FIG. IE is a fifth block diagram of the monitor device and the mobile device.

[0023] FIG. 2A is an expanded block diagram of the monitor device and the mobile device. [0024] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the example components of the monitor device.

[0025] FIG. 3 A is a side view of the monitor device and the mobile device illustrating the process of connecting the monitor device to the mobile device.

[0026] FIG. 3B is a back view of the monitor device connected to the mobile device.

[0027] FIG. 3C is a back view of the monitor device connected to the mobile device in which the monitor device is displaying an advertisement.

[0028] FIGS. 3D-E are a front view of the mobile device and a back view of the combination monitor device/mobile device, respectively in which the touch input, via a touchscreen of the monitor device, may be used to control an app executed on the output to the mobile device.

[0029] FIG. 3F is a representation of location-based advertising using the monitor device/mobile device.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of communications between the mobile device and the monitor device being subject to encryption/decryption.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of using the functionality on the mobile device to generate an output on one or both of the mobile device and the monitor device.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of using location functionality on the mobile device to select a communication (such as an advertisement) for output on the monitor device.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of monitoring activity on the mobile device to determine whether and/or when to send communication(s) for output on the monitor device.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of monitoring an orientation of the mobile device to determine whether to command a change in orientation of the output on the monitor device.

[0035] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of outputting on the monitor device status of the mobile device and optionally a communication from the app.

[0036] FIGS. 10A-G illustrate screenshots.

[0037] FIG. 11 A is a fifth exemplary block diagram of a monitor device, a mobile device, and a back-end server.

[0038] FIG. 1 IB is a block diagram illustrating the monitor device and the mobile device depicted in FIG. 11 A.

[0039] FIG. 12A is a flow diagram of the monitor device obtaining (such as by pulling) data used by a native app on the mobile device.

[0040] FIG. 12B is a flow diagram of the monitor device obtaining (such as by pulling) data used by a web-based app on the mobile device.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of the mobile device using the communication functionality (such as 5G functionality) of the monitor device.

[0042] FIG. 14A is a front perspective view of a first example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone.

[0043] FIG. 14B is a front perspective view of the first example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when opened and attached. [0044] FIG. 14C is a front perspective view of the first example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when detached.

[0045] FIG. 14D is a front perspective view of the first example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when folded behind one another so that the display of the monitor device faces an opposite direction to the display of the smartphone.

[0046] FIGS. 14E-H are perspective views of a second example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case, with FIG. 14E illustrating the second example when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone, FIG. 14F when folded behind one another so that the display of the monitor device faces an opposite direction to the display of the smartphone, FIG. 14G with the monitor device case detached from the smartphone case, and FIG. 14H when opened and attached.

[0047] FIG. 141 is a front perspective view of a third example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone.

[0048] FIG. 14J is a front perspective view of the fourth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone.

[0049] FIG. 14K is a front perspective view of a fifth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when opened and attached.

[0050] FIG. 14L is a perspective view of the fifth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when detached.

[0051] FIG. 14M is a perspective view of the fifth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in notebook mode.

[0052] FIG. 14N is a perspective view of the fifth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in tent mode.

[0053] FIG. 140 is a perspective view of a sixth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when detached.

[0054] FIG. 14P is a perspective view of a seventh example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when detached.

[0055] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of an eighth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when detached.

[0056] FIG. 15B is a partial exploded view of the eighth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case illustrating a first embodiment of how the combination is configured into a discrete number of configurations.

[0057] FIG. 15C is a side view of the eighth example of the monitor device case illustrating a second embodiment of how the combination is configured into a discrete number of configurations.

[0058] FIG. 15D is a front perspective view of the eighth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in notebook mode. [0059] FIG. 15E is a side view of the eighth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in notebook mode.

[0060] FIG. 15F is a side view of the eighth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in flat mode.

[0061] FIG. 15G is a side view of the eighth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in tent mode.

[0062] FIG. 15H is a side view of an eighth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in multiple modes including notebook mode, flat mode, and tent mode.

[0063] FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of a ninth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in flat mode.

[0064] FIG. 16B is a front perspective view of the ninth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case moving from an opened position to a closed position.

[0065] FIG. 16C is a side view of a tenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in flat mode.

[0066] FIG. 16D is a side view of the tenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in notebook mode.

[0067] FIG. 16E is a side view of the tenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone.

[0068] FIG. 16F is a side view of the tenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when folded behind one another so that the display of the monitor device faces an opposite direction to the display of the smartphone.

[0069] FIG. 16G is a side view of an eleventh example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in flat mode.

[0070] FIG. 16H is a side view of the eleventh example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in notebook mode.

[0071] FIG. 161 is a side view of the eleventh example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone.

[0072] FIG. 16J is a side view of the eleventh example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when folded behind one another so that the display of the monitor device faces an opposite direction to the display of the smartphone.

[0073] FIG. 16K is a side view of a twelfth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in flat mode.

[0074] FIG. 16L is a side view of a thirteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in flat mode.

[0075] FIG. 16M is a side view of a fourteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when folded on top of one another so that wireless charging functionality of the monitor device faces a bottom of the smartphone. [0076] FIG. 16N is a side view of a fifteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when folded on top of one another so that wireless charging functionality of the smartphone device faces a bottom of the monitor device.

[0077] FIG. 17A is an exploded side view of a sixteenth example of a portion combination monitor device case and smartphone case showing a free rolling ferrous ring and a magnet.

[0078] FIG. 17B is a partial side view of the free rolling ferrous ring and the magnet illustrated in FIG. 17 A as the lid is being opened.

[0079] FIG. 17C is a side view of the free rolling ferrous ring and the magnet illustrated in FIG. 17A as the lid is being opened.

[0080] FIG. 17D is a front perspective view of a seventeenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone.

[0081] FIG. 17E is a front perspective view of a seventeenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when partially opened.

[0082] FIG 17F is a front view of an example magnet.

[0083] FIG. 17G is a front view of an eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in flat mode.

[0084] FIG. 17H is a front perspective view of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone.

[0085] FIG. 171 is a front perspective view of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when partially opened.

[0086] FIG. 17J is a front perspective view of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when separated at the hinged section.

[0087] FIG. 17K is a side perspective view of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when configured in notebook mode.

[0088] FIG. 17L is a first example of a side perspective close-up view of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when partially opened.

[0089] FIG. 17M is a side perspective close-up view of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when configured in notebook mode.

[0090] FIG. 17N is a second example of a side perspective close-up view of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when partially opened.

[0091] FIG. 18A is a top view of a nineteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case in flat mode.

[0092] FIG. 18B is a perspective view of the monitor device case for the nineteenth example.

[0093] FIG. 18C is a side view of the combination monitor device case and smartphone case in notebook mode or laptop position.

[0094] FIG. 18D is a side view of the combination monitor device case and smartphone case in flat mode or tablet position. [0095] FIG. 18E is an expanded side view of the combination monitor device case and smartphone case in notebook mode or laptop position.

[0096] FIG. 18F is a top view of the monitor device case for the nineteenth example.

[0097] FIG. 18G is a side view of the monitor device case for the nineteenth example.

[0098] FIG. 19A is a bottom side view of a twentieth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case in flat mode.

[0099] FIG. 19B is a back view of the twentieth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case in flat mode.

[00100] FIG. 19C is a right side view of the twentieth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case in flat mode.

[00101] FIG. 19D is a front view of the twentieth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case in flat mode.

[00102] FIG. 20A is a front perspective view of a twent -first example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case with a plurality of peripherals.

[00103] FIG. 20B is a front perspective view of the twenty -first example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case in flat mode with a first peripheral.

[00104] FIG. 20C is a front perspective view of the twenty -first example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when folded behind one another with the first peripheral.

[00105] FIG. 20D is a front perspective view of the twenty -first example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case in flat mode prior to insertion of a gaming controller peripheral.

[00106] FIG. 20E is a front perspective view of the twenty -first example of the monitor device case and smartphone case disconnected from one another after insertion of the gaming controller peripheral.

[00107] FIG. 20F is a front perspective view of the twenty -first example of the monitor device case and smartphone case disconnected from one another after insertion of a keyboard peripheral.

[00108] FIG. 20G is a front perspective view of the twenty -first example of the monitor device case and smartphone case disconnected from one another after insertion of a speaker peripheral (such as a Bluetooth speaker peripheral).

[00109] FIG. 20H is a front perspective view of the twenty -first example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case after insertion of wallet in the monitor device case.

[00110] FIGS. 21 A-C are views of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case with a keyboard peripheral in flat mode (FIG. 21 A), when folded behind one another (FIG. 2 IB), and in notebook mode (FIG. 21C).

[00111] FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a first example of a magnetic strip structure for connection with one or both of a smartphone or a monitor device.

[00112] FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the first example of the magnetic strip structure connected to a first smartphone (that does not have a case) with a second smartphone that is encased in smartphone case with a metallic side.

[00113] FIG. 22C is a perspective view of the first example of the magnetic strip structure. [00114] FIG. 22D is a perspective view of the first example of the magnetic strip structure connected to a first smartphone but prior to connection to a second smartphone.

[00115] FIG. 22E is a perspective view of the first example of the magnetic strip structure connecting a first smartphone and a second smartphone in flat mode.

[00116] FIG. 22F is a perspective view of the first example of the magnetic strip structure connecting a first smartphone and a second smartphone when folded behind one another.

[00117] FIG. 22G is a perspective view of the first example of the magnetic strip structure connecting a first smartphone and a second smartphone in tent mode.

[00118] FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a second example of a magnetic strip structure attached to a smartphone.

[00119] FIG. 23B is a front perspective view of the second example of the magnetic strip structure with one section sliding along a track.

[00120] FIG. 23C is a side perspective view of the second example of the magnetic strip structure.

[00121] FIG. 23D is a side perspective view of the second example of the magnetic strip structure with hinged flap rotating about a hinge.

[00122] FIG. 23E is a perspective view of the second example of the magnetic strip structure attached to two smartphones in notebook mode.

[00123] FIG. 23F is a perspective view of the second example of magnetic strip structure attached to two smartphones when folded behind one another.

[00124] FIG. 23G is a perspective view of the second example of the magnetic strip structure attached to two smartphones in tent mode.

[00125] FIG. 24A is a perspective view of a third example of a magnetic strip structure in the locked position.

[00126] FIG. 24B is a perspective view of a third example of the magnetic strip structure in the unlocked position thereby allowing placement on a smartphone.

[00127] FIG. 24C is a perspective view of the third example of the magnetic strip structure attached to two smartphones in flat mode.

[00128] FIG. 24D is a perspective view of the third example of the magnetic strip structure attached to two smartphones in notebook mode.

[00129] FIG. 24E is a perspective view of the third example of the magnetic strip structure attached to two smartphones closed so that the displays of the smartphones face each other.

[00130] FIG. 25A illustrates a top view of a fourth example of the magnetic strip structure, which may be adjustable in one or more directions relative to the smartphone, such as any one or both of longitudinally or transverse to the smartphone.

[00131] FIG. 25B illustrates a side view of the fourth example of the magnetic strip structure.

[00132] FIG. 26A illustrates a block diagram of the mobile device and monitor device communicating via various channels, such as a Bluetooth channel, a Wi-Fi channel and a cellular channel. [00133] FIG. 26B is a flow diagram for using a nearer-field communication channel (such as a Bluetooth channel) to establish and update a farther-field communication channel (such as a Wi-Fi channel).

[00134] FIG. 27 illustrates a block diagram of exemplary computer architecture for any electronic device, such as the monitor device or the mobile device, discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[00135] Overview

[00136] As discussed in the background, smartphones are ubiquitous in today’s society. Amongst the various functionality provided, smartphones typically include a user interface, which may take the form of a display screen (such as a touchscreen display) and/or a separate keyboard. In this regard, the smartphone includes a front face, which comprises (or consists of) the user interface so that the display and/or keyboard directly face the user. The back or rear face of the smartphone, which is opposite the front face, is typically underutilized and may have attached to that a grip or stand (e.g., a POPSOCKET^® hand grip) or the like. Likewise, the side faces of the smartphone are underutilized.

[00137] In one implementation, an electronic device is both physically and electronically connected to the back face (and/or another part, such as one or more of the side faces) of the mobile device. In another implementation, the electronic device is electronically connected to the mobile device, but is not physically connected to the mobile device. The electronic device may comprise a monitor device (e.g., a Castaway device). As discussed in more detail below, various monitoring devices are contemplated. In one or some embodiments, the monitor device includes a monitor and other functionality to communicate with the mobile device. In particular, in one or some embodiments, the monitor device may comprise an electronic device with the form factor of a smartphone with functionality similar to a smartphone. In an alternate embodiment, the monitor device comprises a smartphone (e.g., the monitor device-electronic device pairing comprises a smartphone-smartphone pairing with the smartphones in the smartphone pairing have the same functionality (and optionally the same manufacturer) or having different functionality (and optionally different manufacturers, such as an Android-based smartphone and an iOS-based smartphone pairing)). Alternatively, the monitor device comprises additional functionality, different functionality, or less functionality to a smartphone. As one example, the monitor device may comprise a Chromebook-type laptop or tablet running the Linux-based Chrome OS and the Chrome web browser. The Chromebook-type laptop or tablet may also run apps, such as Android and/or Linux apps. In this regard, various functions, such as bookmarks and settings synchronization may be performed (e.g., Chrome may allow users to synchronize their bookmarks, history, and settings across different devices with the browser installed by sending and receiving data through a chosen Google Account, which in turn updates all signed-in instances of Chrome; the monitor device, executing Chrome, may be synchronized in this manner, as discussed in more detail below).

[00138] As discussed herein, the mobile device comprises any portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld game consoles, tablet computer, smartwatch, or the like. In this regard, any discussion regarding a smartphone may be applied to any other type of mobile device. [00139] Thus, the monitor device may be both physically connected to the back face (and/or one or more side faces) of the mobile device and electronically connected to the mobile device. The physical connection of the monitor device to the mobile device may be direct (e.g., a housing of the monitor device is physically connected to a housing of the mobile device, partially direct (e.g., a housing of one of the monitor device or the mobile device is physically connected to a case that encases the other of the monitor device or the mobile device), or entirely indirect (e.g., a case that encases the monitor device is physically contacting a case that encases the mobile device). As one example discussed further below, In one or some embodiments, the connection may be via a monitor device-smartphone case where the monitor device case at least partly encases the monitor device and connects, such as via a magnetic connection, with a mobile device case that that at least partly encases the mobile device.

[00140] Further, the physical connection may be accomplished in one of several ways. In one implementation, the monitor device may be directly physically connected to the rear or back face (and or a side face) of the mobile device, such as adhered or glued to the rear face of the mobile device or connected via magnets to a side and/or a face (such as a front face and/or a rear face) of the mobile device. In another implementation, the monitor device may be indirectly physically connected to the rear face or to a side face of the mobile device, such as connected to the rear face or a side face of the mobile device via an intermediate device. As another example, the monitor device may be connected to a grip, such as a POPSOCKET^® grip, that is in turn connected to the rear face of the mobile device. As still another example, the monitor device may be connected to a cradle, which is connected to the rear face of the mobile device.

[00141] Separate from the physical connection, the monitor device may be electronically connected to the mobile device. Electronic connection of the monitor device to the mobile device may be in one of several ways. In one implementation, an electrical cable may establish a wired connection between the monitor device and the mobile device. Alternatively, or also, the monitor device may communicate wirelessly with the mobile device, such as via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other types of short distance wireless protocol (e.g., near-field communication protocol). In this regard, any discussion regarding wireless communication may apply to any short distance wireless protocol.

[00142] Separate from the electrical connection, the monitor device and the mobile device may have a unique channel of communications. In one implementation, one or both of the monitor device or the mobile device may verify the identity of the other party, and responsive to verifying the identity, generate a session key for communicating via the unique channel. For example, an app on the mobile device may send a public key to the monitor device, with the monitor device accessing a key (such as a private key locally stored within the monitor device) to verify the mobile device. Responsive to verification, the monitor device may generate a session key through which communications may be encrypted. In particular, the app on the mobile device may encrypt subsequent connections to the monitor device with the session key, with the monitor device decrypting the subsequent encrypted communications using decryption functionality (e.g., a decryption chip) resident on the monitor device. In one specific example, the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) may be used for communications between the mobile device and the monitor device. In HTTPS, the communication protocol may be encrypted using Transport Layer Security (TLS), or using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Thus, after authentication of one or both of the mobile device and the monitor device, the privacy and integrity of the exchanged data between the mobile device and the monitor device may be protected while in transit between the two devices. In this way, the communication channel between the monitor device and the app on the mobile device may be tailored or accessible only for the authorized parties, namely the monitor device and the mobile device. Specifically, the monitor device may be removably positioned to the rear face of the mobile device (e.g., opposite to the touch screen of the mobile device) or to a side face of the mobile device that is cryptographically married to an app on the mobile device. Alternatively, the monitor device, thought not physically connected, may be within wireless range (such as near-field communication wireless range) of the mobile device in order to communicate with the mobile device. Specifically, after establishing the unique (e.g., encrypted) channel, the monitor device may communicate with the mobile device. Further, in one or some embodiments, the monitor device may be physically connected to the mobile device and thereafter may be physically removed (e.g., detached and held in one’s hand); nevertheless, the monitor device may still communicate with the mobile device via the unique channel (as long as within the wireless range of the designated communication protocol). As discussed in more detail below, the monitor device may communicate via the encrypted channel whether physically connected (such as via the monitor device-mobile device case) or physically disconnected.

[00143] In this way, a communication channel, such as an encrypted communication channel, is established between the monitor device and the mobile device. The encrypted communication channel may be used in one or both of the following: (1) the monitor device leveraging functionality on the mobile device via the encrypted channel (e.g., an app resident on the mobile device may be used to control content shown on the monitor device and/or the monitor device using the communication functionality (such as cellular and/or Wi-Fi) resident on the mobile device); and/or (2) the mobile device leveraging functionality on the monitor device via the encrypted channel (e.g., the mobile device using the communication functionality (such as 5G cellular) resident on the monitor device). The encrypted channel may comprise one or more encrypted channels, such as an encrypted Wi-Fi communication channel and or an encrypted Bluetooth communication channel. Further, the encrypted Wi-Fi communication may be established via the encrypted Bluetooth communication channel, as discussed below.

[00144] As one example, the app may route communications, such as advertisements, to the monitor device separate from any web browser or similar intermediary software program so that ad blocking software, such as those that filter HTML webpages, are not applicable. As another example, the app may route data, such as a link, photos, videos, or the like, for use by the monitor device (e.g., the app causing photos resident on the mobile device to be output on the monitor of the monitor device; the app causing videos resident on the mobile device to be output on the monitor of the monitor device; the app causing a link to be accessed so that the output responsive to accessing the link is used (e.g., output) on the monitor device (e.g., the app may access the link in order to route the output responsive to accessing the link for use, such as output on the monitor device; the app causing the monitor device to access the link for the monitor device to access the link, either using its communication functionality or the mobile device’s communication function, in order for the mobile device to receive the output responsive to accessing the link; the link may be to a download, such as an advertisement, or a link to implement a web app resident on the monitor device).

[00145] As still another example, the monitor device may use the communication functionality (such as the internet connection) on the mobile device. In particular, internet communications (for ultimate output on the monitor device) may be routed via the encrypted communication channel (and may optionally be controlled by the app resident on the mobile device). As yet another example, the mobile device may use the communication functionality (such as the 5G internet connection) resident on the monitor device. In particular, internet communications (for ultimate output on the mobile device) may be routed via the encrypted communication channel (and may optionally be controlled by the app resident on the mobile device).

[00146] Thus, in one implementation, the monitor device includes a dedicated monitor that communicates exclusively with the app on the mobile device via an encrypted channel. In this implementation, no other application on the mobile device may make use of the dedicated monitor resident on the monitor device. In one particular implementation, a pairing process between the monitor device and the mobile device may, in turn, create an encrypted communication channel, such as a virtual private network (VPN) with an encrypted channel, between the mobile device and the monitor device. As one example, the monitor device and the mobile device may communicate via a local wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network (information to connect to (and maintain connection to) the Wi-Fi network may be transmitted via another wireless channel, such as a Bluetooth channel, discussed further below). After connection to the same and common Wi-Fi network, after validation, a VPN may be created with a common encryption key to encrypt the communications. In one or some embodiments, one, some or each monitor device may have stored therein a common public key (e.g., the same key) and a private key. In a first embodiment, the mobile device, via the app resident on the mobile device, may validate the monitor device (e.g., app on the mobile device determines whether the monitor device is for unique pairing to the mobile device; responsive thereto, the app on the mobile device establishes the VPN with the encrypted channel to communicate with the monitor device; the VPN may be local, such as solely via the local Wi-Fi network and not via the cloud). In this way, the mobile device and monitor device may be in a one-to-one pairing. In a second embodiment, the app on the mobile device may communicate with a plurality of monitor devices. For example, the app on a first mobile device may be paired with a first monitor device (e.g., the first mobile device establishes the local VPN with the encrypted channel to communicate with the first monitor device as discussed in the first embodiment). Additional monitor device(s) may seek to communicate with the app on the first mobile device, such as a second pairing comprising a second mobile device and a second monitor device, with one or both of the second mobile device or the second monitor device seeking to stream content controlled by the app on the first mobile device.

[00147] In one or some embodiments, one or both of the second mobile device (such as the app resident on the second mobile device) or the second monitor device may request to receive content controlled and streamed by the app on the first mobile device. The request may be sent to a server that communicates with a plurality of apps, such as the app on the first mobile device, and may comprise any one, any combination, or all of: (i) an indication associated with the app resident on the first mobile device and/or an indication associated with the first mobile device (e.g., the indication may comprise an SSID associated with the current network of the first mobile device; a unique ID associated with the app resident on the first mobile device; or a unique ID associated with the first mobile device); (ii) security information (e.g., a one-time password (ONP)); or (iii) an indication of content to share. Responsive to receiving the request, one or both of the server or the first mobile device may validate the security information, and responsive to validation, the server may stream the information from the first mobile device.

[00148] As one example, responsive to the server validating the security information, the server, using the indication, may communicate with the app resident on the first mobile device. In response to the communication and in response to the request indicating the content to share, the app resident on the first mobile device may stream the content to the server, which in turn streams the content to the second mobile device (e.g., the app resident on the second mobile device controls the streaming to one or both of the second mobile device or the second monitor device). Alternatively, in response to the communication and in response to the request not indicating the content to share, in one embodiment, the app resident on the first mobile device may present to the user of the first mobile device a request as to the content to stream. Responsive to the user’s selection of content, the selected content is streamed to the server, which in turn streams the selected content to the second mobile device. Alternatively, in response to the communication and in response to the request not indicating the content to share, the app resident on the first mobile device may access the real-time stream associated with the first mobile device (e.g., stream a photo or movie that is currently being played on one or both of the first mobile device or first monitor device) as the content to share.

[00149] As another example, instead of the server performing the validation of the security information, the first mobile device may perform the validation. Responsive to the validation, the first mobile device may output to the user the content for streaming (which is contained in the request and which the user may authorize to stream) or may ask the user to select the content for streaming (absent the request indicating content for streaming). In turn, the app on the first mobile device may transmit to the server one or both of: the indication of the app on the second mobile device or the second mobile device itself; or the content for streaming to the second mobile device.

[00150] Further, the monitor device may be affixed permanently or temporarily (e.g., affixed with the ability to remove and re-affix) to the rear face (and/or one or more side faces) of the mobile device for use by the mobile device. For example, the monitor device-mobile device case may be used to encase one or both of the monitor device and the mobile device and when attached, may position the monitor device in predetermined relation to the mobile device. Alternatively, or also, the app on the mobile device may be used to broadcast the content of the mobile device of a large display separate from the monitor device and not attached to the mobile device. In a specific implementation, the large display may be configured with a proper decryption key to decrypt the data (encrypted by the app resident on the mobile device) that is streamed from the mobile device to the large display (e.g., a device that has a display that is larger, such as at least three times larger area-wise, at least five times larger area-wise, at least ten times larger area-wise, etc.). As one example, the large display may comprise a flat-screen television or other type of monitor. In practice, the large display may be in a conference room, a home, or the like. For the large display to communicate with an app on the mobile device, the large display may be configured with or have access to one or both of: (1) the ability to verify the mobile device; and (2) the ability to decrypt communications received from the app on the mobile device (and optionally encrypt communication for transmission to the app on the mobile device).

[00151] With regard to (1), the large display may have stored therein a key (such as a private key programmed therein upon manufacture or downloaded/stored thereafter) to verify the app on the mobile device (such as discussed herein with regard to the monitor device). Alternatively, the large display may have access to the private key, such as via a private key stored in a dongle (e.g., a USB dongle) that is plugged into the large display (e.g., into a USB port of the large device). With regard to (2), the large display may have included therein an encryption/decryption chip similar to that disclosed in the monitor device for the large display to decrypt the encrypted content sent from the app to the large display and/or to encrypt content sent from the large display to the app on the mobile device.

[00152] In one or some embodiments, the app resident on the mobile device may enable functionality resident on the mobile device to be accessible to the monitor device. Alternatively, or in addition, the app resident on the mobile device may enable functionality resident on the monitor device to be accessible to the mobile device. As discussed herein, the mobile device may include various functionality, such as any one, any combination, or all of: cellular functionality (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.); browsing functionality; texting functionality; word processing functionality; keyboard functionality; sensor functionality (e.g., accelerometer, magnetometer, camera, gyroscope, GPS receiver, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, microphone, fingerprint sensor, pedometer, barcode/QR code sensor, barometer, heart rate sensor, thermometer, etc.); app-derived functionality (e.g., a keyboard app that projects a keyboard on the touchscreen and the user inputs keystrokes using the touchscreen); or the like. The monitor device may include the same functionality or different functionality as ascribed to mobile device. As one example, the monitor device may include different cellular functionality (e.g., 5G resident on the monitor device as opposed to 3G resident on the mobile device); different app(s) resident on the monitor device that are not present on the mobile device (e.g., the keyboard app resident on the monitor device but not present on the mobile device). In one or some embodiments, users may configure, via the app resident on the mobile device, any one, any combination or all or both of: (1) making functionality resident on the mobile device accessible to the monitor device; (2) making functionality resident on the monitor device accessible to the mobile device; (3) commanding functionality resident on the monitor device to be activated.

[00153] As one example, when functionality resident on the mobile device is made accessible to the monitor device, the monitor device may receive input from the mobile device, generate an output on the monitor device based on the input from the mobile device and to solicit input via the monitor device, and make any input via the monitor device available to one or both of the monitor device or the mobile device. In one specific example, a keyboard app may be resident on the mobile device. As discussed in more detail below, one or more folders may be used to transmit information from the mobile device to the monitor device and/or from the monitor device to the mobile device. The folder(s) may store the keyboard for output on the monitor device, such as illustrated in FIG. 14M below. The monitor device may receive the keyboard, output the keyboard onto the monitor device touchscreen, and receive input (via the touchscreen) of a button push. In turn, the monitor device may transmit the button push to the folder(s) for access by the app on the mobile device. In this way, the monitor device may access an app or other functionality present on the mobile device.

[00154] As another example, when functionality resident on the monitor device is commanded to be executed by the mobile device, the monitor device may activate its functionality (and generate an output on the monitor device) to solicit input via the monitor device, and make any input via the monitor device available to one or both of the monitor device or the mobile device. In one specific example, a keyboard app may be resident on the monitor device. The monitor device may receive input (via the touchscreen) of a button push, and may transmit the button push to the folder(s) for access by the app on the mobile device.

[00155] In one or some embodiments, the app may route one or more types of communications to the monitor device. For example, one kind of communication is directed to the functionality of the mobile device itself (and not involving the app resident on the mobile device). As discussed above, the mobile device may include telephone functionality, texting functionality, calendar functionality, or the like. The app may be configurable by the user to mirror (or to replace) the notification functions of the various featme(s) of the mobile device onto the monitor device. As one example, the screen of the mobile device may output notifications regarding: incoming telephone calls; texts received; calendar entries; or the like. Thus, the screen on the monitor device may display content without needing to unlock or activate (e.g., activate the screen) the mobile device, thereby potentially extending the battery life of the mobile device. Another type of communication is directed to connections routed via the app itself. As discussed further below, the app (via the mobile device) may require interaction with external servers (such as advertising servers) to route advertisements or other types of communications to the monitor device, and/or to route input received via the monitor device to the external servers. In this regard, separate from the encrypted pairing of the app on the mobile device with the monitor device, the app on the mobile device may communicate with a remote server. In this way, the app may act as the gatekeeper, accessing functionality on the mobile device (e.g., sensor data from one or more sensors) to determine whether, what, and how to route content from the remote server to the monitor device.

[00156] Thus, the app on the mobile device may control the content that is output on the monitor device. The app may determine what type of content to output to a user of the monitor device in one of several ways. In one way, the app may obtain a respective user’s likes and or dislikes directly (e.g., based on direct input from the user as to a category or type of data liked or disliked) or indirectly (e.g., based on analyzing what the user accesses, etc.). For example, the app may register automatically, with any one, any combination, or all of AI, user intervention, or machine learning, how and what the user likes and/or does not like. As another example, responsive to the user submitting input to the monitor device (e.g., the user is touching a coupon displayed on the touch-sensitive monitor of the monitor device), the app may register “like” or other indication of the user’s interests. Further, the app may store the user input (e.g., the coupon) for intelligent display later (e.g., as discussed below, intelligent display may be based on timing (e.g., at noon), based on location (e.g., near a business establishment), and/or based on activity or lack of activity on the mobile device)). As still another example, the app may review content that the monitor device accesses via the communication functionality resident on the mobile device. In particular, the user, via the monitor device, may request content from Pinterest or other social media website. The app, in transmitting the data from the internet connection via the mobile device to the encrypted channel to the monitor device, may scrape data in order to characterize the interests of the user.

[00157] Thus, in one implementation, the app resident on the mobile device may control any one, any combination, or all of the following related to output on the monitor device: what content is output on the monitor device; how the content is output on the monitor device; or when the content is output on the monitor device. For example, the app may control what content is output on the touch screen of the monitor device. The app may base its determination as to the content to output on the monitor device based on the user’s likes and/or dislikes, as discussed above.

[00158] As another example, the app may determine how the content is output on the screen (e.g., touch screen) of the monitor device. In one implementation, the app may determine the orientation by which the content is output (e.g., as landscape or portrait) on the touch screen of the monitor device. In practice, the app may access the sensor data from the accelerometer sensor resident on the mobile device to determine how to orient the touch screen on the monitor device. Responsive to the app determining that the accelerometer data is indicative that the mobile device is in portrait mode, the app may command the monitor device to output the content in portrait mode (or the app may organize the content data so that the monitor device outputs the content in portrait mode). Conversely, responsive to the app determining that the accelerometer data is indicative that the mobile device is in landscape mode, the app may command the monitor device to output the content in landscape mode (or the app may organize the content data so that the monitor device outputs the content in landscape mode). In this way, the app may leverage the functionality on the mobile device to improve the functionality on the monitor device. In particular, one or more sensors resident on the mobile device may be leveraged in order to determine how to output data on the monitor device (e.g., the accelerometer sensor on the mobile device may be used so that the monitor device does not use its accelerometer sensor or does not have an accelerometer sensor at all).

[00159] As still another example, the app may determine when to output content via the monitor device in one of several ways including any one, any combination, or all of: based on sensor data from sensor(s) resident on the mobile device; based on predetermined timing (e.g., determined by the app and/or determined by a remote server); based on activity (or lack of activity) on the mobile device. In particular, the app may access geolocation functionality (e.g., the GPS receiver) in order to determine a current location of the mobile device, and responsive to the current location determination (e.g., a distance from the current location to another location, such as a restaurant), the app may determine to command the monitor device to output content thereon (e.g., responsive to the app determining that the mobile device is within a predetermined distance to restaurant X, the app may command the monitor device to output a promotion or other types of coupon to restaurant X). As discussed above, this type of advertising may be based on user input and or based on app analytics as to the likes and or dislikes of the user. As another example, the app may access the accelerometer resident on the mobile device to determine whether the app senses that the mobile device has been turned around (so that the rear face of the mobile device is currently facing the user). Responsive to detecting this change in the position of the mobile device, the app may activate the output on the monitor device. In this way, the app may leverage the timing to output content via the monitor device based on functionality resident in the mobile device.

[00160] The app (or a remote server) may also determine when to output content via the monitor device. As one example, the output may be scheduled for a predetermined time, such as at noon or 6:00 pm. In one implementation, the app resident on the mobile device may determine when to command the output via the monitor device, and responsive to the determination, send the output (stored locally in the mobile device) to the monitor device for output (e.g., a remote server may submit to the app an advertisement tagged for output at a predetermined future time, with the app sending the ad to the monitor device at the predetermined future time). Alternatively, a remote server may determine when to output the content, and responsive to the determination, send the output to the app on the mobile device for direct routing to the monitor device for output.

[00161] As another example, the app may determine when to send the content for output to the monitor device based on activity (or lack of activity) in the mobile device. In particular, responsive to the app sensing activity on the mobile phone (e.g., determining that the user is browsing the Internet via the mobile device; determining that the user is viewing a video from a streaming service; conducting a telephone call via the mobile device; etc.), the app may determine whether to send the content for output (or whether to send a link to the content for the monitor device to access in order to download the content) to the monitor device or whether to delay sending the content for output (or the link to access the content) until the activity is completed (e.g., wait until the video from the streaming service has completed; wait until the telephone call via the mobile device has ended).

[00162] As still another example, the app may determine when to output content on the monitor device based on explicit user input. In one instance, the user may input a command via the app to mirror the image output on the display of the mobile device onto the display of the monitor device. In this way, both the user of the mobile device (facing the front face of the mobile device) and those around the user (such as those facing the rear face of the mobile device) may view the same image. In another instance, the user may input a command via the app to transfer the image currently output on the display of the mobile device onto the display of the monitor device.

[00163] The app may also control when input via the monitor device is processed. As discussed above, the monitor device may include one or more ways in which a user may provide input. In one way, the input/output of the monitor device may comprise (or consist of) a touch screen for input. In one implementation, the app may control when the data from the touch screen on the device is processed by the app commanding the monitor device to send or not send input sensed via the touch screen (e.g., turn off the touch screen on the device to save battery life). Alternatively, the monitor device may register and transmit all sensed input to the app on the mobile device; however, the app may ignore the sensed input transmitted by the monitor device until the app seeks input from the user. Separate from controlling the processing of the input via the monitor device, the app may control what functions on the monitor device are activated and/or deactivated. As one example, the app may command parts of the monitor device to enter sleep mode, such as by deactivating the cryptography chip resident on the monitor device (which may be used in order to encrypt/decrypt content on the encrypted channel). [00164] Alternatively, or besides, the app may control the output on the mobile device. For example, the app resident on the mobile device may control when the mobile device will vibrate/beep responsive to change in the state of the monitor device. In one particular example, the app may command the mobile device to vibrate and/or beep or generate an output alert to the user when a message is waiting on the display of the monitor device. Alternatively, the app may command the mobile device to vibrate and or beep or generate an output alert to the user responsive to the app determining that input (via the monitor device) is requested from the user, but not yet received. Further, in one implementation, the user, by entering commands on the app resident on the mobile device, may determine what can and or cannot be shown on the screen of the monitor device. In this way, the app on the mobile device may act as the conduit between external sources (e.g., advertisers) and the device itself, with the app using the functionality on the mobile device (e.g., GPS receiver, accelerometer, etc.) in order to determine whether, what and how to route data between the external sources and the monitor device. In a specific implementation, the app may be part of a platform established to enable advertisers to“find” users the advertisers wish to reach and to purchase ads based on costs-per-impressions (CPM).

[00165] The monitor device may include a user interface, such as a touchscreen or the like. The user interface may be of a variety of sizes, such as 3 inches by 4 inches, 2 inches by 3 inches, or the like. Further, the monitor device may include multiple layers including a battery layer, a printed circuit board layer, and a screen layer (which includes (or consists of) the touchscreen). The printed circuit board layer may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) that includes wireless functionality (e.g., Bluetooth transceiver), encryption functionality (e.g., encryption/decryption chip), processing functionality (e.g., a processor or other type of controller), and memory functionality (e.g., a memory device incorporated with the processing functionality and or separate from the processing functionality).

[00166] As discussed above, the monitor device may work in combination with the mobile device. As one example, the monitor device may perform one or more functions that originate on the mobile device.

In one particular instance, an instantiation of an internet session (such as one or more browser windows or one or more internet data sessions) may originate from the mobile device. For example, the internet address for establishing the session may originate from the mobile device and be transferred to the monitor device (e.g., a web-based app may use one or more internet addresses in order to access one or more servers; the app (discussed above) may cause the one or more internet addresses to be transferred to the monitor device, such as by saving the one or more internet addresses to a links folder, discussed below). In one or some embodiments, the internet address need not be used to establish an internet data session on the mobile device, but merely be transferred from the mobile device to the monitor device for the monitor device to use to establish its own internet session. Alternatively, the mobile device has already used the internet address to establish a data session (e.g., open a browser window or establish a communication session with an internet server) but the data session is effectively being transferred to the monitor device through the transfer of the internet address to the monitor device with the monitor device using the internet address to establish its own session.

[00167] Typically, mobile devices, such as mobile devices that operate using the iOS mobile operating system (including iPhone^® smartphones), may limit real-time data updates to applications or browser windows that are“active”. As one example, Safari is a graphic web browser, based on the WebKit engine, that is used in the iPhone^® smartphones. In the event that there are multiple browser windows opened in Safari, the WebKit engine updates only the browser window which is“active” (e.g., the single window which is currently displayed on the screen). As another example, web-based applications may use a data network connection for operations. In particular, navigation software apps, such as Waze, that are resident on the smartphone may leverage the communication functionality (such as the cellular data network connection and/or the Wi-Fi data network connection) in order to operate. In certain smartphone operating systems, a web-based application may not receive updated data from the Internet if the web-based application is not the active application. Alternatively, other smartphone operating systems may actively update web-based applications even though not designated as the active application. Nevertheless, in one or more embodiments, the monitor device may use the internet address in order to communicate, via a browser, with a device at the internet address. In particular, in one or some embodiments, the monitor device may use, via the encrypted channel, the communication functionality on the mobile device in order to access the internet address. In this regard, the monitor device may rely on the mobile device at various stages, including obtaining the internet address from the mobile device and using the communication functionality of the mobile device. Alternatively, the monitor device may use its own communication functionality in order to access the internet address the was obtained from the mobile device.

[00168] Alternatively, instead of an instantiation of an internet session (such as by using a web-based app), the mobile device may use a native app. Example native apps include, but are not limited to: photo apps (e.g., apps to view photos on a smartphone); video apps (e.g., apps to view videos on a smartphone); word processing apps (e.g., apps, such as Microsoft Word, that allow a user to perform word processing on a smartphone); spreadsheet apps (e.g., apps, such as Microsoft Excel, that allow a user to manipulate a spreadsheet on a smartphone); presentation apps (e.g., apps, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, that allow a user to manipulate a spreadsheet on a smartphone); etc. Further, the monitor device may execute another app that may be used in combination with the native app (e.g., using and or outputting data from the native app) that is executed on the mobile device. As one example, data from the native app on the mobile device may be output on the monitor device. In particular, a photo resident on the mobile device (and accessible via the photo app residing in the mobile device) may be output on the monitor device. Alternatively, a video resident on the mobile device (and accessible via the video app residing in the mobile device) may be output on the monitor device. As another example, data generated by the native app on the mobile device may be used by an app being executed on the monitor device. In particular, data from the native app on the mobile device (e.g., text data copied from a Microsoft Word app) may be copied (e.g., copied locally in a memory on the mobile device and/or in a memory on the monitor device) and thereafter may be pasted onto the app being executed on the monitor device (e.g., text data pasted to a Microsoft Word app executed on the monitor device).

[00169] In this regard, data from the mobile device, such as an internet address, a photo, a video, text, or the like, may be transferred to the monitor device for use by the monitor device. The transfer of the data may be accomplished in one of several ways. In one way, the monitor device may pull the data from the mobile device. As one example, the monitor device may include a“listener” configured to determine whether the mobile device has designated data for transfer to the monitor device. In another way, the mobile device may push the data to the monitor device. As one example, the mobile device may send a communication to the monitor device, with the communication including the data, which may be tagged for identification (e.g., a file tagged as a photo for output; a file tagged as a video for output; etc.).

[00170] In one particular implementation, the mobile device may configure different data structures, such as folders, into which different data may be stored (e.g., a photo folder in which to save photos; a video folder in which to save videos; a link folder in which to save internet links or web addresses; a text folder in which to save copied text; etc.). The“listener” resident on the monitor device may periodically scan the folders to determine whether new data has been saved therein. Responsive to the“listener” of the monitor device determining that new data has been saved in one of the folders, the monitor device may pull the data. As one example, responsive to determining that a new photo has been saved to the photo folder, the monitor device accesses the new photo in the photo folder and saves the new photo on the monitor device for output of the new photo on the screen of the monitor device (e.g., the“listener” may identify an object, such as a photo, based on an identifier, such as a graphic user ID; the monitor device may then request the object using the identifier and optionally an indication of the type of object requested, such as a JPEG file, a WORD file, etc.). As another example, responsive to determining that a new video has been saved to the video folder, the monitor device accesses the new video in the video folder and saves the new video on the monitor device for output of the new video on the screen of the monitor device. As still another example, responsive to determining that a new link has been saved to the link folder, the monitor device accesses the new link in the link folder and saves the new link on the monitor device for the monitor device to access the link (either through communication functionality on the mobile device or its own communication functionality) in order to output the result of accessing the link on the monitor device. As yet another example, responsive to determining that new text has been saved to the text folder, the monitor device accesses the new text in the text folder and saves the new text in the monitor device for use on the monitor device in the event that the user inputs a“paste” command on the monitor device.

[00171] In another particular implementation, the mobile device may configure a single data structure, such as a folder, into which different data (tagged to indicate a type of data) may be stored (e.g., files of photos saved in the folder and tagged as photos; files of videos saved in the folder and tagged as videos; files including links saved in the folder and tagged as internet links or web addresses; files including text saved in the folder and tagged as text; etc.). The“listener” resident on the monitor device may periodically scan the folder to determine whether new files have been saved therein. Responsive to the“listener”’ of the monitor device determining that a new file has been saved in the folder, the monitor device may determine the type of new file, access the new file, save the new file on the monitor device, and then use the data stored in the file on the monitor device (e.g., a file tagged as a photo is output on the monitor device as a photo).

[00172] Further, the monitor device may be physically connected to the mobile device, as discussed above. The physical connection between the mobile device and the monitor device may be implemented via a monitor device-mobile device case comprising two mating parts (e.g., a monitor device case and a mobile device case) that may connect (such as temporarily connect) with one another. The mobile device case may enclose or encase at least a part of the mobile device and the monitor device case may enclose or enclose at least a part of the monitor device. The mobile device case (encasing the mobile device) and the monitor device case (encasing the monitor device) are thus configured to physically connect with one another as well as to operate independently of one another. In one or some embodiments, the mobile device case and the monitor device case are configured to mate with one another, such as by using one or both of physically interlocking pieces and magnetic attraction in order to connect the monitor device with the mobile device in predetermined configurations.

[00173] The monitor device-mobile device case may be configured to perform one or more functions including any one or both of: (1) the monitor device case and the mobile device case are disconnected by a pulling apart motion and are connected by a pushing together motion (and/or by putting the monitor device case and the mobile device case in proximity so that magnetic attraction puts them together); (2) the monitor device case and the mobile device case, when together, can be positioned in one of a plurality of discrete modes or predetermined configurations (e.g., flat configuration, notebook configuration, tent configuration, etc.).

[00174] As discussed further below, these functions may be performed in one or more ways, such as any one, any combination, or all of: (i) different orientations of magnets and/or magnet coverings on one or both of the mobile device case or the monitor device case (e.g., orientation of magnet(s) to generate magnetic attraction between the monitor device case and the mobile device case and or to configure the monitor device-mobile device case into the plurality of discrete modes or configurations;

position/orientation of magnet/magnet coverings to generate to configure the monitor device-mobile device case into the plurality of discrete modes or configurations); (ii) one or both of a multi-sided magnet or a multi-sided covering for a magnet on one or both of the mobile device case or the monitor device case; (iii) one or more mechanical elements on one or both of the monitor device case or the mobile device case (e.g., to mechanically configure the monitor device case relative to the mobile device case in the plurality of predetermined configuration and/or to increase or decrease magnetic attraction between the monitor device case and the mobile device case in order to configure the monitor device case relative to the mobile device case in both the first predetermined configuration and the second predetermined configuration).

[00175] As one example, with regard to orientation of magnets, a first magnet (or a first set of magnets) may be positioned on one side of the mobile device case or the monitor device case. Similarly, a first metallic surface or a first opposing magnet (or a first set of opposing magnets) with an opposite pole may be positioned on one side of the other of the mobile device case or the monitor device case. The first magnet (or the first set of magnets) may further be oriented such that the first orientation maximizes the area of contact between the first magnet (or the first set of magnets) with the first opposing magnet (or the first set of opposing magnets). In one particular example, the first magnet is oriented to be flat against the one side of the mobile device case or the monitor device case (e.g., the perpendicular from the surface of the first magnet is likewise perpendicular with the one side of the mobile device case or the monitor device case). The first opposing magnet is oriented to be flat against the side of the other of the mobile device case or the monitor device case. So that, the maximum area of contact between the first magnet and the first opposing magnet is when the monitor device-mobile device case is in the flat orientation. In another particular example, the first magnet is oriented to be at an angle relative to the one side of the mobile device case or the monitor device case (e.g., the perpendicular from the surface of the first magnet forms a 45° angle with the perpendicular of the one side of the mobile device case or the monitor device case). The first opposing magnet is likewise oriented to be at an angle against the side of the other of the mobile device case or the monitor device case (e.g., the perpendicular from the surface of the first magnet forms the same 45° angle with the perpendicular of the other side of the mobile device case or the monitor device case). So that, the maximum area of contact between the first magnet and the first opposing magnet is when the monitor device-mobile device case is in the notebook orientation. In this way, the orientation of the magnet(s) are configured to increase magnetic attraction between the mobile device case and the monitor device case so that the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in the predetermined configuration^) relative to one another.

[00176] As another example, with regard to position/orientation of magnet/magnet coverings, a magnet may be positioned on one of the mobile device case or the monitor device case. The magnet may be at least covered by a magnet covering, but not entirely covered by the magnet covering. The other of the mobile device case or the monitor device case may have a metallic material or a magnet of opposite polarity. Portions where the magnet covering covers the magnet reduce attraction to the metallic material or a magnet of opposite polarity. Other portions, where the magnet covering does not cover the magnet (e.g.,“holes” in the magnet covering) are where the magnet is attracted to the metallic material or a magnet of opposite polarity. Thus, the positioning of the“holes” in the magnet covering may be such that the mobile device-monitor device case may be positioned in the plurality of discrete modes or configurations, as discussed further below.

[00177] With regard to multi-siding, in one or some embodiments, a multi-sided magnetic structure on one or both of the mobile device case or the monitor device case may be used, with different sides of the multi-sided magnetic structure configured to position the mobile device case and the monitor device case in the plurality of predetermined configurations relative to one another. The multi-sided magnetic structure comprises one of a multi-sided magnet without a covering, a multi-sided magnet with a covering that follows the multi-sided magnet, or a cylindrical magnet with a multi-sided covering. Specifically, the different sides of the multi-sided magnetic structure may be configured to increase the magnetic attraction between the mobile device case and the monitor device case so that the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in one of a plurality of configurations. As merely one example, the magnet itself may be multi-sided and may be positioned on one of the mobile device case or the monitor device case. In one embodiment, the magnet is exposed and directly contacts the other of the mobile device case or the monitor device case. Alternatively, the magnet (whether multi-sided or not) is covered with a material so that it does not directly contact the other of the mobile device case or the monitor device case. Regardless, the magnet, whether directly or indirectly, is magnetically attracted to a metallic material and/or a magnet of opposing polarity. The metallic material and/or the magnet of opposing polarity may be shaped in one of several ways. In one embodiment, the shape may be concave relative to the multi-sided magnet. For example, the metallic material may be concave in shape and may be multi-sided so that the multiple sides of the metallic material follow the multi-sided magnet so that when the monitor device case contacts the mobile device case, there is no gap between multiple sides of the multi-sided metallic material and multiple sides of the multi-sided magnet (whether covered or not). In another embodiment, the shape may be convex relative to the multi-sided magnet. For example, the magnet of opposing polarity may be convex in shape and may be multi-sided so that only one side of the multi-sided magnet contacts one side of the multi-sided magnet of opposite polarity (e.g., whether one or both of the multi-sided magnet or the multisided magnet of opposite polarity are not covered, partly covered or fully covered). Thus, in one or some embodiments, the multi-sided magnet may be used to configure the mobile device-monitor device in predetermined configurations. Alternatively, the multi-sided magnet may be used to connect the mobile device-monitor device together, with another means, such as orientation of magnets, being used to configure the mobile device-monitor device in predetermined configurations.

[00178] With regard to one or more mechanical elements on one or both of the monitor device case or the mobile device case, one or both of the monitor device case or the mobile device case may include mechanical element(s) that configure the mobile device-monitor device in predetermined configurations. Examples of mechanical elements include, but are not limited to any one, any combination, or all of: protrusions; insets; or the like. In one or some embodiments, protrusions on one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case work in combination with protrusions on the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device (e.g., a protrusion on the one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case may be positioned in a valley between two protrusions on the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device case to position the mobile device-monitor device case in a predetermined configuration).

Alternatively, or besides, protrusions on one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case work in combination with insets on the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device (e.g., a protrusion on the one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case may be positioned in a valley or an inset on the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device case to position the mobile device-monitor device case in a predetermined configuration).

[00179] As discussed above, the monitor device and the mobile device may be physically connected to one another. In one or some embodiments, a monitor device-mobile device case may be used for the physical connection. Specifically, the monitor device-mobile device case may comprise two mating parts including a monitor device case and a mobile device case in which at least a part of the monitor device case connects or mates at least temporarily with at least a part of the mobile device case. In one or some embodiments, one or more magnets are used to establish the physical connection between the monitor device case and the mobile device.

[00180] Thus, in one implementation, each of the monitor device case and the mobile device case include one or more magnets. When placed together in the mating position, discussed further below, the one or more magnets on the monitor device case have the opposite pole of the mating magnets on the mobile device case (south pole to north pole or vice versa for attraction). As discussed in more detail below, each of the monitor device case and the mobile device case may have only: one magnet (and when mated, are positioned so that opposite poles are closest); two magnets; three magnets; four magnets, or five or more magnets. [00181] It may be advantageous to orient the monitor device case relative to the mobile device case in at predetermined angles, such as 180° from one another (e.g., flat mode), approximately 115°-120° from one another (e.g., one example of notebook mode), approximately 315°-330° from one another (e.g., one example of tent mode), 0° from one another (e.g., closed mode so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the mobile device) or 360° from one another (e.g., fully open mode so that the display of the monitor device faces the opposite direction to the display of the mobile device). Thus, the monitor device case and the mobile device case may be configured, when mated, in predetermined relation to one another. In one or some embodiments, this may be accomplished using a mechanical connection, separate from the magnets or other connection. For example, one or more mechanical pieces on one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case may mate with one or more mating mechanical pieces on the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device case.

[00182] Alternatively, or also, a mechanical structure may be used in order to modify the connection (such as the magnetic connection) between the monitor device case or the mobile device case so that the magnetic attraction is higher at the predetermined settings. In particular, as discussed below, the magnet(s) on one or both of the monitor device case or the mobile device case may be fully enclosed, fully exposed, or partly exposed. For example, the magnet(s) on one or both of the monitor device case or the mobile device case may be covered by thin material, such as plastic, so that when the monitor device case mates with the mobile device case, the magnets on the different cases attract, but do not physically contact one another. As another example, the magnet(s) on one or both of the monitor device case or the mobile device case may be at least partly exposed so that when the monitor device case mates with the mobile device case, the magnets on the different cases attract and physically contact one another. More specifically, the magnet(s) may be partly covered/partly exposed (such as by using a mechanical piece acting as a partially covering/partially exposing layer) so that the magnets physically contact at predetermined orientations of the monitor device case and the mobile device case. In particular, because magnetic attraction is stronger when the magnets physically contact one another (or where at least one of the magnets is uncovered), in order to configure the monitor device case relative to the mobile device case at the predetermined angles, the magnet(s) may be exposed at predetermined intervals so that the monitor device case relative to the mobile device case at the predetermined angles.

[00183] Further, a side of the monitor device case may mate or connect with a side of the mobile device case. The magnet(s) may be placed on the side of each of the monitor device case and the mobile device case. The magnets may ran along the length of the respective side of the monitor device case and the mobile device case, such as at least 10% of the length, at least 20% of the length, at least 30% of the length, at least 40% of the length, at least 50% of the length, at least 60% of the length, at least 70% of the length, at least 80% of the length, at least 90% of the length, at least 95% of the length, or 100% of the length.

[00184] Alternatively, rather than having magnet(s) on both of the monitor device case and the mobile device case, magnet(s) may be placed on one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case and a non-magnet that is attracted to a magnet (such as a metal or other ferromagnetic material) may be placed on the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device case. The metal may comprise a single unitary metal piece or multiple separate metal pieces. Further, the metal may be along an entire length of the side of the monitor device case or the mobile device case. Alternatively, the metal may be along only a portion of the side of the monitor device case or the mobile device case (e.g., at least 10% of the length, at least 20% of the length, at least 30% of the length, at least 40% of the length, at least 50% of the length, at least 60% of the length, at least 70% of the length, at least 80% of the length, at least 90% of the length, at least 95% of the length).

[00185] Further, the magnet(s) on one or both of the monitor device case or the mobile device case may be a variety of shapes. In one or some embodiments, the magnet(s) may have complementary shapes (e.g., the magnet(s) on one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case has a convex shape and the magnet(s) on the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device case has a concave shape). Alternatively, the shape of the magnet(s) on both of the monitor device case and the mobile device case may be the same (e.g., both convex or both concave).

[00186] As discussed above, the monitor device and the mobile device may communicate with one another. In one or some embodiments, different communication channels may be established between the monitor device and the mobile device to facilitate the communication therebetween. In one specific embodiment, a nearer-field communication channel may be established between the monitor device and the mobile device, and may be used to establish and/or update a farther-field communication channel. For example, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard used to exchange data between electronic devices over short distances. In practice, the monitor device and the mobile device may be housed in the same monitor device-mobile device case. In this regard, the monitor device and the mobile device may be proximate or adjacent to one another. Thus, the Bluetooth communication channel (in which Bluetooth is used as the communication standard) may be available when the monitor device and the mobile device are housed in the same case. Flowever, relying solely on the Bluetooth communication channel as the channel through which the monitor device and the mobile device communicate is limiting. For example, Bluetooth or other nearer-field communication standards may have a lower rate of data transfer (as compared to farther-field communication standards, such as Wi-Fi).

[00187] Further, attempting to establish the farther-field communication channel, such as the Wi-Fi channel, between the monitor device and the mobile device may be difficult. For example, one or more factors may hinder establishing the farther-field communication channel between the monitor device and the mobile device including any one, any combination, or all of: multiple Wi-Fi networks currently being available (e.g., a Wi-Fi network may have a 2.5 GHz band and a 5 GHz band); the service set identifier (SSID) or other name associated with the available Wi-Fi network; the security information (e.g., password) to connect to the available Wi-Fi network; the port information; etc. Thus, in one or some embodiments, the mobile device and the monitor device may communicate via the nearer-field communication channel to transmit the information (e.g., any one, any combination, or all of the indication of the Wi-Fi network (from amongst multiple available networks), the SSID, the security information, or the port information) in order to establish the farther-field communication channel in real time. For example, responsive to a leader device, such as the mobile device, selecting and transmitting the information (e.g., selecting the port for connection to the Wi-Fi network), the follower device, such as the monitor device, may connect in real-time to the farther-field network in order to establish a local area network (e.g., a peer-to-peer network) in real-time. As such, the information sent may be used immediately to create the farther-field network. Further, the type of information, such as the port information, sent from the leader device to the follower device may be unique in configuring the farther-field communication. The leader device may obtain the port information in one of several ways. In one way, the leader device, such as the mobile device, may request the port information from the farther-field communication network using the farther-field communication protocol (e.g., request opening up of a port on the Wi-Fi access point), such as from a Wi-Fi access point using the Wi-Fi access protocol. Responsive to the request, the Wi-Fi access point may send the port information via the Wi-Fi access protocol to the leader device. In turn, the leader device may send the port information to the follower device via the nearer-field communication channel (e.g., the Bluetooth communication channel). In turn, the leader device and the follower device may use the port information to establish the farther-field communication channel. Thus, the monitor device and the mobile device may use the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi synergistically to establish the different channels.

[00188] Further, after establishing one or both of the nearer-field communication channel and the farther-field communication channel, one or more types of data may be transmitted via the different channels. As one example, one type of data comprises communication channel data, such as farther-field communication data, which may be used by one or both of the monitor device or the mobile device to establish and/or update the respective communication channel (such as the farther-field communication channel). Another type of data comprises user data, which may be used by one or both of the monitor device or the mobile device for output of a user (e.g., output on a display of the monitor device and/or the mobile device). In one or some embodiments, the different channels may transmit more (or all of) one type of data. For example, in one or some embodiments, the nearer-field communication channel may transmit more (or exclusively all) of the communication channel data, such as farther-field communication data, than the farther-field communication channel. In this way, to establish and/or to update the farther-field communication channel may be performed via the nearer-field communication channel, as discussed further below. In addition, or besides, the farther-field communication channel may transmit more (or exclusively all) of the user data than the nearer-field communication channel. Thus, the slower channel (e.g., the nearer-field communication channel) may transmit less data, though enough data to establish and maintain the faster channel (e.g., the farther-field communication channel) in order to more quickly transfer the user data, which is at least one order of magnitude in size larger than the communication channel data.

[00189] As discussed above, because the nearer-field communication channel is based on proximity of the monitor device and the mobile device and because the monitor device and the mobile device are typically housed in a single monitor device/mobile device case, the nearer-field communication channel may be stable, thereby allowing for consistent and direct communication between the monitor device and the mobile device. In this way, one or both of the mobile device or the monitor device may send a periodic signal, such as a heartbeat signal, via the nearer-field communication channel in order to indicate the status and/or potential changes to the farther-field communication channel. For example, the mobile device may send a signal at periodic intervals, with the signal indicating whether there are any changes to any one, any combination, or all of: the Wi-Fi network currently available to connect to (e.g., responsive to the mobile device determining that a switch in Wi-Fi networks is warranted, the mobile device may indicate such via the Bluetooth communication channel), the SSID or other name associated with the available Wi-Fi network, the security information to connect to the available Wi-Fi network, the port information; etc.

[00190] In this way, the heartbeat signal sent via the Bluetooth communication channel may be used to dynamically and in real-time update the Wi-Fi communication channel. In one or some embodiments, the heartbeat signal may be used to modify at least one aspect of the Wi-Fi communication channel. For example, the heartbeat signal may dynamically and in real-time change port information or may change the Wi-Fi network serving as the basis for the Wi-Fi communication channel. Alternatively, or besides, the heartbeat signal may be used to cease use of the Wi-Fi communication channel, and in real-time be replaced by another type of channel, such as a cellular communication channel. For example, the mobile device may include a cellular transceiver and hotspot capability. Responsive to the mobile device determining that the Wi-Fi signal is too weak or unable to support the Wi-Fi communication channel, the mobile device may send one or more heartbeat signals indicating any one or both of: the change in the farther-field communication channel from the Wi-Fi communication channel to a cellular communication channel; or indication of security information to access the hotspot on the mobile device. In response to receipt of the one or more heartbeat signals, the monitor device may dynamically change the farther-field communication channel from the Wi-Fi communication channel to the cellular communication channel using the hotspot on the mobile device. Though Bluetooth is discussed herein, other shorter distance or nearer-field communication standards are contemplated, such as those that communicate over less than 10 meters, over less than 1 meter, etc.

[00191] In one or some embodiments, the app resident on the mobile device only communicates (e.g., streams information, such as videos or photos) to the monitor device responsive to the app validating the monitor device. Validation may take one of several forms. In one form, the app may validate the monitor device using a public key, stored in the monitor device and transmitted from the monitor device to the app. In this way, the channel between the app and the monitor device may be controlled and used exclusively only for monitor devices that are approved by the app to receive content. For example, a content generator may seek to distribute content only to all monitor devices (and not to any other types of devices). Because the channel between the app and the monitor device is exclusive, content, tagged for transmission via the app, may only be streamed to endpoint devices, such as monitor devices.

[00192] Alternatively, or besides the app using a key (such as a public key) to validate the monitor device for playing content, the content streamed to the monitor device may further be controlled. As discussed above, content may be designated for streaming to all monitor devices. Alternatively, content may be designated for streaming only to a subset of monitor devices. In one or some embodiments, determination as to the subset of monitor devices selected for streaming may be based on one or more properties of a user associated with the monitor device (e.g., traits or aspects of the user associated with a specific monitor device, as discussed above). This determination based on the one or more properties of the user may be performed at the server level (e.g., the server determines, based on the specific user’s traits, to stream content to a specific user; the server determines the mobile device associated with the specific user and transmits the content to the app, with the app streaming the content to the approved monitor device) and/or at the app level (e.g., the server transmits the content and one or more traits to the app on the mobile device; the app on the mobile device determines, based on the transmitted traits and traits associated with the user of the mobile device (stored locally in the mobile device or accessible from the server) whether to stream the content to the approved monitor device; responsive to determining that the transmitted traits match the traits associated with the user of the mobile device, the app streams the content to the approved monitor device; otherwise, responsive to determining that the transmitted traits do not match the traits associated with the user of the mobile device, the app determines not to stream the content to the approved monitor device).

[00193] Alternatively, or besides, determination as to the subset of monitor devices selected for streaming may be based on one or more actions performed by the user. As one example, content is only streamed to a monitor device responsive to input of a password, such as a one-time-password (ONP). For example, responsive to the user inputting the ONP in the app resident on the mobile device, the app may transmit the ONP to the server. In turn, the server determines whether the input ONP matches the password entitling streaming of content. If so, the server transmits the content to the app for streaming to an approved monitor device. Otherwise, the server decides not to transmit the content to the app. In this way, the channel between the app and the monitor device may generally be selective (e.g., only allowing content to be played on the monitor device if approve) and may specifically be selective to the user of the monitor device (e.g., traits associated with the user and or password input by the user).

[00194] Discussion of the figures

[00195] Referring to the figures, FIG. 1A is a first exemplary block diagram 100 of a monitor device 110, a mobile device 114, and a back-end server 120. As discussed above, the monitor device 110 and the mobile device 114 may communicate wired or wirelessly (such as via 112). Further, as discussed above, various wireless protocols are contemplated, including Bluetooth, ZigBee, or the like. The mobile device 114 may likewise communicate with back-end server 120. As shown in FIG. 1A, the communication between the mobile device 114 and back-end server 120 is wireless, such as via cellular base station or WiFi router 118. Other methods of communication are contemplated. For example, the mobile device 114 may communicate with the monitor device 110 via Bluetooth and may communicate with the back-end server 120 via a non-Bluetooth protocol, such as Wi-Fi and/or cellular.

[00196] FIG. IB is a second exemplary block diagram 130 of monitor devices/mobile devices communicating with an application server 132. The application server 132 is configured to include the hardware, software, firmware, and/or middleware for operating the targeted advertisement application 138. Application server 132 is shown to include a processor 134, a memory 136, and a communication interface 140. The targeted advertisement application 138 is described in terms of functionality to manage various stages of managing advertisement, including dissemination of advertising to apps resident on respective mobile devices and or feedback from advertising sent to the apps resident on the respective mobile devices. The targeted advertisement application 138 may be a representation of software, hardware, firmware, and/or middleware configured to implement the management of any one, any combination, or all of the stages of hand hygiene compliance.

[00197] The system depicted in FIG. IB may further include a database 142 for storing data for use by the targeted advertisement application 138. For example, advertisements for dissemination may be stored in database 142. The application server 132 may communicate with the database 142 directly to access the data. Alternatively, the application server 132 may also communicate with the database 142 via network(s) 144 (e.g., the Internet). Though FIG. IB illustrates direct and indirect communication, in one

implementation, only direct connection is used, in an alternate implementation, only indirect connection is used, and still, in an alternative implementation, both direct and indirect connections are used.

[00198] The application server 132 may communicate with any number and type of communication devices via network(s) 144. As illustrated in FIG. IB, application server 132 may communicate with mobile devices associated with one or more users. In particular, FIG. IB illustrates two separate pairings of mobile devices and monitor devices, including mobile device #1 (146)/monitor device #1 (148) and mobile device #M (150)/monitor device #M (152). Any numbers of pairings of mobile devices and monitor devices are contemplated, including at least 100 pairings, at least 1,000 pairings, at least 10,000 pairings, at least 100,000 pairings, at least 1,000,000 pairings, at least 10,000,000 pairings, or the like.

[00199] FIG. 1C is a third exemplary block diagram 160 illustrating monitor devices/mobile devices with mobile devices communicating amongst themselves in a local network. In particular, pairings include mobile device #1 (161)/monitor device #1 (162), mobile device #2 (163)/monitor device #2 (164), and mobile device #3 (165)/monitor device #3 (166). A local wireless network may be configured amongst mobile devices, such as via 167, 168, and 169.

[00200] FIG. ID is a fourth exemplary block diagram 170 illustrating monitor devices/mobile devices with the monitor devices communicating amongst themselves in a local network. In particular, instead of the local wireless network being amongst the mobile devices (161, 163, 165), the local wireless network is configured amongst the monitor devices (162, 164, and 166), such as via 171, 172, 173.

[00201] As discussed above, apps on different mobile devices may communicate with one another. Alternatively, or in addition, monitor devices paired with different mobile devices may communicate with one another. In one implementation, an app on a first mobile device (such as mobile device #1 (161)) may communicate with an app on a second mobile device (such as mobile device #2 (163)). Alternatively, or in addition, a first monitor device (such as monitor device #1 (162)) may communicate with a second monitor device (such as monitor device #2 (164)). In a specific implementation, responsive to one or both of the respective devices validating one another, the respective devices may communication (e.g., stream information). As one example, responsive one or both of the app on mobile device #2 (163) or monitor device #2 (164) being verified by one or both of the app on mobile device #1 (161) or monitor device #1 (162), the respective one or both of the app on mobile device #2 (163) or monitor device #2 (164) may receive data (such as streamed data from one or both of the app on mobile device #1 (161) or monitor device #1 (162)). As one specific example, responsive to the app on mobile device #2 (163) sending a public key that monitor device #1 (162) verifies as being correct, mobile device #2 (163) may thereafter encrypt communication using a session key (which may be the same or different as the session key monitor device #1 (162) uses with mobile device #1 (161)) in order to stream data from the app on mobile device #2 (163) to monitor device #1 (162). Further, the wireless communications may be between mobile devices, such as illustrated in FIG. 1C, or between monitor devices, such as illustrated in FIG. ID. In this way, a network of encrypted channels may be formed between multiple mobile device/monitor device pairings.

[00202] FIG. IE is a fifth block diagram 175 of the monitor device 177 (an example of which is the back-of-the-phone (BOP A)) and the mobile device 176. The mobile device 176 includes communication functionality, such as hardware (HW) 178 for Bluetooth (BT) and Wi-Fi, an operating system 179 (e.g., Android or iOS), and memory 180. Memory 180 may have stored therein applications, such as a native photo app (e.g., local app for picture storage/display), a native audio/video app (e.g., local app for audio/video storage/display), a native message app (e.g., local messaging app), and a native Internet browser app (e.g., local web browser). Memory 180 may further include data that the mobile device (also termed the BOPA mobile) may receive, such as mobile-related push messages, an address list, mobile messaging, and a Bluetooth application. Further, app store 181 may download apps to mobile device 176 via operating system 179.

[00203] Monitor device 177 may include an operating system 183 (such as Linux), power switching capability 184 (shown as power on), memory 186, and hardware 185. Power switching capability 184 may switch on power, thereby initializing the hardware (HW init). Hardware 185 may include communication functionality (such as Bluetooth (BT) and/or Wi-Fi), an LCD display, a file system, a touchpad, a battery, and a switch. The memory 186 may include one or more applications, such as a system setting program (e.g., Wi-Fi setting in order to connect to the Internet; Bluetooth configuration including a MAC address; local area network connection data including the account and the IP address), a Bluetooth human interface device (HID) keyboard program (which may include a menu and key definitions), a Wi-Fi local area network server program, a web browser program, an audio player app (which may play the mobile device’s audio by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or web browser), a video player app (which may play the mobile device’s audio by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or web browser), a document reader application (e.g., any one, any combination, or all of: PDF reader; picture reader; Word reader/editor (or other word processor reader/editor); PowerPoint reader/editor; Excel reader/editor), software to receive and display files from the mobile device 176 (e.g., the“listener” configured to obtain files from the memory of the mobile device 176), and software to display information from other peripheral devices (e.g., communicate with and display data from a watch that communicates via Bluetooth). In addition, router 182 may route data between mobile device 176 and monitor device 177. For example, mobile device 176 may communicate with router 182, which may comprise a Wi-Fi access point or may be part of a cellular network.

[00204] Monitor device 177 may operate in one of several modes including a servant mode (such as when in communication with mobile device 176 via the encrypted channel) and an independent mode (such as when the monitor device 177 is not communicating with mobile device 176). In the servant mode, the monitor device 177 may perform one or more functions, such as“listening” to data on the mobile device 176 for use (e.g., output) by the monitor device 177, communication (e.g., accessing the internet) via the mobile device 176 or allowing the mobile device 176 to access the monitor device’s

communication functionality.

[00205] FIG. 2 A is an expanded block diagram 200 of the monitor device 210 and the mobile device 240. As illustrated, the monitor device 210 includes a controller 212, a memory 214, battery 220, display 222, light(s) 224, speaker 226, wireless communication 228, and encryption and/or decryption functionality 234. Though controller 212 and memory 214 are illustrated as separate, processing and memory functionality may be combined in one device. Memory 214 may include a private key 216 to verify the identity of the monitor device app 248 resident on mobile device 240. Memory 214 further includes monitor device software 218 configured to include instructions to control monitor device 210 as discussed herein. Display 222 may comprise a touch-sensitive display.

[00206] Further, light(s) 224 and or speaker 226 need not be included in monitor device 210. Wireless communication 228 may include one or more types of wireless communication, including a near-field communication transceiver 230 and/or Wi-Fi transceiver 232. Alternatively, or also, wireless communication 228 may include a cellular transceiver, such as a 5G cellular transceiver. In this regard, any wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, or the like, is contemplated.

[00207] Mobile device 240 includes controller 242, memory 244, vibrating motor 250, battery 252, display 254, light(s) 256, speaker 258, wireless communication 260, and sensors 268. Similar to the discussion above, though controller 242 and memory 244 are illustrated as separate, processing and memory functionality may be combined in one device. Further, memory 244 may include a public key 246 used by monitor device app 248 to verify itself to monitor device 210, as discussed below. Further, any of vibrating motor 250 and/or light(s) 256 need not be included in mobile device 240. Wireless

communication 260 may include various types of wireless communication, including any one, any combination, or all of a near-field communication transceiver 262, a Wi-Fi transceiver 264, and cellular transceiver 266. Further, mobile device 240 may include one or more sensors, such as any one, any combination, or all of micro-vibration sensor 270, accelerometer 272, gyroscope 274, magnetometer 276, GPS receiver 278.

[00208] In one implementation, the monitor device 210 is configured for low power consumption. One or more components may dominate power dissipation of the monitor device 210: controller 212, memory 214, encryption and or decryption functionality 234, speaker 226, etc. In this regard, monitor device app 248 may send a command via wireless communication 260 in order for monitor device 210 to enter low power mode (e.g., turning off one or more functionality resident on monitor device 210) and thereafter to exit low power mode (e.g., turning back on one or more functionality resident on monitor device 210).

[00209] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the example components of the monitor device. As shown, the monitor device 290 includes a lithium battery 286, a printed circuit board (PCB) 284, an LCD screen 282, and optionally a screen protector 280.

[00210] FIG. 3 A is a side view 300 of the monitor device 330 and the mobile device 310 illustrating the process of connecting the monitor device 330 to the mobile device 310. FIG. 3B is a back view 332 of the monitor device 330 connected to the mobile device 310. As shown, the monitor device 330 may be connected to the mobile device 310 via an intermediary, such a grip 320. In one implementation, the monitor device 330 includes a housing that is configured for removable connection to the mobile device 310. In particular, the housing of the monitor device 330 may include an adhesive or the like to connect the monitor device 330 directly or indirectly to the mobile device 310.

[00211] FIG. 3 C is a back view 340 of the monitor device 330 connected to the mobile device 310 in which the monitor device 330 is displaying an advertisement 342. FIGS. 3D-E are a front view 350 of the mobile device 310 and a back view 360 of the combination monitor device 362/mobile device 310, respectively in which the touch input, via a touchscreen 364 of the monitor device 362, may be used to control an app executed on an output 352 on the mobile device. FIG. 3F is a representation 370 of location- based advertising using the monitor device 372/mobile device 310. In this regard, in one or some embodiments, the monitor device may be affixed or positioned to abut a back face of the mobile device. Alternatively, the monitor device may connect or be positioned to a side of the mobile device, and may move in fixed relation to the mobile device, such as illustrated in FIGS. 14B-J, as discussed further below.

[00212] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram 400 of communications between the mobile device and the monitor device being subject to encryption/decryption. As discussed above, a verification process may occur before transmitting substantive communications, such as advertisements. In one implementation, the monitor device verifies the app resident on the mobile device before establishing the encrypted communication channel. In another implementation, the app resident on the mobile device verifies the monitor device before establishing the encrypted communication channel. In still another implementation, both the app and the monitor device verify the other party before establishing the encrypted communication channel.

[00213] After the communication channel is established, at 410, the app identifies a communication to send to the monitor device. As discussed above, various kinds of communications are contemplated, including advertisements, notifications, photos, videos, links, or the like. At 420, the app encrypts the communication with a session key using the functionality (such as the processing and/or memory functionality) of the mobile device. As discussed above, responsive to verification of one or both of the app and the monitor device, a session key may be generated for encryption of data via the communication channel. The session key may expire in one or more instances including: expiring once the communication has been sent to the monitor device (or once the monitor device has acknowledged receipt of the communication); expiring after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 6 hours after the session key has been generated); expiring at a predetermined time (e.g., at midnight); of expiring upon power down of one or both of the monitor device or the mobile device.

[00214] At 430, the app requests the mobile device to transmit the encrypted communication to the monitor device. At 440, the monitor device receives encrypted communication. After that, at 450, the monitor device decrypts, using decryption functionality resident on the monitor device, the encrypted communication. At 460, the monitor device outputs at least a part of the communication. For example, the communication may comprise an advertisement, which may be output on the display of the monitor device. Further, the encrypted communication may comprise other data, such a metadata, in order for the monitor device to determine any one, any combination, or all of: when to display the communication (e.g., whether to delay display of the communication on the screen of the monitor device or to output the communication at a certain time, such as at noon); under what circumstances to display the communication; or how to display the communication (e.g., whether in portrait or landscape). Further, the monitor device may optionally send an acknowledgment to the app via the communication channel, with the acknowledgment indicating one or both of receipt of the communication or output of the

communication. In this regard, communications between the mobile device and the monitor device may be pushed and/or pulled (data for transmission from the mobile device to the monitor device may be pushed by the mobile device to the monitor device and/or may be pulled by the monitor device from the mobile device; data for transmission from the monitor device to the mobile device may be pushed by the monitor device to the mobile device and or may be pulled by the mobile device from the monitor device).

[00215] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 500 of using the functionality on the mobile device to generate an output on one or both of the mobile device and the monitor device. As discussed above, the app may leverage the functionality on the mobile device to control output on one or both of the mobile device or the monitor device. At 510, the app may access functionality, such as geolocation, accelerometer, etc., on the mobile device. At 520, the app determines whether to send a communication to the monitor device based on the accessed functionality. At 530, the app may cause the mobile device to generate an output, such as a beep. The additional output generated by the mobile device may trigger the user to examine the output as generated by the monitor device. At 540, the app sends a command to the monitor device, and at 550, the monitor device receives and acts on the command.

[00216] For example, responsive to the app determining that the mobile device has been turned around (so that the rear face is facing the user), the app may send a communication to the monitor device to wake up and or generate an output. In one particular implementation, the app may send a status of the mobile device (e.g., the current time as determined by the mobile device) for output on the screen of the monitor device. In another particular implementation, the app may command the monitor device to determine and generate its own output. For example, the app may have previously sent an advertisement to the monitor device, with an indication that the advertisement is to be stored in a memory on the monitor device for later output. Responsive to the app determining that the user has turned the mobile device around, the app sends a command to the monitor device to output the advertisement previously sent. As another example, the app may send a command to the monitor device to generate an output based on its status, such as the battery life remaining on the monitor device.

[00217] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram 600 of using location functionality on the mobile device to select a communication (such as an advertisement) for output on the monitor device. At 610, the app accesses the geolocation functionality, such as the GPS receiver, resident in the mobile device to determine a current location of the mobile device. At 620, the app determines respective distances between the current location and one or more points of interest. As one example, the app may have a set of addresses (e.g., a specific restaurant address) and or a set of establishments (e.g., Starbucks, McDonald’s, etc.). Based on the set of establishments, the app may access a database (either local to the mobile device or resident in an external server) to determine respective locations (e.g., the address of the nearest Starbucks, the address of the nearest McDonald’s). Alternatively, the app may transmit a current location to the external server, such as back-end server 120, for the external server to determine respective distances to establishments of interest. [00218] Responsive to the app (or the external server) determining that a respective distance is less than a predetermined amount, at 640, the app identifies a communication (such as an advertisement) to send based on a respective distance being less than the predetermined amount. Alternatively, the external server determines the communication to route to the monitor device and sends the communication to the app (via the mobile device) with an instruction to the app to immediately route the communication to the monitor device. If the app (or the external server) determines that a respective distance is not less than a predetermined amount, flow diagram 600 loops back to 610.

[00219] At 650, the app, using the encryption function on the mobile device (e.g., requesting the mobile device to encrypt the communication), encrypts the communication. At 660, the app sends an encrypted communication (e.g., such as an encrypted advertisement) to the monitor device via the encrypted communication channel. At 670, the monitor device receives encrypted communication. At 680, the monitor device decrypts the encrypted communication and outputs the communication (e.g., outputs the advertisement).

[00220] In one implementation, the monitor device may wait for input from the user. In one example, the touch screen is configured to receive a“like” or“dislike” indication from the user (e.g., tapping a first designated part of the touchscreen to indicate a“like” and/or tapping a second designated part of the touchscreen to indicate a“dislike”). As another example, communication, such as the advertisement, may solicit feedback from the user. In particular, the advertisement may request the user to input an email address, a favorite product, or the like. Regardless, the monitor device may wait a predetermined amount of time in which to determine whether feedback has been received at the monitor device at 690. If so, at 695, the monitor device sends feedback to the app on the mobile device. The app may store the feedback locally (e.g., on a memory resident in the local device) and/or may transmit the feedback to the external server.

[00221] Further, the app may use the feedback locally (e.g., to generate a local list of“likes” and “dislikes” associated with the user to determine what future advertisements to send to the user).

Alternatively, or also, the external server may use the feedback to determine which future communications (e.g., future advertisements) to send to the respective user. If the user does not provide feedback to the monitor device within the predetermined amount of time, flow diagram 600 loops back to 610.

[00222] As one example, the user may provide feedback in one of several ways. As one example, the touchscreen may include a“like” icon on one part of the touchscreen for the user to tap in order to register a“like” of an ad and or a“dislike” icon on another part of the touchscreen for the user to tap in order to register a“dislike” of an ad. Alternatively, or also, the user may interact with the touchscreen to scroll through various advertisements, such as swiping left across the touchscreen in order to request the next available ad (e.g., responsive to the swiping left, the monitor device may output a new ad that is stored locally in the monitor device and or the monitor device may request from the app the new ad) and or swiping right across the touchscreen in order to review a previously displayed ad.

[00223] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram 700 of monitoring activity on the mobile device to determine whether and/or when to send communication/s) for output on the monitor device. At 710, the app accesses the mobile device to determine the status of one or more predetermined activities (e.g., playing a video; a telephone call; etc.). At 720, the app determines whether the activity (or activities) have ended. If not, flow diagram 700 loops back to 710. If so, at 730, the app may identify a communication to send, such as based on the respective distance of the mobile device is less than a predetermined amount (as discussed above at 640). After that, flow diagram 700 follows blocks 650-695 as discussed above.

[00224] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram 800 of monitoring an orientation of the mobile device to determine whether to command a change in orientation of the output on the monitor device. At 810, the app determines whether the position of the mobile device has changed. For example, the app may determine whether the position of the mobile device has changed from portrait to landscape. As another example, the app may determine whether the mobile device has been flipped from the front face facing the user to the back face facing the user. Responsive to app determining that the mobile device position has changed, at 820, the app sends a command to the monitor device to control output based on the changed position. For example, responsive to the app determining that the mobile device has changed from portrait to landscape, the app may command the monitor device to rotate the orientation of the display on the monitor device (e.g., rotate the display 90°). As another example, responsive to the app determining that the mobile device has been flipped from the front face facing the user to the back face facing the user, the app may command the monitor device to activate the display on monitor device.

[00225] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram 900 of outputting on the monitor device status of the mobile device and optionally a communication from the app. As discussed above, the app may monitor the status of the mobile device and based on the configuration (e.g., based on a user’s setting of the app and/or based on predetermined settings), the app may output the status of the mobile device onto the monitor device. Various status settings of the mobile device are contemplated including any one, any combination or all of: receiving an incoming telephone call; receiving an incoming text; receiving an incoming email;

notification of a calendar event (e.g., a meeting, a television program beginning); low battery notification; etc. In this regard, the mobile device status may be prompted by an external event (e.g., receiving an external telephone call or text) and or may be prompted by an internal event (e.g., a low battery warning). In one implementation, the app generates the notification regarding the status (e.g., a change in the status of the mobile device) onto the monitor device in place of the notification via the mobile device.

Alternatively, the app generates the notification regarding the status (e.g., a change in the status of the mobile device) onto the monitor device in addition to the notification via the mobile device.

[00226] At 910, the app monitors the status of the mobile device. For example, whether the mobile device is in sleep mode/locked or unlocked, the app may monitor the status of the mobile device. At 920, the app determines whether there is a change in the status of the mobile device. As discussed above, the status of the mobile device may change in one of several ways, such as receiving an incoming telephone call, receiving an incoming text, etc. At 930, the app determines whether the change in status merits generating an output on the monitor device. As discussed above, a user may configure the app to tailor the types of notifications that are output via the monitor device. In one example, the user may customize the types of mobile device notifications. In particular, the user may configure the app such that notifications of incoming telephone calls are output via the monitor device, and may configure the app such that notifications of text messages are not output via the monitor device. Responsive to determining that the app should generate an output on the monitor device, at 940, the app may determine whether a communication (such as an advertisement) should also be output on the monitor device. As one example, the app may determine whether there is an establishment nearby, such as discussed with regard to FIG. 6.

If so, the app may determine to output the ad on the monitor device along with outputting on the monitor device the status of the mobile device. As another example, the app may determine whether this type of status notification merits an output of an ad. In particular, responsive to the app identifying the status notification as a calendar event for a“lunch meeting”, the app may further identify an advertisement for a restaurant. In this way, the display of the monitor device may output content (such as an advertisement) along with a notification related to the mobile device (e.g., an incoming telephone call, an incoming text, etc.). This type of notification may be performed whether or not the mobile device is in sleep mode/locked or is unlocked and active. For example, if the mobile device is a smartphone that is in sleep mode or locked, the app may still monitor the status of the smartphone, such as whether the smartphone is receiving an incoming telephone call, whether the smartphone has received an incoming text, or the like. Responsive to the app identifying a specific status (e.g., the smartphone is receiving an incoming telephone call), the app may send a communication indicative of the specific status (and optionally an advertisement) via the smartphone to the monitor device in order to wake up the monitor device and output the communication.

[00227] Responsive to the app determining not to send that the advertisement, at 950, the app generates a communication with the change in status of the mobile device. Responsive to the app determining to send that the advertisement, at 960, the app may identify a communication (such as an advertisement) to send (e.g., based on the respective distance of the mobile device being less than a predetermined amount, as discussed above at 640). After that, flow diagram 900 follows blocks 650-695 as discussed above.

[00228] FIGS. 10A-G illustrate screenshots for configuring and interacting with the system. In particular, FIG. 10A illustrates a screenshot 1000 for signing up. FIG 10B illustrates a screenshot 1010 for logging into a profile associated with a user, including favorites, personal data, and earnings. As discussed above, a user may configure likes and dislikes, examples of which are illustrated in FIG. IOC (screenshot 1020 presented to the user to allow the user to select items that the user likes or illustrating previously selected user likes), FIG. 10D showing a screenshot 1030 of potential favorites to select, and FIG. 10E showing a screenshot 1040 presented to the user to allow the user to select items that the user dislikes or illustrating previously selected user dislikes. FIG. 10F shows a screenshot 1050 of different parts of the profile of the user. FIG. 10G illustrates an advertisement in 1160 that may be output, such as via the monitor device and/or the mobile device.

[00229] FIG. 11 A is a fifth exemplary block diagram 1100 of a monitor device 1102, a mobile device 1104, and a back-end server 120. The mobile device may comprise a smartphone, which may limit the updating of the applications to those that are“active” (such as the window which is displayed on the screen of the smartphone). In particular, certain operating systems, such as the iOS operating system, may seek to conserve resources or reduce heating of the smartphone by limiting the active updating of applications. As one example, when using the web browser Safari with multiple windows open, the iPhone, running the iOS operating system, may only update in real-time the main window (e.g., the window that is display on the touch screen). Further, the iPhone may not update other windows, such as windows“behind” the active window. Thus, when a user switches windows from the“active” window to one of the“inactive” windows (effectively designating one of the“inactive” windows to be the“active” window), there is a lag in updating the newly“active” window. Conversely, certain applications, such as streaming applications that include advertisements, require the application to be the active window in order to run the advertisements. In such a situation, the viewer must display the advertisements on the active screen in order to proceed with the streamed program.

[00230] In this regard, there are instances where the user may seek to have the“inactive” windows be updated. Further, there are other instances where the user may seek to have multiple applications designated as“active” even with a single screen. In such instances, the monitor device may be used in order to output on its display one of the windows/applications (which if displayed on the mobile device would be in the background and potentially not updated) and to update this displayed window/application in real time. Alternatively, or also, the display on the monitor device may allow for two separate windows/applications to be output on the respective displays of the monitor device 1102 and the mobile device 1104 (e.g., a first window/application being output on the mobile device 1104 and a second window/application being output on the monitor device 1102). The window/application being output on the monitor device 1102 may first be executed on the mobile device 1104, and then transferred to the monitor device 1102 for further execution. Alternatively, the window/application being output on the monitor device 1102 may be designated by the user on the mobile device 1104 for output to the monitor device 1102 without first having been executed on the mobile device 1104.

[00231] For example, a navigational software app, which may be resident on one or both of the mobile device 1104 or the monitor device 1102, may receive input or commands on the mobile device 1104 in order to operate on the monitor device. Example commands on the mobile device 1104 may include any one, any combination, or all of: (1) activation of the navigational software app on the mobile device 1104; (2) input of data (such as a destination address); or (3) a manual command from the user of the mobile device to execute the navigational software app on the monitor device 1102. The command(s) on the mobile device 1104 may affect the operation of the navigational software app on the monitor device 1102. As one example, responsive to activating the navigational software app on the mobile device 1104 and indicating that the navigational software app is to be executed on the monitor device 1102, the app (e.g., the“monitor app” resident on the mobile device) may cause the execution of the navigational software app on the monitor device 1102. In one specific implementation discussed in further detail below, the monitor app may save data (such as that the navigational software app is to be executed on the monitor device 1102) to one or more folders resident in the mobile device. In turn, the monitor device 1102 may access the data in order to determine to execute the navigational software app on the monitor device 1102. As another example, responsive to activating the navigational software app on the mobile device 1104, inputting a destination, and indicating that the navigational software app is to be executed on the monitor device 1102, the monitor app may cause the execution of the navigational software app to the appointed destination on the monitor device 1102. In one specific implementation discussed in further detail below, the monitor app may save data (such as that the navigational software app is to be executed on the monitor device 1102 and the destination (e.g., a destination address)) to one or more folders resident in the mobile device. In turn, the monitor device 1102 may access the data in order to determine to execute, on the monitor device 1102, the navigational software app resident in the monitor device 1102 to the appointed destination. In this regard, at least a part of the sequence in executing the app (such as the initial determination to execute the app and/or the input of data for operation of the app) may be performed at the mobile device prior to transition to the monitor device 1102 for execution.

[00232] FIG. 1 IB is a block diagram 1110 illustrating the monitor device 1102 and the mobile device 1104 depicted in FIG. 11 A. As shown, the monitor device 1102 includes a listener 1112, one or more native apps 1114, and one or more web-based apps 116. As discussed above, the listener 1112 is configured to determine whether data has been designated for transfer to the monitor device 1102. In that regard, the listener 1112 may be configured to read (such as via a command to the mobile device) one or more designated memory locations, such as one or more folders, discussed in more detail below.

Responsive to the listener 1112 identifying that data has been stored to the one or more folders, the listener may use the data on the monitor device, such as by the one or more native apps 1114 and or the one or more web-based apps 116, as discussed in more detail below.

[00233] The mobile device 1104 may include a monitor device control app 1118, one or more native apps 1120, and one or more web-based apps 1122. Further, mobile device may include memory 1124, which may store one or more folders, such as videos folder 1126, photos folder 1128, links folder 1130, and copied text folder 1132. Both the structure of the memory (composed of folders) and the listed folders are merely for illustration purposes. Other memory constructs or divisions are contemplated.

[00234] In one or some embodiments, the monitor device control app 1118 may be configured to store data in the respective folder, thereby triggering the listener 1112 to access the data for use on the monitor device. In one implementation, the monitor device control app 1118 may be triggered to store the data in the respective folder responsive to input from the user. As one example, the photo viewer resident on the mobile device 1104 may include an icon (or other input) that is indicative of requesting the transfer of the viewing of a respective photo to the monitor device 1102. Responsive to activating the icon (or other provided input) indicating a request to transfer the viewing of the respective photo to the monitor device 1102, the monitor device control app 1118 may store a copy of the respective photo into the photos folder 1128. Thereafter, the listener 1112, identifying the copy the respective photo stored in the photos folder 1128, may then cause the copy of the respective photo to be transferred to a memory resident on the monitor device 1102, and cause the output of the copy of the respective photo on the display of the monitor device 1102. Further, the listener 1112 may cause the alteration of at least one aspect of the copy on the respective photo into the photos folder 1128 in order to designate that the respective photo has been transferred. As one example, the listener 1112 may send a command to the monitor device control app 1118 to delete the copy of the respective photo in the photos folder 1128. As another example, the listener 1112 may cause alteration of a tag associated with the copy of the respective photo in the photos folder 1128 to indicate that the respective photo has been transferred to the monitor device 1102.

[00235] As another example, the video viewer resident on the mobile device 1104 may include an icon (or other input) that is indicative of requesting the transfer of the viewing of a respective video to the monitor device 1102. Responsive to activating the icon (or other provided input) indicating a request to transfer the viewing of the respective video to the monitor device 1102, the monitor device control app 1118 may store a copy of the respective video into the video folder 1126. Thereafter, the listener 1112, identifying the copy the respective video stored in the video folder 1126, may then cause the copy of the respective video to be transferred to a memory resident on the monitor device 1102, and cause the output of the copy of the respective photo on the display of the monitor device 1102.

[00236] As still another example, one or more links, which may be related to the web browser resident in the mobile device or related to one or more web-based apps 1122 resident in the mobile device, may be copied to links folder 1130. As discussed above, the link copied to links folder 1130 may comprise an active link. For example, the link may comprise a hyperlink to access a website, such as a navigation website, a streaming service website, or the like, that is currently being used by the mobile device in order to access website content. As another example, the link may comprise a hyperlink or an indication of a hyperlink, which the mobile device 1104 is not currently using, in order for the monitor device to access the website. As still another example, the link may comprise one or more tabs. In particular, Google Chrome allows for synchronizing any one of bookmarks, history or settings across different devices, such as the monitor device. In this regard, the link saved to the links folder 1130 may be indicative of updating one or more tabs on the monitor device.

[00237] In one practical application in which the website is currently being used, the display may include an icon (or other input) that is indicative of requesting the transfer of the current website session to the monitor device 1102. Responsive to activating the icon (or other provided input) indicating a request to transfer of the current website session to the monitor device 1102, the monitor device control app 1118 may store a copy of the link(s) for use in the current website session into the links folder 1130. Thereafter, the listener 1112, identifying the copy the link(s) stored in the links folder 1130, may then use the link(s) in order to resume the current website session. Further, certain web-based apps, such as navigation apps, may access other functionality, such as GPS functionality on the mobile device 1104. In embodiments where the monitor device 1102 does not include GPS functionality (e.g., the monitor device 1102 does not include a GPS chipset in order to determine a current location of the monitor device 1102), the monitor device 1102 may request the current location from the mobile device 1104. In this way, the monitor device 1102 may access functionality, such as GPS functionality, resident on the mobile device 1104, thereby leveraging the functionality resident on the mobile device 1104. Alternatively, in embodiments where the monitor device 1102 include GPS functionality (e.g., the monitor device 1102 has a GPS chipset in order to determine its current location), the monitor device 1102 may use its GPS functionality in order to use the navigation app.

[00238] In another practical application, a web-based app may be preconfigured with instructions to copy link(s) to the links folder 1130. As one example, web-based apps, such as Uber or Lyft apps, may include multiple aspects, such as a navigation portion (whereby a driver is guided with navigation directions) and with an informational portion (whereby the driver may communicate with potential passengers or other parties). In one or some embodiments, activation of the web-based app, such as a driver’s Uber app, may result in the information portion being output on the mobile device 1104 and the link for the navigation portion automatically copied to the links folder 1130 (thereby triggering the monitor device to access the navigational website and to output navigation on its display). After the navigation website is generated on the display of the monitor device 1102, the user may input commands, such as destination command, via the display on the monitor device 1102. In turn, the web-based navigation app may access the navigation Webserver in order for the monitor device 1102 to obtain tum-by-tum navigation instructions to the designated destination. Alternatively, the destination may be determined at the mobile device 1104 (such as by input at the mobile device), which, in turn, may be transmitted to the monitor device, such as via saving to the links folder 1130.

[00239] As yet another example, one or more native apps 1120 may be executed on the mobile device 1104. As discussed above, various native apps are contemplated, including word-processing apps or the like. Data from the native apps, such as text data from a word-processing native app, may be copied to copied text folder 1132. In one or some embodiments, the monitor device control app 1118 may control the copy of the text to copied text folder 1132 responsive to one or more actions, such as: (1) responsive to an instruction on the mobile device to copy text to a clipboard from the native word-processing app resident on the mobile device, the monitor device control app 1118 may copy the text to copied text folder 1132; or (2) responsive to both the instruction to copy text to the clipboard and to an indication to send the copied text to the monitor device 1102, the monitor device control app 1118 may copy the text to copied text folder 1132. Thereafter, via the listener 1112, the monitor device 1102 may obtain and store the copied text locally on the monitor device 1102. After which, when the user inputs an instruction to paste text, the monitor device 1102 may access the copied text locally stored on the monitor device 1102.

[00240] Alternatively, another app, such as the MultiTask+ app, may be used to copy the text. In particular, after one or both of the monitor device and the smartphone automatically detects each other (e.g., the IP address), automatically performs handshakes and automatically establishes the encrypted channel, and after copying the text in the word-processing app, the MultiTask+ app may be opened and the copied text pasted into the MultiTask+ app, and thereafter pushed to the monitor device (e.g., using the encrypted channel between the mobile device and the monitor device and a corresponding MultiTask+ app running on the monitor device). In this way, data may be transferred from the mobile device 1104 to the monitor device 1102 without the need for external devices (such as an external server or even optionally an external Wi-Fi router); rather, the data may be transferred via near-field communication, such as

Bluetooth, between the mobile device and the monitor device. Further, the MultiTask+ app may be used to manipulate data resident on the smartphone, such as any one, any combination, or all of: posting; casting; or sharing. For example, the MultiTask+ app may post a photo, video, or the like to a timeline, that may server as a record (and may be stored locally or in a cloud server). The MultiTask+ app may also cast a photo, video, or the like to the monitor device, thereby effectively mirroring the photo, video or the like on the monitor device (e.g., the casted information may not be edited locally on the monitor device, but merely viewed akin to a second screen). The MultiTask+ app may also share a photo, video, or the like with the monitor device, thereby enabling the monitor device to modify, edit, or independently use the shared item (e.g., edit the photo shared; use the shared link in order for the monitor device to access the website at the shared link). Further, one of the monitor device or the smartphone may act as a local server. As merely one example, the monitor device may act as the local server to the smartphone, responding to requests, such as photo requests, that are stored locally in the monitor device. Alternatively, the monitor device and the smartphone may be in communication with a cloud server, in which one or both of the monitor device and the smartphone may communicate with the cloud in order to store information locally therein (e.g., the smartphone downloads a photo from the cloud server in order to then post the information to one of the folders, such as illustrated in FIG. 1 IB).

[00241] FIG. 12A is a flow diagram 1200 of the monitor device obtaining (such as by pulling) data used by a native app on the mobile device. At 1202, the native app is activated on the mobile device. At 1204, an action is performed on the mobile device in order to cause data (such as a photo, video, text, or the like) to be made available on the monitor device. As discussed above, one or more actions may result in the monitor device control app 1118 to copy the data to the respective folder. At 1206, the monitor device, such as via the listener, pulls the data from the mobile device. At 1208, the monitor device uses the data on the monitor device, such as by generating an output on the monitor device of the data (e.g., outputting a photo or a video).

[00242] FIG. 12B is a flow diagram 1220 of the monitor device obtaining (such as by pulling) data used by a web-based app on the mobile device. At 1222, the web-based app is activated on the mobile device. At 1224, an action is performed on the mobile device in order to cause a web address (e.g., a weblink) to be made available on the monitor device. For example, one or more actions may be performed in order to save the web address to a respective folder, such as links folder 1130. At 1226, the monitor device, such as via the listener, pulls the web address from the mobile device. At 1228, the monitor device uses the web address to access the Internet. For example, the monitor device may use the communication functionality on the mobile device in order to access the device at the designated web address.

Alternatively, the monitor device may use its own communication functionality in order to access the device at the designated web address.

[00243] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram 1300 of the mobile device using the communication functionality (such as 5G functionality) of the monitor device. At 1302, an encrypted channel is established between the mobile device and the monitor device. At 1304, the mobile device, via an app resident on the mobile device (such as the monitor device control app 1118) and through the encrypted channel, may use the communication functionality (such as a 5G receiver in order to access a 5G cellular network) resident on the monitor device.

[00244] As discussed above, an app on the mobile device, such as the monitor device control app 1118, may act as a gatekeeper in one or both communication directions, including one or both of: (1) a gatekeeper of communications from the mobile device to the monitor device; and (2) a gatekeeper of communications from the monitor device to the mobile device. As discussed above, the monitor device control app 1118 may determine content, such as advertising content, to send to the monitor device. Alternatively, or also, the monitor device control app 1118 may determine whether to enable access by the mobile device to the communication functionality resident on the monitor device.

[00245] In one or some embodiments, responsive to establishing the encrypted channel, the monitor device control app 1118 may determine that the mobile device is entitled to access to the communication functionality resident on the monitor device. In this way, the monitor device may act as a hotspot for the mobile device. Further, control by the monitor device control app 1118 of access may enable throttling (e.g., bandwidth throttling). For example, a command may be sent to the monitor device control app 1118, with the command indicative of allowing or disallowing the mobile device’s access to the communication functionality resident on the monitor device. The command to the monitor device control app 1118 may thus be used to control access to the 5G network.

[00246] Thus, the access to the communication functionality on the monitor device may depend on whether the monitor device is paired with the mobile device (e.g., whether an encrypted channel is established between the monitor device and the mobile device). In one or some embodiments, pairing of the monitor device with the mobile device enables the mobile device to access the communication functionality resident on the monitor device.

[00247] Alternatively, whether the monitor device is paired with the mobile device impacts one or more other aspects associated with communication via the monitor device. As one example, different billing tiers may be implemented depending on whether the monitor device is paired with the mobile device (e.g., the monitor device being paired with the mobile device result in lower or no billing for accessing the communication functionality on the monitor device versus a mobile device that is not paired with the monitor device). As another example, the content of what is shown on the mobile device may depend on whether the monitor device is paired with the mobile device. In one particular example, responsive to determining that the monitor device is paired with the mobile device, the content obtained by using the communication functionality on the monitor device may be advertisement-free; conversely, responsive to determining that the monitor device is not paired with the mobile device, the content obtained by using the communication functionality on the monitor device may include advertisements (which may be added to the content obtained at the server level, at the monitor device level (e.g., added by the monitor device to the content obtained) or at the mobile device level (e.g., added via the monitor device control app 1118 at the mobile device to the content obtained). In this way, an advertising channel may be included responsive to determining that the monitor device is not paired with the mobile device. As yet another example, an amount of data that may be obtained by the mobile device using the communication functionality on the monitor device may depend on whether the monitor device is paired with the mobile device (e.g., the mobile device may obtain more data via the communication functionality on the monitor device if the monitor device is paired with the mobile device versus if the monitor device is not paired with the mobile device). As still another example, the monitor device may be paired, such as via separate encrypted channels, to multiple mobile devices, with each of the paired mobile devices enabled to access the communication functionality on the monitor device. Conversely, multiple monitor devices may be paired to a mobile device. In one or some embodiments, each monitor device paired with the mobile device has a separate encrypted channel. Alternatively, a first monitor device may act as an intermediate, having a first encrypted channel with the mobile device and a second encrypted channel with the second monitor device.

[00248] FIGS. 14A-17N disclose a variety of monitor device-mobile device cases, with a variety of materials (such as plastic, metal, leather (real or synthetic)), and a variety of finishes (matte, eggshell, satin, silk, semi-gloss and high gloss). In this regard, each combination, of material and finish is contemplated. Further, there may be one or more magnets on each of the monitor device case and the mobile device case (such as at least one magnet on each of the monitor device case and the mobile device case, at least two magnets on each of the monitor device case and the mobile device case, at least three magnets on each of the monitor device case and the mobile device case, at least four magnets on each of the monitor device case and the mobile device case, at least five magnets on each of the monitor device case and the mobile device case, etc.). Further, the magnets may be uncovered or may be covered with a plastic cover (such as to match the cover of the monitor device case or the mobile device case. Similarly, FIGS. 14A-17N comprise a monitor device-mobile device case which is comprised of a monitor device case and a mobile device case. As discussed further below, the monitor device case includes certain features, such as on a side configured to mate with the mobile device case. Likewise, the mobile device case includes certain features, such as on a side configured to mate with the monitor device case. In one or some embodiments, the features on the monitor device case are interchangeable with the features on the mobile device case. As one example, the features on the side of the monitor device case (which mates with the mobile device case) and the features on the side of the mobile device case (which mates with the monitor device case) may be swapped. In this regard, any discussion regarding features on one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case may be interchanged so that the features are swapped to the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device case.

[00249] FIG. 14A is a front perspective view 1400 of a first example of a combination monitor device case 1401 and smartphone case when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone. As shown, there are magnets 1402, 1403 along spine 1404 of monitor device case 1401.

As discussed in further detail below, the smartphone case may include attracting magnets to magnets 1402, 1403. Alternatively, the smartphone case may include a metal strip.

[00250] FIG. 14B is a front perspective view 1407 of the first example of a combination monitor device case 1401 and smartphone case 1408 when opened and attached. As shown, monitor device case 1401 at least partly encases monitor device (with the display 1410 of monitor device shown) and smartphone case 1408 at least partly encases smartphone (with the display 1409 of smartphone shown).

[00251] FIG. 14C is a front perspective view 1412 of the first example of a combination monitor device case 1401 and smartphone case 1408 when detached. Monitor device case 1401 includes spine 1404 with one or more ends 1405. Further, smartphone case 1408 includes a curved side 1413 that is shaped to mate with spine 1404. Further, curved side 1413 may be entirely made of metal. Alternatively, curved side 1413 may be only partly made of metal so that when smartphone case 1408 lines up and is connected to monitor device case, the parts of the curved side 1413 made of metal contact magnets 1402, 1403. As discussed above, the features on the monitor device case 1401 may be swapped with the smartphone case 1408 (and vice versa).

[00252] As discussed above and in more detail below, one or both of the monitor device case or the smartphone case may include one or more magnets and the other of the monitor device case or the smartphone case may include metal (or a similar material attracted to magnets) on at least one side thereof. Alternatively, both monitor device case and the smartphone case may include magnet(s) so that when pushed together, the magnet(s) on each side of the monitor device case and the smartphone case are attracted to one another.

[00253] FIG. 14D is a front perspective view 1415 of the first example of a combination monitor device case 1401 and smartphone case 1408 when folded behind one another so that the display 1410 of the monitor device faces an opposite direction to the display 1409 of the smartphone (with the display 1409 of the smartphone illustrated in FIG. 14D).

[00254] FIGS. 14E-H are perspective views of a second example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case. FIG. 14E illustrates a view 1417 of the second example of the monitor device case 1421 when closed on the smartphone case so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone. As shown, there are magnets 1418, 1419 along spine 1420 of monitor device case 1421.

[00255] FIG. 14F illustrates a view 1423 of the second example of the monitor device case 1421 folded behind the smartphone case 1425 so that the display of the monitor device faces an opposite direction to the display 1426 of the smartphone. Further, smartphone case 1425 includes a side 1424, which may be curved or shaped to follow the contour of the side of monitor device case 1421 that mates with side 1424.

[00256] FIG. 14G illustrates a view 1428 with the monitor device case 1421 detached from the smartphone case 1425 (with display 1429 of monitor device shown). FIG. 14H illustrates a view 1431 with the monitor device case 1421 and the smartphone case 1425 when opened and attached.

[00257] FIG. 141 is a front perspective view 1433 of a third example of a combination monitor device case 1434 and smartphone case when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone. As shown, there are magnets 1435, 1436 along spine 1437 of monitor device case 1434.

[00258] FIG. 14J is a front perspective view 1440 of the fourth example of a combination monitor device case 1441 and smartphone case when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone. As shown, there are magnets 1442, 1443 along spine 1444 of monitor device case 1441.

[00259] FIG. 14K is a front perspective view 1448 of a fifth example of a combination monitor device case 1453 and smartphone case 1449 when opened and attached. The monitor device includes a display 1454 and the smartphone includes a display 1450. As shown, there are magnets 1455, 1456 along spine 1457 of monitor device case 1453. Further, display 1450 displays various icons 1451, 1452 for power, wireless signal strength (e.g., Wi-Fi signal strength, cellular signal strength, or the like), battery percentage charge, time, etc. Likewise, display 1454 displays various icons 1458, 1459 for power, wireless signal strength (e.g., Wi-Fi signal strength, cellular signal strength, or the like), battery percentage charge, time, etc. In one or some embodiments, the monitor device may generate the icons independently of the smartphone. For example, the monitor device may have a battery that is resident in the monitor device. In that regard, the controller resident in the monitor device may access the battery, determine the amount of charge on the battery, and generate the icon reflective of the amount of charge for output on display 1454. Alternatively, or also, the monitor device may output icons on display 1454 dependent on the smartphone. As one example, the monitor device may use the communication functionality (e.g., Wi-Fi or cellular) on the smartphone. In that regard, the smartphone may determine the signal strength of the Wi-Fi signal or the cellular signal, and may cause the signal strength to be output on the display 1454 (e.g., push the signal strength to the monitor device for output, or store the signal strength in a folder (such as a folder resident in memory 1124, see FIG. 1 IB) for pulling by the monitor device). In this regard, the monitor device may output one or more icons independently determined by the monitor device and one or more icons dependent on the smartphone.

[00260] Conversely, the smartphone may output icons on display 1450 dependent on the monitor device. As one example, the smartphone may use the communication functionality (e.g., 5G) on the monitor device. In that regard, the monitor device may determine the signal strength of the 5G signal, and may cause the signal strength to be output on the display 1450 (e.g., push the signal strength to the smartphone for output, or store the signal strength in a folder resident on the monitor device for pulling by the smartphone). In this regard, the smartphone may output one or more icons independently determined by the smartphone and one or more icons dependent on the monitor device.

[00261] Further, the smartphone may include one or more apps resident therein. As discussed above, the apps may comprise native apps or web-based apps. In either instance, the function performed by the app may be transferred to the monitor device. As one example, the function of the app may comprise generating an output. In such an example, the output may be generated on the monitor device. In one or some embodiments, the app itself may be executed on the smartphone in order to generate the output, with the output being transferred to the monitor device (either by push or by pull) in order for the monitor device to generate the output on the monitor device. Alternatively, the app itself may be executed on the monitor device (when the app is likewise resident on the monitor device. In such an instance, input on the smartphone may indicate to the monitor device to execute its app and generate an output on the monitor device. In either instance, input may be input on the smartphone in order to indicate that the output is generated on the monitor device. For example, an icon, which may be generated as part of the output of the app, may indicate that the output of the app is to be generated on the monitor device. Responsive to activating the icon, the output may be transferred to the monitor device. In one particular example, the smartphone may have a clock/alarm capability, whereby the clock/alarm capability may comprise generating the current clock time and generating an output (such as an aural output) at a designated time for an alarm. The user may activate the clock/alarm capability, and may set the alarm for the designated time. Further, the user may activate the icon indicating that the output of the clock/alarm capability is to be transferred to the monitor device. In one or some embodiments, responsive to the user may activate the icon indicating that the output of the clock/alarm capability is to be transferred to the monitor device, the clock/alarm capability resident on the smartphone generates an output (such as the current time) for the monitor device to output. Further, the clock/alarm capability resident on the smartphone may trigger the monitor device to generate its aural output at the designated time for the alarm. Alternatively, responsive to the user may activate the icon indicating that the output of the clock/alarm capability is to be transferred to the monitor device, the smartphone may indicate to the monitor device for the monitor device to use its clock/alarm capability resident on the monitor device in order to generate an output (such as the current time) and to generate its aural output at the designated time for the alarm. In this way, the control of the output on the monitor device may be at least partly controlled based on input on the smartphone. [00262] FIG. 14L is a perspective view 1460 of the fifth example of a combination monitor device case 1453 and smartphone case 1449 when detached, where the exterior of the monitor device case 1453 is plastic. As shown, there are magnets 1455, 1456 along spine 1457 of monitor device case 1441.

[00263] FIG. 14M is a perspective view 1464 of the fifth example of a combination monitor device case 1453 and smartphone case 1449 configured in notebook mode, where the exterior of the monitor device case 1453 and the smartphone case 1449 are leather or synthetic leather. As shown, there are one or more icons 1461 on the display 1454 of the monitor device. Further, the spine includes an end 1462, as illustrated in FIG. 14M.

[00264] FIG. 14N is a perspective view 1465 of the fifth example of a combination monitor device case 1453 and smartphone case 1449 configured in tent mode, where the exterior of the monitor device case 1453 and the smartphone case 1449 are leather or synthetic leather.

[00265] FIG. 140 is a perspective view 1470 of a sixth example of a combination monitor device case 1471 and smartphone case 1475 when detached, where the exterior of the monitor device case 1471 and the smartphone case 1475 are metal or a metallic finish. A display 1476 of the smartphone is shown. Further, there are magnets 1472, 1473 along spine 1474 of monitor device case 1471.

[00266] FIG. 14P is a perspective view 1480 of a seventh example of a combination monitor device case 1481 and smartphone case 1485 when detached. A display 1486 of the smartphone is shown. Further, there are magnets 1482, 1483 along spine 1484 of monitor device case 1481.

[00267] FIG. 15A is a perspective view 1500 of an eighth example of a combination monitor device case 1501 and smartphone case 1507 when detached. As shown, there are magnets 1504, 1505 along spine 1506 (with end 1503) of monitor device case 1501. Further, the smartphone case 1507 includes a side 1509 that is shaped, such as curved, to mate with at least a part of the spine 1506, such as with magnets 1504, 1505.

[00268] FIG. 15B is a partial exploded view 1510 of the eighth example of a combination monitor device case 1501 and smartphone case 1507 illustrating a first embodiment of how the combination is configured into a discrete number of configurations. As discussed above and in more detail below, the monitor device case may be configured in a predetermined relation to the smartphone case, such as in closed mode, flat mode, notebook mode, tent mode, and fully open mode. Further, there are a variety of ways in which to mechanically configure the monitor device case relative to the smartphone case in the predetermined mode. FIG. 15B illustrates one way in which one of the monitor device case or the smartphone case includes a protrusion (see FIG. 15B where the protrusion 1511 is on the smartphone case 1507) and in which the other of the monitor device case or the smartphone case includes one or more insets (see FIG. 15B where the insets 1512, 1513 are on the monitor device case 1501). In this regard, the inset that protrusion engages determines the mode. For example, protrusion 1511 engaging inset 1512 results in flat mode whereas protrusion 1511 engaging inset 1513 results in notebook mode.

[00269] Alternatively, there are a variety of ways in which to magnetically configure the monitor device case relative to the smartphone case in the predetermined mode. FIG. 15C illustrates one way in which one or both of the monitor device case or the smartphone case are modified such that the magnetic attraction is greater in the relative positions of the predetermined modes and/or the magnetic attraction is less in the relative positions that are not in the predetermined modes. As discussed above, the magnetic attraction (whether between 2 magnets (one on the monitor device case and the other on the mobile device case) or between a magnet and a metal (with the magnet on one of the monitor device case or the smartphone case and the metal on the other of the monitor device case or the smartphone case)) is greater when one or both of the magnets are uncovered or where one or both the magnets/metals are uncovered. Thus, in one or some embodiments, one or both of the respective sides of the monitor device case and the smartphone case that mate with one another may include a covering to reduce the magnetic attraction in positions other than in the predetermined modes and/or to increase the magnetic attraction in positions of the predetermined modes. This is illustrated in FIG. 15C, which is a side view of piece 1514 of the eighth example of the monitor device case 1501 illustrating a second embodiment of how the combination is configured into a discrete number of configurations. Piece 1514 may be placed on top of one or both of spine 1506 or side 1509. Piece 1514 may be plastic or other magnetic shielding material and may include holes, such as holes 1515, 1516, 1517, and 1518. For example, holes 1515, 1517 may be used to increase the magnetic attraction in order to configure for flat mode whereas holes 1516, 1518 may be used to increase the magnetic attraction in order to configure for notebook mode.

[00270] FIG. 15D is a front perspective view 1520 of the eighth example of a combination monitor device case 1501 and smartphone case 1507 configured in notebook mode. FIG. 15E is a side view 1525 of the eighth example of a combination monitor device case 1501 and smartphone case 1507 configured in notebook mode.

[00271] FIG. 15F is a side view 1530 of the eighth example of a combination monitor device case 1501 and smartphone case 1507 configured in flat mode. FIG. 15G is a side view 1540 of the eighth example of a combination monitor device case 1501 and smartphone case 1507 configured in tent mode.

[00272] Thus, the monitor device case 1501 may be configured in several predetermined positions relative to the smartphone case 1507 for different modes. To illustrate, FIG. 15H is a side view of an eighth example of a combination monitor device case 1501 and smartphone case 1507 configured in multiple modes including notebook mode (shown as 1570), flat mode (shown as 1580), and tent mode (shown as 1590). Spine 1506 may have a surface 1563 that includes one or more indentations 1565, 1566, 1567, which may mate with side 1568. In one or some embodiments, indentations 1565, 1566, 1567 may be flat, concave or convex. Further, side 1568 may likewise be flat, concave or convex. In this regard, any combination of flat/concave/convex indentations 1565, 1566, 1567 may be paired with any one of flat/concave/convex side 1568. In this way, display 1562 of the monitor device may be positioned relative to display 1564 of the smartphone.

[00273] FIG. 16A is a front perspective view 1600 of a ninth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in flat mode. As shown, monitor device case may include a backing piece 1601 to provide structural rigidity. Likewise smartphone case may include a backing piece 1602 to provide structural rigidity. Further, magnet 1603 on the monitor device case and magnet 1604 are positioned relative to and connected to backing piece 1601, 1602, respectively. The magnetic attraction is stronger the closer the magnets are placed together. Thus, exposing the magnets 1603, 1604 for direct contact may increase their holding strength (versus indirect contact). Alternatively, one or more magnets on the monitor device-smartphone case may be enclosed to protect the one or more magnets from damage.

[00274] FIG. 16B is a front perspective view 1610 of the ninth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case moving from an opened position to a closed position (as shown by arrow 1611). FIGS. 16A-B illustrate teeth/grooves 1605 on backing piece 1601 and teeth/grooves 1606 on backing piece 1602. In this way, the backing pieces 1601, 1602 may link with one another in order to be positioned in a predetermined manner, such as in one or more of the modes described above. Further, the teeth/grooves 1605, 1606 may extend along the backing piece, such as along distance 1607 to magnets 1603, 1604. Alternatively, the teeth/grooves 1605, 1606 may extend less or greater along the spine, such as at least 10% along the spine, at least 20% along the spine, at least 30% along the spine, at least 40% along the spine, at least 50% along the spine, at least 60% along the spine, at least 70% along the spine, at least 80% along the spine, at least 90% along the spine, or at least 95% along the spine.

[00275] Various types of magnets are contemplated, including axial magnets are diametric magnets. Axial magnets may be captured in a fixed position and may operate in a tangential hinge. Diametric magnets may be held in a fixed position and may be used in a tangential hinge as well.

[00276] To allow the two halves to close using fixed diametric magnets, the poles of the magnets may be oriented so the two halves seek to naturally remain closed (e.g., 0° and 180° positions). Flowever, this may cause the two halves of the monitor device-smartphone case to aggressively snap shut. In this regard, various mechanical devices may be used to hold the two halves in one of the predestined orientations.

[00277] FIG. 16C is a side view 1620 of a tenth example of a combination monitor device case 1621 and smartphone case 1622 configured in flat mode. FIG. 16C shows the monitor device display 1623 of the monitor device and the smartphone display 1624 of the smartphone. Further, the monitor device case 1621 includes one or more magnets 1625 and a cover 1626 (such as a thin plastic cover). Likewise, the smartphone case 1622 includes one or more magnets 1627 and a cover 1628 (such as a thin plastic cover).

[00278] FIG. 16D is a side view 1620 of the tenth example of a combination monitor device case 1621 and smartphone case 1622 configured in notebook mode. As shown, the halves rotate relative to one another. FIG. 16E is a side view 1630 of the tenth example of a combination monitor device case 1621 and smartphone case 1622 when closed so that the monitor device display 1623 faces the smartphone display 1624.

[00279] FIG. 16F is a side view 1632 of the tenth example of a combination monitor device case 1621 and smartphone case 1622 when folded behind one another so that the monitor device display 1623 faces an opposite direction to the smartphone display 1624.

[00280] FIG. 16G is a side view 1640 of an eleventh example of a combination monitor device case 1621 and smartphone case 1622 configured in flat mode. As shown, instead of cover 1626, 1628, monitor device case 1621 includes a plurality of protrusions 1641, 1642, 1643, 1644, and smartphone case 1622 includes a plurality of protrusions 1645, 1646, 1647, 1648. The protrusions 1641, 1642, 1643, 1644 on monitor device case 1621 may work in combination with protrusions 1645, 1646, 1647, 1648 on smartphone case 1622 in order to perform one or both of: providing a mechanical barrier to discourage the monitor device case 1621 and the smartphone case 1622 to be positioned other than in the predetermined modes; and in certain positions (e.g., for the predetermined modes) the magnets are exposed and optionally may be closer to one another (e.g., touching or nearly touching) to encourage the monitor device case 1621 and the smartphone case 1622 to be positioned in the predetermined modes. As shown, surface 1649 (between protrusions 1642, 1643) of magnet 1625 touches or nearly touches surface 1650 (between protrusions 1646, 1647) of magnet 1627.

[00281] FIG. 16H is a side view 1652 of the eleventh example of a combination monitor device case 1621 and smartphone case 1622 configured in notebook mode. As shown, surface 1653 (between protrusions 1641, 1642) of magnet 1625 touches or nearly touches surface 1654 (between protrusions

1645, 1646) of magnet 1627.

[00282] FIG. 161 is a side view 1660 of the eleventh example of a combination monitor device case 1621 and smartphone case 1622 when closed so that the monitor device display 1623 faces the smartphone display 1624. As shown, surface 1661 (past protrusion 1641) of magnet 1625 touches or nearly touches surface 1662 (past protrusion 1648) of magnet 1627.

[00283] FIG. 16J is a side view 1670 of the eleventh example of a combination monitor device case 1621 and smartphone case 1622 when folded behind one another so that the monitor device display 1623 faces an opposite direction to the smartphone display 1624. As shown, surface 1671 (past protrusion 1645) of magnet 1625 touches or nearly touches surface 1672 (past protrusion 1644) of magnet 1627.

[00284] FIG. 16K is a side view 1680 of a twelfth example of a combination monitor device case 1621 and smartphone case 1622 configured in flat mode. As shown, monitor device case 1621 may include a cover 1626 whereas smartphone case 1622 may include one or more protrusions, such as protrusions 1645,

1646, 1647, 1648. Alternatively, monitor device case 1621 may include one or more protrusions, such as protrusions 1641, 1642, 1643, 1644 whereas smartphone case 1622 may include a cover 1628.

[00285] FIG. 16L is a side view 1683 of a thirteenth example of a combination monitor device case 1621 and smartphone case 1622 configured in flat mode. One or both of cover 1626, 1628 may include mechanical protmsions/insets in order to encourage the configuration of the monitor device -smartphone case in the predetermined modes. Specifically, cover 1626 may include protrusions 1684, 1685, 1686,

1687, 1688 which may mate with insets 1689, 1690, 1691, 1692, 1693 on cover 1628. The

protmsions/insets may be along an edge of the spine, along both edges of the spine, or along a section of the spine. Alternatively, the protrusions may be resident on the smartphone case 1622 and the insets may be on the monitor device case 1621.

[00286] FIG. 16M is a side view 1695 of a fourteenth example of a combination monitor device case 1621 and smartphone case 1622 when folded on top of one another so that wireless charging functionality 1696 of the monitor device faces a bottom of the smartphone. FIG. 16N is a side view 1697 of a fifteenth example of a combination monitor device case 1621 and smartphone case 1622 when folded on top of one another so that wireless charging functionality 1696 of the smartphone device faces a bottom of the monitor device.

[00287] As discussed in more detail below, various peripherals may be inserted into the monitor device case (such as monitor device case 1621). As one example, the peripheral may comprise a wireless charging device, which may include one or more batteries and wireless charging functionality. In one embodiment, wireless charging may be automatically performed when the smartphone is in proximity to the wireless charging device, such as illustrated in Fig. 16M. For example, an app, such as the MultiTask+ app, may be configured for automatic charging. Alternatively, responsive to the smartphone determining proximity to the wireless charging device, the smartphone may solicit input from the user, such as via a popup window on the display of the smartphone, whether to wirelessly charge the smartphone.

[00288] Various types of wireless charging, which uses electromagnetic induction to provide electricity to portable devices such as smartphones, are contemplated. One application comprises the Qi wireless charging standard for smartphones, smartwatches and tablets, which may enable inductive or pad- style charging and short-distance (e.g., 1.5cm or less) electromagnetic resonant inductive charging.

[00289] Energy may be transferred through inductive coupling. An alternating current is run through an induction coil in the charging station or pad (the primary or transmission coil.) Any moving electric charge creates a magnetic field known as Oersted's law. The magnetic field may fluctuate in strength as the AC current is continually changing velocity. A changing magnetic field may generate an electromotive force (otherwise known as Faraday's law of induction), which makes an alternating electric current in a second induction coil (the receiving, or secondary coil) in the portable device, such as the smartphone. It may then be converted to direct current with a rectifier and used to charge a battery or provide operating power.

[00290] In one or some embodiments, the smartphone may charge use tightly coupled or inductive charging, which necessitates place of the smartphone in an exact position on a pad for it to charge. In this regard, the placement, such as illustrated in Fig. 16M, may provide the needed precision.

[00291] In particular, a voltage from the battery may be converted into a high frequency alternating current (AC). In turn, the AC may be sent to the transmitter coil by the transmitter circuit. Alternating current flowing within the transmitter circuit creates a magnetic field, which extends to the receiver coil (when within a specified distance). In this regard, the magnetic field may generate current within the receiver coil of the smartphone. Finally, current flowing within the receiver coil of the smartphone may be converted into direct current (DC) by the receiver circuit, thus charging the battery of the smartphone.

[00292] FIG. 17A is an exploded side view 1700 of a sixteenth example of a portion combination monitor device case 1701 and smartphone case 1705 showing a free rolling ferrous ring 1707 and a magnet 1704. In one or some embodiments, two free-rotating ferrous rings may be used as one-half of the hinge. Alternatively, instead of using ferrous metal rings on both sides (e.g., on both the monitor device case and on the smartphone case), a magnet may be used on both sides of the hinge.

[00293] The attraction forces between a magnet and a metal component may vary significantly based on the shape, thickness, and mass of the components as well as the type of magnet. In this regard, the parts, including the magnet and metal, may be accurately sized and weighted parts.

[00294] Further, the ferrous material may be segmented to assist with part alignment. In addition, a continuous rod or tube may be placed along the length of the case. To assist in alignment, segmented cylindrical sleeves may be used with the mating magnets matching in size. Thus, in one embodiment, the ferrous rings may freely rotate. Alternatively, the magnets may slide around the cylindrical surface with minimal friction. [00295] In addition, magnet 1703 may attract to magnet 1709 when the display of the monitor device is facing an opposite direction to the display of the smartphone 1706. Conversely, magnet 1702 may attract to magnet 1708 when the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone 1706. In this way, the monitor device-mobile device case may be held in place whether fully closed or fully open.

[00296] FIG. 17B is a partial side view 1713 of the free rolling ferrous ring 1707 and the magnet 1704 illustrated in FIG. 17A as the lid is being opened in direction 1314. As shown, when the monitor device case 1701 is opened, magnet 1704 is attracted to ferrous ring 1707.

[00297] FIG. 17C is a side view 1715 of the free rolling ferrous ring 1707 and the magnet 1704 illustrated in FIG. 17A as the lid is being opened in direction 1716 or closed in direction 1717. As shown, when closed in direction 1717, magnet 1702 is attracted to magnet 1708.

[00298] As shown in FIGS. 17A-C, there is a hinge separation between the free rolling ferrous ring 1707 and the magnet 1704 (e.g., the hinge magnet being separated at a certain point). Thus, different sets of magnets (e.g., 1702/1708; 1703/1709) may engage to hold the lid at the 0° and 1 0° positions. With a tangential hinge, the only reason that the hinge connection may need to he separated is if there is a raised or thicker area mound the hinge barrel. If the hinge barrel is flush with the top/bottom surfaces, the lid may be able to close on its own and the magnets (e.g., 1702/1708; 1703/1709) may only sene to keep tire lid closed, thereby requiring less force. Also, assuming a reasonably strong magnetic attraction exists between the lid and the hinge, the lid may be pulled strongly back towards the hinge when separated. This creates a significant lifting force on tire lid that the face magnets would need to overcome. This can be avoided by bringing the hinge barrel flush with the top/bottom surfaces.

[00299] FIG. 17D is a front perspective view 1720 of a seventeenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone. Backing 1721, 1722 is on one of the monitor device case or the smartphone case and backing 1723, 1726 is on the other of the monitor device case or the smartphone case. Further, magnets 1724, 1725 are shown. In practice, the attraction between magnets in a coaxial hinge may need to be overcome in order to hold the lid in a 0° or 180° position. This may be avoided by using a double hinge or alternative, non-cylindrical designs.

[00300] FIG. 17E is a front perspective view 1730 of a seventeenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when partially opened in direction 1731.

[00301] FIG 17F is a front view 1740 of an example magnet (small magnet 1741) placed on an edge (such as at a non-concentric comer) with case edge 1742 and smartphone edge 1743 shown. This configuration shown in FIG. 17F may be used in FIG. 17C. In particular, with regard to FIG. 17C, the lid creates a long lever arm working against magnets placed near the hinge. In one or some embodiments, smaller magnets may be placed near the outer perimeter (such as illustrated in FIG. 17F) may be more effective and may tend to have a nicer tactile feel than aggressive magnets toward the hinge.

[00302] FIG. 17G is a front view 1750 of an eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case configured in flat mode, with magnet 1751 shown. FIG. 17H is a front perspective view 1755 of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when closed so that the display of the monitor device faces the display of the smartphone, with magnet 1751 and metal (such as a plurality of metal segments 1756 shown). FIG. 171 is a front perspective view 1760 of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when partially opened.

FIG. 17J is a front perspective view 1765 of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when separated at the hinged section.

[00303] FIG. 17K is a side perspective view 1770 of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when configured in notebook mode, further showing an edge 1772 that is ridged to engage magnet 1751 and opposing edge 1771 that is also ridged. FIG. 17L is a first example of a side perspective close-up view 1775 of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when partially opened. FIG. 17M is a side perspective close-up view 1780 of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when configured in notebook mode. FIG. 17N is a second example of a side perspective close-up view 1785 of the eighteenth example of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case when partially opened.

[00304] FIG. 18A is a top view 1800 of a nineteenth example of a combination monitor device case 1802 and mobile device case 1804 (which may comprise a smartphone case) in flat mode. As discussed above, in one or some embodiments, one or more magnets may be used in order to releasably connect the monitor device-smartphone case, such as to connect the monitor device case to the mobile device case. In one or some embodiments, magnets are placed on both of the monitor device case and the mobile device case. Alternatively, magnet(s) are placed on only one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case, and a metal is placed on the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device case. In this regard, any discussion regarding using magnets may be applied to either embodiment.

[00305] Further, as discussed above, the combination monitor device case 1802 and mobile device case 1804 may be configured in different orientations, such as in flat mode, notebook mode, or tent mode. One or more magnets may be used for the different configurations. For example, FIG. 18A illustrates one or more hinge magnets (such as two hinge magnets 1806, 1810 on monitor device case 1802 and two hinge magnets 1808, 1812 on mobile device case 1804). Alternatively, only one of the monitor device case 1802 or mobile device case 1804 has hinge magnets and the other has metal.

[00306] In one or some embodiments, hinge magnets 1806, 1808, 1810, 1812 are curved and are magnetized, and are covered so that hinge magnets 1806, 1808, 1810, 1812 do not physically touch one another (e.g., hinge magnet 1806 and hinge magnet 1808 are covered and do not touch one another). Flowever, the coverings for the hinge magnets 1806, 1808, 1810, 1812 may be shaped with surfaces, such as illustrated in FIG. 18E, in order to facilitate positioning in the different configurations. Alternatively, hinge magnets have multiple faces that are magnetized, such as at least two faces, at least three faces, at least four faces, at least five faces, at least six faces, at least seven faces, etc., and are not covered so that the hinge magnets physically touch one another. Further, the multiple faces on the hinge magnets, touching one another, may facilitate positioning in the different configurations.

[00307] Further, the monitor device case 1802 and mobile device case 1804 may include non-hinge magnets, such as magnets that are configured (e.g., programmable) and/or are positioned to generate magnetic attraction in discrete directions. In one or some embodiments, FIG. 18A illustrates on the mobile device case 1804 different sets of magnets for configuration into different modes or configurations, such as notebook mode or notebook configuration (see magnets 1814, 1818, which are for mating with magnets 1816, 1820 to position the monitor device case 1802 and mobile device case 1804 in notebook mode or notebook configuration), and flat mode or flat configuration (see magnets 1822, 1826, which are for mating with magnets 1824, 1828 to position the monitor device case 1802 and mobile device case 1804 in flat mode or flat configuration). For example, magnets 1814, 1816, 1818, 1820 each include 10 separate magnets. Alternatively, one or more polymagnets (or programmable magnets) may be used. Though not depicted, one or more magnets may be programmed and/or positioned to generate magnetic attraction in a tent mode or tent configuration.

[00308] For example, polymagnets comprise magnetic structures that incorporate correlated patterns of magnets with alternating polarity, designed to achieve a desired behavior and deliver stronger local force. By varying the magnetic fields and strengths, different mechanical behaviors can be controlled, such as configuring in the different modes. In particular, correlated magnet pairs may be programmed to attract or repel with a prescribed force and engagement distance, and or to attract or repel at a certain spatial orientation. In this regard, the polymagnets may be programmed for the different modes, such as the flat mode, notebook mode, or tent mode. Correlated magnets may further be programmed to interact only with other magnetic structures that have been coded to respond. In this regard, though FIG. 18A illustrates different sets of magnets, fewer sets of magnets, or only one magnet, may be used. The polymagnets may be programmed upon manufacture of the respective case. Alternatively, the polymagnets may be reprogrammed after use, such as responsive to a desire to increase or decrease the magnetic attraction between the respective cases for certain modes.

[00309] Likewise, mobile device case 1804 includes different sets of magnets for configuration into different modes, such as notebook mode (see 1816, 1820), and flat mode (see 1824, 1828). Similar to the discussion above with regard to mobile device case 1804, any one, any combination, or all of directional magnets 1816, 1820, 1824, 1828 may comprise polymagnets. For example, directional magnets 1822, 1826 may be positioned within mobile device case 1804 such that the magnetic attraction is in a direction perpendicular to a side surface of the mobile device case 1804. As shown, directional magnets 1822, 1826 are positioned or have an orientation such that a perpendicular from the surface of the magnets 1822, 1826 is directly outward (e.g., the largest surface area of magnets 1822, 1826 are in the 0° direction as illustrated by line 1827). In this way, when the mobile device case 1804 and the monitor device case 1802 are in the flat orientation, magnets 1822 and magnets 1824 exhibit strong magnetic attraction with one another, and magnets 1826 and magnets 1828 exhibit strong magnetic attraction with one another, thereby locking the monitor device case 1802 and the mobile device case 1804 in the flat mode or flat orientation. Likewise, directional magnets 1814, 1818 may be positioned or have an orientation within mobile device case 1804 such that the front face of the directional magnets 1814, 1818 magnetic attraction is in a direction other than magnets 1822, 1826, such as in a direction of 45° to a side surface of the mobile device case (e.g., an angle, shown as 1829). Thus, the orientation of the different magnets enables the positioning of the mobile device case relative to the monitor device case. Further, directional magnets 1824, 1828 may be positioned within mobile device case 1804 such that the magnetic attraction is in a direction perpendicular to a side surface of the mobile device case 1804. Likewise, directional magnets 1816, 1820 may be positioned within mobile device case 1804 such that the magnetic attraction is in a direction 45° to a side surface of the mobile device case 1804. In this way, monitor device case 1802 may be brought into contact with mobile device case 1804 in the predetermined configurations (e.g., magnets 1822/1824 attract and magnets 1826/1828 attract for flat mode; magnets 1814/1816 attract and magnets 1818/1820 attract for notebook mode; etc.). Further, FIG. 18A illustrates multiple magnets in each set, such as four magnets each for 1822, 1824, 1826, 1828. Alternatively, only a single magnet on one of the monitor device case 1802 and or mobile device case 1804 may be used for the different configurations. Further, the surfaces of the magnets may be exposed. Alternatively, the surfaces of the magnets may be covered.

[00310] In addition, magnets 1822, 1824, 1826, 1828 (for flat mode) are sandwiched by magnets 1814, 1816, 1818, 1820 (for notebook mode). Alternatively, magnets 1814, 1816, 1818, 1820 (for notebook mode) may be sandwiched by magnets 1822, 1824, 1826, 1828 (for flat mode). Further, in one or some embodiments, hinge magnets 1806, 1808, 1810, 1812 are positioned proximate to a comer of the respective case, and may sandwich other magnets, such as magnets 1814, 1816, 1818, 1820, 1822, 1824, 1826, 1828. Alternatively, hinge magnets 1806, 1808, 1810, 1812 may be positioned away from a comer of the respective case and may be sandwiched by any one, any combination, or all of magnets 1814, 1816, 1818, 1820, 1822, 1824, 1826, 1828.

[00311] FIG. 18B is a perspective view 1830 of the monitor device case 1802 (which may include a monitor device 1801) for the nineteenth example. Alternatively, FIG. 18B may be a view of the mobile device case 1804. As shown, hinge magnets, such as hinge magnet 1810 may be slotted within an inset, such as inset 1835. In this way, the hinge magnets do not directly physically contact one another.

Conversely, magnets 1814, 1816 (for notebook mode) may include respective surfaces 1834, 1832 which may directly contact opposing surfaces on mobile device case 1804. Further, magnets 1822, 1826 (for flat mode) may include respective surfaces 1838, 1836 which may directly contact opposing surfaces on mobile device case 1804.

[00312] Thus, FIGS. 18A-B illustrate different orientations of the magnets. For example, the different orientations of the magnets may configure the monitor device case 1802 relative to the mobile device case 1804 in flat configuration or notebook configuration. As one example, magnets 1822, 1826 and opposing magnets 1824, 1828 are oriented relative to one another so that a maximum area of contact between the magnets 1822, 1826 and opposing magnets 1824, 1828 is when the monitor device-mobile device case is in the flat configuration. As another example, magnets 1814, 1818 and opposing magnets 1816, 1820 are oriented relative to one another so that a maximum area of contact between magnets 1814, 1818 and opposing magnets 1816, 1820 is when the monitor device-mobile device case is in the notebook configuration. The different orientation of magnets, such as the different orientation of the surface area (whether covered or not), is further illustrated in FIG. 18B, with perpendicular from surface 1836 and perpendicular from surface 1838 illustrated, with angle Q, formed by the rays from the perpendicular from surface 1836 and the perpendicular from surface 1838. Though not illustrated, a separate magnet (or set of magnets) may be used for the tent configuration. Though not illustrated in FIG. 18B, the magnet(s) may be flush with another of the sides multi-sided edge, such as side 1839. [00313] As shown, a side of the mobile device case 1804 is multi-sided, such as surfaces 1832 (of magnet 1818) and 1834 (of magnet 1814) positioned flush with side 1833 and surfaces 1838 (of magnet 1822) and 1836 (of magnet 1826) positioned flush with side 1837.

[00314] FIG. 18C is a side view 1840 of the combination monitor device case 1802 and mobile device case 1804 in notebook mode or laptop position. FIG. 18D is a side view 1850 of the combination monitor device case 1802 and mobile device case 1804 in flat mode or tablet position. FIG. 18E is an expanded side view 1860 (with inset 1862) of the combination monitor device case 1802 and mobile device case 1804 in notebook mode or laptop position. As shown, monitor device case 1802 includes sides 1864, 1868, 1872 and mobile device case 1804 includes sides 1866, 1867, 1870. In this regard, respective sides of the monitor device case 1802 and mobile device case 1804 may contact, such as sides 1868 and 1870, in a predetermined configuration, such as shown in FIG. 18E. Further, in one embodiment, the sides may have the same length. Alternatively, the sides may have different lengths, such as shown in FIG. 18E (side 1872 has a length of 0.141 inches versus side 1868 having a length of 0.160 inches). Also, hinge magnets 1810 and 1812 are encased, resulting in protection of the magnets, but a reduction in magnetic force. As shown in FIG. 18E, the distance between hinge magnets 1810 and 1812 is 0.05 inches.

[00315] FIG. 18F is a top view 1880 of the monitor device case 1802 for the nineteenth example. FIG. 18G is a side view 1890 of the monitor device case 1802 for the nineteenth example. As shown, monitor device case 1802 includes a side 1886 that has the various magnets, such as hinge magnets 1806, 1810, and magnets 1814, 1818, 1822, 1826. Side 1886 may be connected to perpendicular sides 1882, 1884 of mobile device case 1804. Alternatively, side 1886 (including one or more of the magnets illustrated in FIGS. 18F- G) may comprise a magnetic strip (comprising the one or more magnets) and may be connected to a bracket, such as illustrated in FIGS. 22 A-24E, as discussed further below.

[00316] FIG. 19A is a bottom side view 1900 of a twentieth example of a combination monitor device case 1902 and smartphone case 1904 in flat mode. As shown, sides 1906, 1908 of the monitor device case 1902 and the smartphone case 1904, respectively, contact for configuration in flat mode. FIG. 19B is a back view 1920 of the twentieth example of a combination monitor device case 1902 and smartphone case 1904 in flat mode. FIG. 19C is a right side view 1940 of the twentieth example of a combination monitor device case 1902 and smartphone case 1904 in flat mode. As shown in FIG. 19C, button 1942 may be exposed through an opening in smartphone case 1904. As discussed further below, one or both of the monitor device case or the smartphone case may have a magnetic strip that is at least partly adjustable (e.g., the entirety of the magnetic strip may moveable and/or a section of the magnetic strip may move along a track so as to configure the respective monitor device case or the smartphone case to align an opening to one or more exterior buttons on the monitor device or the smartphone. FIG. 19D is a front view 1960 of the twentieth example of a combination monitor device case 1902 (with monitor device 1962) and smartphone case 1904 (with smartphone 1964) in flat mode.

[00317] FIG. 20A is a front perspective view 2000 of a twenty -first example of a combination monitor device case 2002 and smartphone case 2004 (with smartphone 2012) with a plurality of peripherals 2006, 2008, 2010. FIG. 20B is a front perspective view 2016 of the twenty -first example of a combination monitor device case 2018 (with peripheral 2022) and smartphone case 2020 (with smartphone 2024) in flat mode with a first peripheral. FIG. 20C is a front perspective view 2030 of the twenty -first example of a combination monitor device case 2018 and smartphone case 2020 when folded behind one another with the first peripheral.

[00318] FIG. 20D is a front perspective view 2036 of the twent -first example of a combination monitor device case 2018 and smartphone case 2020 (with smartphone 2042)in flat mode prior to insertion of a gaming controller peripheral 2040. FIG. 20E is a front perspective view 2050 of the twenty -first example of the monitor device case 2018 and smartphone case 2020 disconnected from one another after insertion of the gaming controller peripheral 2040. As shown smartphone case 2020 includes magnetic strip 2044 that includes an opening 2046. Further, in one embodiment, monitor device case 2018 may include a complementary magnetic strip (not shown) in order to for monitor device case 2018 to magnetically connect with smartphone case 2020. Alternatively, monitor device case 2018 may include a metal strip.

[00319] FIG. 20F is a front perspective view 2054 of the twenty -first example of the monitor device case 2018 and smartphone case 2020 disconnected from one another after insertion of a keyboard peripheral 2056. FIG. 20G is a front perspective view 2060 of the twenty -first example of the monitor device case 2018 and smartphone case 2020 disconnected from one another after insertion of a speaker peripheral 2062 (such as a Bluetooth speaker peripheral). FIG. 20H is a front perspective view 2066 of the twenty -first example of a combination monitor device case 2018 and smartphone case 2020 after insertion of wallet 2068 in the monitor device case.

[00320] As discussed above, the combination monitor device case and smartphone case may be configured in different ways, such as in flat mode, notebook mode, or tent mode. In one or some embodiments, the respective mode may automatically configure one or both of the monitor device or the smartphone housed within the monitor device case and the smartphone case, respectively. As one example, the smartphone may determine, such as via an accelerometer resident in the smartphone, whether the combination monitor device case and smartphone case are in notebook mode. Responsive to determining that the combination monitor device case and smartphone case are in notebook mode, one or both of the screen of the smartphone or the monitor device (which may likewise comprise a smartphone) may be configured, such as any one, any combination, or all of: configuring the smartphone in landscape mode; configuring the monitor device in landscape mode; or displaying a keyboard on the screen of the monitor device.

[00321] FIGS. 21 A-C are views 2100, 2130, 2160 of a combination monitor device case and smartphone case with a keyboard peripheral in flat mode (FIG. 21 A), when folded behind one another (FIG. 21B), and in notebook mode (FIG. 21C).

[00322] As discussed above, the one or more magnets may be positioned on or within a magnetic strip. Connection of the magnetic strip to one or both of the smartphone or the monitor device may be performed in one of several ways. In one way, the magnetic strip may be integral with one or both of a monitor device case or a smartphone case that encases at least a part of the monitor device or the smartphone, respectively. In particular, in one or some embodiments, the positioning of the magnetic strip is predetermined and non- changeable relative to its respective case. Further, after connection of the respective case with the respective device, the magnetic strip is in its predetermined and non-changeable position. For example, monitor device case or a smartphone case may cover at least one side of the respective device (such as an entire backside of the monitor device or the smartphone), at least two sides of the respective device (such as the entire backside and at least one perpendicular side thereto, with the magnetic strip positioned on the at least one perpendicular side), at least three sides of the respective device (such as the entire backside and at least two perpendicular sides thereto, with the magnetic strip positioned on one of the perpendicular sides), at least four sides of the respective device (such as the entire backside and at least three perpendicular sides thereto), or at least five sides of the respective device (such as the entire backside and at least four perpendicular sides thereto).

[00323] Alternatively, the positioning of the magnetic strip, relative to one or both of its respective case or its respective device, may be changeable, such as illustrated in FIGS. 22A-24E. For example, FIG. 22 A is a perspective view 2200 of a first example of a magnetic strip structure 2202 for connection with one or both of a smartphone or a monitor device. As discussed above, various monitor devices are contemplated, including electronic devices that include some or all the functionality of a smartphone. In this regard, in one or some embodiments, the magnetic strip structure 2202 may connect two separate smartphones.

[00324] Magnetic strip structure 2202 includes magnetic strip 2208, base 2204 and adhesive 2206.

FIG. 22 A further illustrates electronic device 2210, which may comprise a monitor device and/or a smartphone. In one embodiment, magnetic strip structure 2202 is connected to the smartphone or the monitor device via a smartphone case or a monitor device case, respectively. Alternatively, magnetic strip structure 2202 is connected directly to the smartphone or the monitor device (e.g., adhesive 2206 directly contacts the housing of the smartphone or the monitor device). In this way, magnetic strip structure 2202 may be placed in a variety of locations on a back side of the smartphone.

[00325] As discussed above, magnetic strip structure 2202 may connect two smartphones (including connecting two smartphones already encased in smartphone cases, connecting two smartphones with only one of the smartphones encased in a smartphone case, or connecting two smartphones directly). FIG. 22B is a perspective view 2214 of the first example of the magnetic strip structure 2202 connected to a first electronic device 2210, such as a smartphone, (that does not have a case) with a second electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) that is encased in an electronic device case 2224 (such as a smartphone case) with a metallic side 2226. As shown, magnetic strip structure 2202 has a backside 2216 of base 2204. Further, magnetic strip 2208 includes sides 2218, 2220, 2222 and is configured to be attracted to metallic side 2226. In one or some embodiments, connection to one of the sides 2218, 2220, 2222 determines the mode, such as connection of metallic side 2226 to side 2218 comprises tent mode, connection of metallic side 2226 to side 2220 comprises flat mode, and connection of metallic side 2226 to side 2222 comprises notebook mode.

[00326] FIG. 22C is a perspective view 2230 of the first example of the magnetic strip structure 2202. Magnetic strip structure 2202 may comprise a plastic strip 2232 that may reveal the adhesive 2206 underneath. [00327] FIG. 22D is a perspective view 2236 of the first example of the magnetic strip structure 2202 connected to a first smartphone (e.g., electronic device case 2224) but prior to connection to a second smartphone 2238. As shown in FIG. 22D, the adhesive 2206 may be attached to second smartphone 2238 to mate with area 2240 on magnetic strip structure 2202. In this regard, the adhesive may be on one or both of the magnetic strip structure 2202 or the respective smartphone.

[00328] FIG. 22E is a perspective view 2250 of the first example of the magnetic strip structure 2202 connecting, via magnetic strip 2208, a first smartphone (e.g., electronic device case 2224) and a second smartphone (e.g., electronic device 2210) in flat mode. FIG. 22F is a perspective view 2060 of the first example of the magnetic strip structure 2202 connecting a first smartphone (e.g., electronic device case 2224) and a second smartphone (e.g., electronic device 2210) when folded behind one another. FIG. 22G is a perspective view 2070 of the first example of the magnetic strip structure 2202 connecting a first smartphone (e.g., electronic device case 2224) and a second smartphone 2210 (e.g., electronic device 2210) in tent mode.

[00329] FIG. 23 A is a perspective view 2300 of a second example of a magnetic strip structure 2302 attached to a smartphone 2314. The magnetic strip structure 2302 includes a magnetic strip 2304, a flat section 2306 (which may comprise a platform), a hinged flap 2308 (with an interior surface 2310 configured to contact a side of smartphone 2314), and a clasp 2307 (configured to release hinged flap 2308 via hole 2312).

[00330] FIG. 23B is a front perspective view 2318 of the second example of the magnetic strip structure 2302 with the flat section 2306 sliding along a track 2330. As discussed above, the magnetic strip structure may be configured for attachment to a variety of smartphones. In this regard, the magnetic strip structure may be adjustable in one or more dimensions or directions. As illustrated in FIG. 23B, the width of the magnetic strip structure 2302 may be adjusted. For example, an underside of flat section 2306 may include protrusions 2328, with a selected protrusion sliding in track 2330, which is bounded by guiderails 2332, 2334. In this way, selection of the protrusion 2328 for sliding in track 2330 dictates the width of magnetic strip structure 2302 so that interior surface 2320 of magnetic strip 2304 may contact one side of the smartphone and interior surface 2310 of hinged flap 2308 may contact an opposing side of the smartphone. Further, magnetic strip 2304 may include multiple sides 2322, 2324, 2326, thereby defining the different configurations (e.g., flat, notebook or tent mode).

[00331] FIG. 23C is a side perspective view 2340 of the second example of the magnetic strip structure 2302. As shown, hinged flap 2308 may move along hinge 2342. FIG. 23D is a side perspective view 2350 of the second example of the magnetic strip structure 2302 with hinged flap 2308 rotating about a hinge 2342. In practice, clasp 2307 may release hinged flap 2308, enabling hinged flap 2308 to rotate about hinge 2342. In this regard, prior to placing magnetic strip structure 2302 on a smartphone, clasp 2307 may release hinged flap 2308. After which, magnetic strip structure 2302 may be placed on the smartphone, with hinged flap placed 2308 moved into position against a side of the smartphone.

Thereafter, clasp 2307 may be re-engaged, thereby holding hinged flap 2308 in place against the side of the smartphone. [00332] FIG. 23E is a perspective view 2360 of the second example of the magnetic strip structure 2302 attached to two smartphones in notebook mode. FIG. 23F is a perspective view 2370 of the second example of magnetic strip structure 2302 attached to two smartphones when folded behind one another. FIG. 23G is a perspective view 2380 of the second example of the magnetic strip structure 2302 attached to two smartphones in tent mode.

[00333] FIG. 24A is a perspective view of a third example of a magnetic strip structure 2401 in the locked position. Magnetic strip structure includes a main body that includes at least two pieces 2406, 2408. As shown in FIG. 24 A, a latch 2402, when engaged, may hold the two pieces 2406, 2408 in place.

Magnetic strip structure 2401 further includes magnetic strip 2412 that is attached to piece 2406. FIG. 24B is a perspective view 2420 of a third example of the magnetic strip structure 2401 in the unlocked position thereby allowing placement on a smartphone. As shown, latch 2402 may be disengaged, such as by pressing on a side (such as at button 2404), thereby disengaging latch 2402 from piece 2406. In turn, pieces 2406, 2408 may be pulled apart. As one example, pieces 2406, 2408 may laterally move along track 2424, which is supported by base 2422. In practice, after releasing latch 2402, pieces 2406, 2408 of magnetic strip structure 2401 may be pulled apart. Magnetic strip structure 2401 may then be placed onto the smartphone, with the pieces 2406, 2408 then being pushed together so that surface 2410 of piece 2408 contacts one side of the smartphone and surface 2411 of piece 2406 contacts an opposing side of the smartphone. After which, latch 2402 is re-engaged, thereby locking piece 2406 relative to piece 2408.

[00334] FIG. 24C is a perspective view 2440 of the third example of the magnetic strip structure 2401 attached to two smartphones in flat mode. FIG. 24D is a perspective view 2460 of the third example of the magnetic strip structure 2401 attached to two smartphones in notebook mode. FIG. 24E is a perspective view 2470 of the third example of the magnetic strip structure 2401 attached to two smartphones closed so that the displays of the smartphones face each other.

[00335] FIG. 25A illustrates a top view 2500 of a fourth example of the magnetic strip structure 2501, which may be adjustable in one or more directions relative to the smartphone, such as any one or both of longitudinally or transverse to the smartphone. FIG. 25B illustrates a side view 2550 of a fourth example of the magnetic strip structure 2501. In particular, magnetic strip structure 2501 includes magnetic strip 2502, which may comprise traditional magnets and/or polymagnets, as discussed above. Further, magnetic strip 2502 may include a window 2504, through which a button or the like on the smartphone may be exposed.

[00336] Though FIG. 25A illustrates only one window 2504, more than one window is contemplated. Further, in the embodiment whereby the magnetic strip structure includes multiple windows, in one implementation, the multiple windows may be moved in unison (which the entire magnetic strip moving along a single track). In an alternate implementation, the multiple windows may be moved independently of one another, whereby sections of the magnetic strip may be moved along separate tracks.

[00337] In practice, a locking and/or unlocking mechanism 2554 may release magnetic strip 2502 from base 2520. After which, magnetic strip 2502 may move along track 2552 in direction 2508. After positioning window 2504 in the desired position relative to a button on smartphone, locking and/or unlocking mechanism 2554 may be re-engaged so that magnetic strip 2502 is in a locked orientation relative to base 2520. Likewise, section 2506, which may comprise multiple pieces (such as illustrated in FIG. 24A) or a single piece (such as illustrated in FIG. 23 A) may be moved in direction 2510. As discussed above, section 2506 may be entirely removed (see FIG. 23B), such as by removing flat section 2306 entirely from a first track 2330 and then sliding flat section 2306 into a second track 2330.

Alternatively, section 2506 comprise two separate sections, such as pieces 2406, 2408, which are temporarily disconnected, but not entirely removed, moved relative to one another, and then reconnected. In either instance, the magnetic strip structure 2501 may be moved along a track in direction 2510. In this regard, the magnetic strip structure 2501 may move in one or both of the lateral or transverse directions relative to the smartphone to which it is attached. Further, the arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 25A-B may be used for either a configuration such as illustrated in FIG. 18A (in which the smartphone case entirely covers a back side of the smartphone) or a configuration such as illustrated in FIGS. 23 A or 24A (in which the smartphone case covers less than the entirety of the back side of the smartphone).

[00338] FIG. 26A illustrates a block diagram 2600 of the mobile device 2604 and monitor device 2602 communicating via various channels, such as a Bluetooth channel (via Bluetooth signal 2620), a Wi-Fi channel (via Wi-Fi signals 2622, 2624 and Wi-Fi router 2606) and a cellular channel (via cellular signal 2626 and cellular base station 2610). As discussed above, there are instances where the mobile device and the monitor device may seek to communicate with one another. A farther-field communication channel may be preferable over a nearer-field communication channel due to higher bandwidth; however, establishing the farther-field communication channel between the mobile device and the monitor device may be difficult, particularly where there are multiple farther-field communication channels available (e.g., multiple Wi-Fi networks available). In order for the mobile device and monitor device to select the particular communication channel from the several available communication channels, another communication channel, such as a channel that is different in at least one aspect (e.g., different in being slower or lower bandwidth and/or in having a shorter range). The another communication channel may comprise a nearer-field communication channel, which is based on a nearer-field communication protocol such as Bluetooth. Bluetooth may be used when devices are within a certain distance of one another. In one or some embodiments, the monitor device and the mobile device are house in a mobile device-monitor device case, so that the monitor device and the mobile device are adjacent to one another, well within Bluetooth communication range. The Bluetooth communication channel may thus be used to establish a farther-field communication channel, which is based on a farther-field communication protocol such as Wi-Fi (e.g., the mobile device may act as the leader, selecting the particular communication channel from the several available communication channels, and communicating that selection to the monitor device via the Bluetooth communication channel, with the monitor device following the selection to establish the WiFi communication channel). In this way, the monitor device 2602 and the mobile device 2604 may generate a Wi-Fi communication channel using the Wi-Fi router 2606, without requiring communications between the monitor device 2602 and the mobile device 2604 to travel via an external network, such as network 2608 (which may be similar or the same to network(s) 144). Further, when needed, one or both of the monitor device 2602 and the mobile device 2604 may access back-end server 2612 via network 2608. [00339] In addition, there are instances where one or both of the Wi-Fi communication channel or the Bluetooth communication channel may be unavailable. In such instances, the monitor device 2602 may communicate with the back-end server via a cellular signal 2626 using a cellular base station 2610 (e.g., the monitor device 2602 may access the hotspot of the mobile device 2604 to use a cellular communication channel).

[00340] FIG. 26B is a flow diagram 2650 for using a nearer-field communication channel (such as a Bluetooth channel) to establish and update a farther-field communication channel (such as a Wi-Fi channel). At 2652, a nearer-field communication channel (e.g., Bluetooth communication channel) is established between the mobile device and the monitor device. At 2654, one of the mobile device or the monitor device (e.g., the mobile device as the leader) determines information to establish the farther-field communication channel (e.g., Wi-Fi communication channel) and transmits, via the nearer-field communication channel, the information to establish the farther-field communication channel. At 2656, responsive to receiving the information, one or both of the mobile device and the monitor device establishes the farther-field communication channel in real time using the information. For example, the Wi-Fi communication channel is established immediately, or nearly immediately, after the information is exchanged. In this way, the information is not used to establish the Wi-Fi communication channel after the Bluetooth communication channel or another communication channel is unavailable.

[00341] At 2658, one of the mobile device or the monitor device (e.g., the mobile device as the leader) determines subsequent information to maintain a farther-field communication channel. If so, the subsequent information may be transmitted, via the nearer-field communication channel, to the other of the mobile device or the monitor device. For example, for one or more reasons, one or more aspects of the WiFi communication channel may be changed (e.g., switching from 5 GHz Wi-Fi to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi). To communicate these changes, a signal, such as a periodic signal (e.g., a heartbeat signal) may be transmitted via the Bluetooth communication channel. Alternatively, the signal may be transmitted only if there is subsequent information to be transmitted.

[00342] At 2660, it is determined whether the periodic signal indicates to modify the farther-field communication channel. If so, at 2662, the farther-field communication channel is modified based on the subsequent information. For example, both of the mobile device and the monitor device may switch from 5 GHz Wi-Fi to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, as indicated by the subsequent information. If not, at 2664, it is determined (such as by the leader device) if one or both of the nearer-field communication channel is lost or the farther-field communication channel is unavailable. If so, at 2666, an alternate communication channel is established. For example, responsive to the mobile device determining that Wi-Fi is unavailable and/or responsive to determining that Bluetooth communication with the monitor device is unavailable, the mobile device may activate its hotspot, and transmit a communication to the monitor device to access the mobile device hotspot (and optionally send password information for the monitor device to access the mobile device hotspot. In this way, the monitor device may communication via a cellular communication channel with the hotspot resident on the mobile device.

[00343] FIG. 27 illustrates a block diagram 2700 of exemplary computer architecture for any electronic device, such as the monitor device or the mobile device, discussed herein. Specifically, FIG. 27 illustrates a general computer system 2700, programmable to be a specific computer system, which may represent any of the computing devices referenced herein, such as the monitor device, the mobile device, or the back-end. The computer system 2700 may include an ordered listing of a set of instructions 2724 that may be executed to cause the computer system 2700 to perform any one or more of the methods or computer-based functions disclosed herein. The computer system 2700 can operate as a stand-alone device or can be connected, e.g., using the network 2726, to other computer systems or peripheral devices.

[00344] In a networked deployment, the computer system 2700 can operate in the capacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The computer system 2700 can also be implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as a personal computer or a mobile computing device capable of executing a set of instructions 2724 that specify actions to be taken by that machine, including and not limited to, accessing the Internet or Web through any form of browser. Further, each of the systems described can include any collection of sub-systems that individually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructions to perform one or more computer functions.

[00345] The computer system 2700 can include a memory 2704 on a bus 2708 for communicating information. Code operable to cause the computer system to perform any of the acts or operations described herein can be stored in the memory 2704. The memory 2704 can be random-access memory, read-only memory, programmable memory, hard disk drive, or any other type of volatile or non-volatile memory or storage device.

[00346] The computer system 2700 can include a processor 2702, such as a central processing unit (CPU) and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU). In one implementation, one example of a processor is a controller. Further, one example of a controller is a microcontroller. The processor 2702 can include one or more general processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, digital circuits, optical circuits, analog circuits, combinations thereof, or other now known or later-developed devices for analyzing and processing data. The processor 2702 can implement the set of instructions 2724 or other software programs, such as manually programmed or computer-generated code for implementing logical functions. The logical function or any system element described can, among other functions, process and convert an analog data source such as an analog electrical, audio, or video signal, or a combination thereof, to a digital data source for audio-visual purposes or other digital processing purposes such as for compatibility for computer processing.

[00347] The computer system 2700 can also include a storage device 2716. The storage device 2716 can include a computer-readable medium 2722 in which one or more sets of instructions 2724, e.g., software, can be embedded. Further, the instructions 2724 can perform one or more of the operations as described herein. The instructions 2724 can reside completely, or at least partially, within the memory 2704 or the processor 2702 during execution by the computer system 2700.

[00348] The memory 2704 and the processor 2702 also can include computer-readable media as discussed above. A“computer-readable medium,”“computer-readable storage medium,”“machine readable medium,”“propagated-signal medium,” or“signal-bearing medium” can include any device that has, stores, communicates, propagates, or transports software for use by or in connection with an instruction executable system, apparatus, or method. The machine-readable medium can selectively be, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium.

[00349] Additionally, the computer system 2700 can include an input device 2712, such as a keyboard or mouse, configured for a user to interact with any of the components of system 2700. It can further include a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), or any other display suitable for conveying information. The display can act as an interface for the user to see the functioning of the processor 2702, or specifically as an interface with the software stored in the memory 2704 or the storage device 2716.

[00350] The computer system 2700 can include a communication interface, such as network interface device 2720 that enables communications via transceiver 2714 and the communications network 2726.

The network 2726 can include wired networks, wireless networks, or combinations thereof. The communication interface can enable communications via any number of communication standards, such as 802.11, 802.17, 802.20, WiMAX, 802.15.4, cellular telephone standards, or other communication standards, as discussed above. Simply because one of these standards is listed does not mean any one is preferred, as any number of these standards can never actually be adopted in a commercial product.

[00351] Block diagrams of different aspects of the system, including FIGS. 1 A-2B AND 11 A-B, may be implemented using the computer functionality disclosed in FIG. 27. Further, the flow diagrams illustrated in FIGS. 4-9 and 12A-13 may use computer-readable instructions that are executed by one or more processors to implement the functionality disclosed.

[00352] The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium that includes instructions or receives and executes instructions responsive to a propagated signal so that a device connected to a network can communicate voice, video, audio, images or any other data over the network. Further, the instructions can be transmitted or received over the network via a communication interface. The communication interface can be a part of the processor or can be a separate component. The

communication interface can be created in software or can be a physical connection in hardware. The communication interface can be configured to connect with a network, external media, the display, or any other components in system, or combinations thereof. The connection with the network can be a physical connection, such as a wired Ethernet connection or can be established wirelessly as discussed below. In the case of a service provider server, the service provider server can communicate with users through the communication interface.

[00353] The computer-readable medium can be a single medium, or the computer-readable medium can be a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” can also include any medium that can be capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that can cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

[00354] The computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. The computer-readable medium also can be random access memory or additional volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the computer- readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage devices to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an email or other self-contained information archive or set of archives can be considered a distribution medium that can be a tangible storage medium. The computer-readable medium is preferably a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure can be considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions can be stored.

[00355] Alternatively, or in addition, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that can include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein can implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system can encompass software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[00356] The methods described herein may be implemented by software programs executable by a computer system. Further, implementations may include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, or also, virtual computer system processing may be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functionality as described herein.

[00357] Although components and functions are described that may be implemented in particular embodiments regarding specific standards and protocols, the components and functions are not limited to such standards and protocols. For example, standards for Internet and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, FITML, and FITTP) represent examples of state of the art. Such standards are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocols having the same or similar functions as those disclosed herein are considered equivalents thereof.

[00358] The illustrations described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus, processors, and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments can be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments can be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and cannot be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[00359] The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the description. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

[00360] The following example embodiments of the invention are also disclosed:

Embodiment 1:

A monitor device-mobile device case comprising:

a monitor device case configured to at least partly encase a monitor device and including a first magnetic attraction element; and

a mobile device case configured to at least partly encase a mobile device and including a second magnetic attraction element, the first magnetic attraction element and the second magnetic attraction element working in combination to generate magnetic attraction between the monitor device case and the mobile device case in order to maintain contact of at least a part of the monitor device case with at least a part of the mobile device case;

wherein the monitor device case and the mobile device case are configured for positioning in a plurality of predetermined configurations relative to one another using any one, any combination, or all of:

(i) different orientations of magnets on one or both of the mobile device case or the monitor device case in order to position the monitor device case and the mobile device case in the plurality of predetermined configurations relative to one another;

(ii) a multi-sided magnetic structure on one or both of the mobile device case or the monitor device case, with different sides of the multi-sided magnetic structure configured to position the mobile device case and the monitor device case in the plurality of predetermined configurations relative to one another; or

(iii) one or more mechanical elements on one or both of the monitor device case or the mobile device case to mechanically configure the monitor device case relative to the mobile device case in the plurality of predetermined configurations or to increase or decrease magnetic attraction between the monitor device case and the mobile device case in order to configure the monitor device case relative to the mobile device case in the plurality of predetermined configurations.

[00361] Embodiment 2 :

The monitor device-mobile device case of embodiment 1:

wherein one of the first magnetic attraction element or the second magnetic attraction element comprises the magnets;

wherein another of the first magnetic attraction element or the second magnetic attraction element comprises a metallic material or opposite polarity magnets;

wherein the monitor device-mobile device case includes the different orientations of magnets comprising:

a first magnet in a first orientation configured to increase magnetic attraction between the mobile device case and the monitor device case so that the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a first predetermined configuration relative to one another; and a second magnet in a second orientation configured to increase the magnetic attraction between the mobile device case and the monitor device case so that the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a second predetermined configuration relative to one another, the first predetermined configuration being different than the second predetermined configuration, the second orientation being at a different angle than the first orientation.

[00362] Embodiment 3 :

The monitor device-mobile device case of embodiment 1 or 2:

wherein the different angle is at least 25 degrees.

[00363] Embodiment 4:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-3 :

wherein the first predetermined configuration comprises a flat configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a same plane;

wherein the first magnet is positioned against one side of the mobile device case or the monitor device case; and

wherein the other of the mobile device case or monitor device case includes a first opposing magnet of opposite polarity to the first magnet and oriented to be positioned against one side of the other of the mobile device case or the monitor device case so that a maximum area of contact between the first magnet and the first opposing magnet is when the monitor device-mobile device case is in the flat configuration.

[00364] Embodiment 5:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-4:

wherein the second predetermined configuration comprises a notebook configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case, relative to one another, are at the different angle;

wherein the second magnet is oriented to be at the different angle relative to the orientation of the first magnet; and

wherein the other of the mobile device case or monitor device case includes a second opposing magnet of opposite polarity to the second magnet and oriented to be at the different angle relative to the orientation of the first opposing magnet so that a maximum area of contact between the second magnet and the second opposing magnet is when the monitor device-mobile device case is in the notebook configuration.

[00365] Embodiment 6:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-5:

wherein the monitor device comprises a monitor device display;

wherein the mobile device comprises a mobile device display; and

wherein the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in the notebook configuration when a perpendicular from the monitor device display when the monitor device is in the monitor device case and a perpendicular from the mobile device display when the mobile device is in the mobile device case form a notebook angle, the notebook angle being predefined to be a single angle between 40 degrees and 125 degrees. [00366] Embodiment 7 :

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-6:

wherein the monitor device comprises a monitor device display;

wherein the mobile device comprises a mobile device display;

wherein the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a tent configuration when a perpendicular from the monitor device display and a perpendicular from the mobile device display form a tent angle, the tent angle being predefined to be a single angle that is greater than 180 degrees by a tent predetermined angle;

further comprising a third magnet oriented to be at the tent predetermined angle relative to the orientation of the first magnet; and

wherein the other of the mobile device case or monitor device case includes a third opposing magnet of opposite polarity to the third magnet and oriented to be at the tent predetermined angle relative to the orientation of the first opposing magnet so that a maximum area of contact between the third magnet and the third opposing magnet is when the monitor device-mobile device case is in the tent configuration.

[00367] Embodiment s:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-7:

wherein one of the mobile device case or the monitor device case includes the multi-sided magnetic structure;

wherein a first side of the multi-sided magnetic structure mates with a first corresponding side on another of the mobile device case or the monitor device case to position the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in the flat configuration; and

wherein a second side of the multi-sided magnetic structure mates with a second corresponding side on another of the mobile device case or the monitor device case to position the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in the notebook configuration.

[00368] Embodiment 9:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-8:

wherein the multi-sided magnetic structure comprises one of a multi-sided magnet without a covering, a multi-sided magnet with a covering that follows the multi-sided magnet, or a cylindrical magnet with a multi-sided covering;

wherein a first side of the multi-sided magnetic structure mates with a first corresponding side on another of the mobile device case or the monitor device case to position the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a first predetermined configuration; and

wherein a second side of the multi-sided magnetic structure mates with a second corresponding side on another of the mobile device case or the monitor device case to position the mobile device case and the monitor device case in a second predetermined configuration.

[00369] Embodiment 10:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-9: wherein the first predetermined configuration comprises a flat configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a same plane; and

wherein the second predetermined configuration comprises a notebook configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are at an angle of at least 90 degrees relative to one another.

[00370] Embodiment 11 :

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-10:

wherein the magnet is cylindrical and the multi-sided covering at least partly encircles the magnet.

[00371] Embodiment 12:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-11:

wherein the covering fully encircles the magnet.

[00372] Embodiment 13 :

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-12:

wherein the multi-sided magnetic structure forms a convex structure; and

wherein the first corresponding side and the second corresponding side form a concave structure.

[00373] Embodiment 14:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-13:

wherein the second corresponding side is metallic.

[00374] Embodiment 15:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-12:

wherein the multi-sided magnetic structure includes a first magnet and comprises a convex structure; and

wherein the first corresponding side and the second corresponding side are part of a second multisided magnetic structure forming the convex structure with a second magnet of opposite polarity to the first magnet.

[00375] Embodiment 16:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-15:

wherein magnetic attraction generated by the multi-sided magnetic structure causes sufficient attraction between the mobile device case and the monitor device case so that the mobile device case and the monitor device case remain adjacent to one another when transitioning from the flat configuration to the notebook configuration.

[00376] Embodiment 17:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-16:

wherein one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case includes a plurality of protrusions in order to configure the monitor device case and the mobile device case in: (i) a flat configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a same plane; and (ii) a notebook configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are at an angle of at least 25 degrees relative to one another.

[00377] Embodiment 18: The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-17:

wherein the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device case includes a plurality of insets that mate with the plurality of protrusions in order to configure the monitor device case and the mobile device case in the flat configuration and the notebook configuration.

[00378] Embodiment 19:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-18:

wherein the plurality of protrusions on the one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case comprise a first plurality of protrusions;

wherein the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device case includes a second plurality of protrusions between which valleys are formed; and

wherein the first plurality of protrusions mate with the valleys in order to configure the monitor device case and the mobile device case in the flat configuration and the notebook configuration.

[00379] Embodiment 20:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 1-19:

wherein one of the monitor device or the mobile device includes a magnet covering that covers portions of the magnet but not an entirety of the magnet;

wherein the other of the mobile device case or the monitor device case includes a metallic material or an opposite polarity magnet of opposite polarity to the magnet;

wherein the portions of magnet covered reduce attraction to the metallic material or the opposite magnet of opposite polarity;

wherein other portions of the magnet that are not covered by the magnet covering comprise holes in the magnet covering where the magnet is attracted to the metallic material or the opposite polarity magnet; and

wherein positioning of the holes in the magnet covering are such that the monitor device-mobile device case are positioned in the plurality of predetermined configurations.

[00380] Embodiment 21 :

A monitor device-mobile device case comprising:

a monitor device case configured to at least partly encase a monitor device, the monitor device including a monitor device display; and

a mobile device case configured to at least partly encase a mobile device, the mobile device including a mobile device display;

wherein the monitor device case and the mobile device case each include one or both of a magnetic element or a mechanical element in order to configure the monitor device case and the mobile device case relative to one another in a plurality of predetermined configurations including:

a flat configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a same plane; and

a notebook configuration wherein a surface of the mobile device case configured to receive the mobile device and a surface of the monitor device case configured to receive the monitor device, relative to one another, form an angle of at least 25 degrees. [00381] Embodiment 22 :

The monitor device-mobile device case of embodiment 21 :

wherein the monitor device-mobile device case is moved from the flat configuration to the notebook configuration without detachment of the monitor device case from the mobile device case.

[00382] Embodiment 23 :

The monitor device-mobile device case of embodiment 21 or 22:

wherein the plurality of predetermined configurations further includes:

a tent configuration wherein the surface of the mobile device case configured to receive the mobile device and the surface of the monitor device case configured to receive the monitor device, relative to one another, form an angle of between 225 degrees and 335 degrees.

[00383] Embodiment 24:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 21-23 :

wherein the monitor device-mobile device case is moved from the notebook configuration to the tent configuration without detachment of the monitor device case from the mobile device case.

[00384] Embodiment 25:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 21-24:

wherein the plurality of predetermined configurations further includes:

a back-to-back configuration wherein the surface of the mobile device case configured to receive the mobile device and the surface of the monitor device case configured to receive the monitor device face in opposite directions.

[00385] Embodiment 26:

The monitor device-mobile device case of any of embodiments 21-25:

wherein the monitor device-mobile device case is moved from the tent configuration to the back- to-back configuration without detachment of the monitor device case from the mobile device case.

[00386] Embodiment 27 :

A mobile device case comprising:

a platform configured for attachment to a mobile device; and

a magnetic strip positioned relative to the platform such that when the platform is attached to the mobile device, the magnetic strip is proximate to a side of the mobile device, the magnetic strip comprising a plurality of sides and one or more magnets positioned to produce magnetic fields on a surface of each of the plurality of sides so that when the platform is attached to the mobile device, a mating case is in a plurality of discrete configurations;

wherein the platform comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the magnetic strip in one or both of a longitudinal direction or a transverse direction of the mobile device.

[00387] Embodiment 28:

The mobile device case of embodiment 27:

wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the magnetic strip in both of the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction of the mobile device.

[00388] Embodiment 29: The mobile device case of embodiment 27 or 28:

wherein the mating case comprises a ferromagnetic metal.

[00389] Embodiment 30:

The mobile device case of any of embodiments 27-29:

wherein the magnetic strip comprises a first magnetic strip that includes a plurality of magnets; and

wherein the mating case comprises a second magnetic strip configured to mate with the plurality of magnets on the first magnetic strip.

[00390] Embodiment 31 :

A method for establishing a farther-field communication channel between a first mobile device and a second mobile device, the method comprising:

establishing a nearer-field communication channel between the first mobile device and the second mobile device;

transmitting, via the nearer-field communication channel between the first mobile device and the second mobile device, information in order to establish the farther-field communication channel in realtime between the first mobile device and the second mobile device;

responsive to transmitting the information and in real-time, establishing the farther-field communication channel between the first mobile device and the second mobile device using the information;

transmitting, via the nearer-field communication channel, update information in order to determine whether to update the farther-field communication channel; and

responsive to determining to update the farther-field communication channel, updating in realtime the farther-field communication channel using the update information.

[00391] Embodiment 32:

The method of embodiment 31 :

wherein the nearer-field communication channel establishes a personal area network between the first mobile device and the second mobile device;

wherein the farther-field communication channel establishes a local area network that is not cloud- based between the first mobile device and the second mobile device; and

wherein the nearer-field communication channel communicates over a shorter distance than the farther-field communication channel.

[00392] Embodiment 33 :

The method of embodiment 31 or 32:

wherein the nearer-field communication channel comprises a Bluetooth^®-based communication channel; and

wherein the farther-field communication channel comprises a Wi-Fi-based communication channel.

[00393] Embodiment 34:

The method of any of embodiments 31-33 : wherein transmitting update information in order to determine whether to update the farther-field communication channel comprises the first mobile device sending, via the Bluetooth^®-based

communication channel, a heartbeat signal indicative of one or more changes to the Wi-Fi-based communication channel; and

wherein updating in real-time the Wi-Fi-based communication channel comprises modifying at least one aspect of the Wi-Fi-based communication channel to change any one, any combination, or all of a port, an access point, an SSID, or security information in order to maintain a WI-FI peer-to-peer connection in real-time without interruption of the WI-FI peer-to-peer connection as perceived by a user of one or both of the first mobile device or the second mobile device.

[00394] Embodiment 35:

The method of any of embodiments 31-34:

wherein configuration data is for configuring the Wi-Fi-based communication channel;

wherein user data is for use by a user of one or both of the first mobile device or the second mobile device;

wherein the Wi-Fi-based communication channel transmits more of the user data than the Bluetooth^® -based communication channel; and

wherein the Wi-Fi-based communication channel transmits less of the configuration data than the Bhietooth^®-based communication channel.

[00395] Embodiment 36:

The method of any of embodiments 31-35:

wherein the Wi-Fi-based communication channel transmits all of the user data and the Bluetooth^®- based communication channel transmits none of the user data; and

wherein the Wi-Fi-based communication channel transmits none of the configuration data the Bhietooth^®-based communication channel transmits all of the configuration data.

[00396] Embodiment 37:

The method of any of embodiments 31-36:

wherein the information transmitted in order to establish the farther-field communication channel between the first mobile device and the second mobile device comprises one or both of SSID information or security information.

[00397] Embodiment 38:

The method of any of embodiments 31-37:

wherein the information transmitted in order to establish the farther-field communication channel between the first mobile device and the second mobile device comprises port information.

[00398] Embodiment 39:

The method of any of embodiments 31-38:

further comprising:

transmitting, by the first mobile device with at least a part of a farther-field access point, a request to open a port in order to establish a non-cloud based local area network; and responsive to transmitting the request, receiving, via the farther-field access point, port information indicative of an open port; and

wherein the first mobile device transmits via the nearer-field communication channel the port information to the second mobile device in order to establish the farther-field communication channel between the first mobile device and the second mobile device.

[00399] Embodiment 40:

The method of any of embodiments 31-39:

wherein the update information is indicative of changing at least one aspect of the local area network; and

wherein responsive to determining to update the farther-field communication channel, updating in real-time the farther-field communication channel using the changed at least one aspect of the local area network.

[00400] Embodiment 41 :

The method of any of embodiments 31-40:

wherein the first mobile device includes cellular communication functionality; and

wherein responsive to determining that the local area network is unable to be maintained, notifying, via the personal area network, the second mobile device to cease communicating via the local area network and communicate with the Internet via the cellular communication functionality of the updating in real-time the farther-field communication channel using the changed at least one aspect of the local area network.

[00401] Embodiment 42 :

A method for streaming content to a monitor device, the monitor device paired to a mobile device via one or both of a personal area network or a local area network, the method comprising:

receiving, via an application executed by and resident on the mobile device, an indication of authorization to receive protected content;

transmitting, from the mobile device to a content server, the indication of authorization to receive the protected content, the content server reviewing the indication of authorization in order to determine, at a server level, whether to transmit the protected content to the mobile device for output on the monitor device paired to the mobile device;

responsive to transmitting the indication of authorization to receive the protected content, receiving, by the mobile device, the protected content;

determining, by the app on the mobile device and at a local level, whether the monitor device paired with the mobile device is entitled to receive any content from the mobile device; and

responsive to receiving the protected content and to determining that the monitor device is entitled to receive any content from the mobile device, transmitting, from the mobile device, the protected content to the monitor device.

[00402] Embodiment 43 :

The method of embodiment 42: wherein the protected content is transmitted from the mobile device to the monitor device via an encrypted channel.

[00403] Embodiment 44:

The method of embodiment 42 or 43 :

wherein the indication of authorization to receive protected content comprises a one-time password.

[00404] Embodiment 45:

The method of any of embodiments 42-44:

wherein the one-time password is received from the monitor device.

[00405] Embodiment 46:

The method of any of embodiments 42-45:

wherein the one-time password is received via the app on the mobile device.

[00406] Embodiment 47 :

The method of any of embodiments 42-46:

wherein the app determines whether the monitor device paired with the mobile device is entitled to receive any content from the mobile device prior to receiving the indication of authorization to receive protected content.

[00407] Embodiment 48:

The method of any of embodiments 42-47:

wherein the app determines whether the monitor device paired with the mobile device is entitled to receive any content from the mobile device responsive to the mobile device receiving the protected content.

[00408] Embodiment 49:

The method of any of embodiments 42-48:

wherein the app on the mobile device determines whether the monitor device paired with the mobile device is entitled to receive any content from the mobile device by validating a key locally stored and received from the monitor device.

[00409] Embodiment 50:

A non-transitory computer-readable medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a mobile device, the software including instructions, when executed by one or more processors on the mobile device, causing performance of a method comprising:

communicating, via the mobile device, with an external server to obtain information;

accessing sensor data from one or more sensors resident on the mobile device in order to determine a status or a configuration of the mobile device;

communicating, via the mobile device, with a monitor device in order for the monitor device to verify the software or for the software to verify the monitor device and in order to establish an encryption channel using a session key, the monitor device being separate from the mobile device and reversibly attached to at least a part of the mobile device or housed in a common case;

generating, based on the information, a communication for transmission to the monitor device; encrypting the communication with the session key; and

transmitting, via the mobile device, the encrypted communication to the monitor device for output via the monitor device,

wherein the communication is generated based on the sensor data or the transmission of the encrypted communication is responsive to the sensor data.

[00410] Embodiment 51 :

The computer-readable medium of embodiment 50:

wherein the monitor device is reversibly attached to the mobile device via a monitor device/mobile device case;

wherein the information comprises location-based advertising of an establishment;

wherein the sensor data accessed is indicative of a location of the mobile device; and wherein transmission to the monitor device of the encrypted communication is responsive to proximity of the location of the mobile device to the establishment.

[00411] Embodiment 52:

The computer-readable medium of embodiment 50 or 51 :

wherein the sensor data accessed is indicative of an orientation or a position of the mobile device; and

wherein the communication is generated based on the orientation of the mobile device or the transmission to the monitor device of the encrypted communication is responsive to the position of the mobile device.

[00412] Embodiment 53 :

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-52:

wherein the sensor data is indicative of whether the mobile device is oriented in landscape or portrait; and

wherein the communication generated for output on the monitor device is based on the sensor data is indicative of whether the mobile device is oriented in landscape or portrait.

[00413] Embodiment 54:

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-53:

wherein the sensor data is indicative of whether a back face of the mobile device is facing a user of the mobile device; and

wherein the transmission of the encrypted communication is responsive to identifying that the sensor data is indicative that the back face of the mobile device is facing the user of the mobile device.

[00414] Embodiment 55 :

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-54:

wherein the information comprises advertising of an establishment;

wherein the status is indicative of an internal event of the mobile device;

wherein responsive to identifying the internal event of the mobile device:

generating the communication indicative of the internal event and including the advertising of the establishment; encrypting the communication; and

transmitting the encrypted communication to the monitor device for output on the monitor device indicating the internal event and the advertising of the establishment.

[00415] Embodiment 56 :

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-55:

wherein the internal event comprises a low battery warning of the mobile device.

[00416] Embodiment 57:

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-56:

wherein the information comprises advertising of an establishment;

wherein the status is indicative of an external event of the mobile device;

wherein responsive to identifying the external event of the mobile device:

generating the communication indicative of the external event and including the advertising of the establishment;

encrypting the communication; and

transmitting the encrypted communication to the monitor device for output on the monitor device indicating the external event and the advertising of the establishment.

[00417] Embodiment 58 :

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-57:

wherein the external event comprises the mobile device receiving an external telephone call or a text message.

[00418] Embodiment 59 :

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-58:

further comprising sensing whether the mobile device is performing or not performing an activity; and

responsive to determining whether the mobile device is performing or not performing an activity, transmitting the encrypted communication to the monitor device for output.

[00419] Embodiment 60 :

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-59:

wherein the activity comprises the mobile device playing a video; and

responsive to determining that the mobile device has stopped playing the video, transmitting the encrypted communication to the monitor device for output.

[00420] Embodiment 61 :

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-60:

wherein the activity comprises the mobile device conducting a telephone call; and

responsive to determining that the mobile device has stopped conducting the telephone call, transmitting the encrypted communication to the monitor device for output.

[00421] Embodiment 62 :

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-61: wherein the software communicates with the monitor device for the monitor device to verify the software and to establish the session key for the encryption channel.

[00422] Embodiment 63 :

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-62:

wherein the information comprises an advertisement;

further comprising:

responsive to transmitting the encrypted communication to the monitor device, receiving feedback from a user of the monitor device; and

determining whether to send a future advertisement to the user of the monitor device based on the feedback.

[00423] Embodiment 64:

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-63:

wherein the feedback is indicative of a like or dislike of the advertisement.

[00424] Embodiment 65:

The computer-readable medium of any of embodiments 50-64:

wherein communicating with the external server is via a non-Bluetooth communication protocol; and

wherein transmitting the encrypted communication to the monitor device is via Bluetooth.

[00425] Embodiment 66:

A monitor device comprising:

a housing configured for removable connection to a mobile device;

a communication interface configured to communicate via Bluetooth or other near-field communication protocol with the mobile device;

verification functionality configured to verify a software app resident on the mobile device; decryption functionality configured to decrypt communications sent from the software app resident in the mobile device; and

a touchscreen configured to receive input.

[00426] Embodiment 67 :

The monitor device of embodiment 66:

wherein the housing includes an adhesive to connect directly or indirectly to the mobile device.

[00427] Embodiment 69:

The monitor device of embodiment 66 or 67 :

wherein the communication interface is configured to receive an advertisement from the monitor device;

wherein the touchscreen is configured to:

output the advertisement; and

receive feedback from a user of the monitor device, the feedback indicative of liking or disliking the advertisement; and wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit the feedback to the monitor device in order to tailor selection of future advertisements to send to the monitor device.

[00428] Embodiment 69:

The monitor device of any of embodiments 66-68:

wherein the housing configured for removable connection to the mobile device comprises a monitor device case configured to connect with the mobile device or a mobile device case.

[00429] Embodiment 70:

A method for operating a mobile device and a monitor device paired to the mobile device, the method comprising:

accessing, by the mobile device, a weblink;

causing the weblink to be accessed by the monitor device such that the weblink is transferred to the monitor device via an encrypted channel established between the mobile device and the monitor device for near-field communication; and

using, by the monitor device, the weblink in order to generate output on a display on the monitor device.

[00430] Embodiment 71 :

The method of embodiment 70:

wherein the mobile device is configured to cause the weblink to be accessed by the monitor device by:

storing the weblink in a folder on the mobile device, thereby causing the monitor device, using a listener that monitors data stored in the folder, to pull the weblink from the folder on the mobile device.

Claims

1. A monitor device-mobile device case comprising:

2. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 1, wherein one of the first magnetic attraction element or the second magnetic attraction element comprises the magnets;

a first magnet in a first orientation configured to increase magnetic attraction between the mobile device case and the monitor device case so that the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a first predetermined configuration relative to one another; and

a second magnet in a second orientation configured to increase the magnetic attraction between the mobile device case and the monitor device case so that the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a second predetermined configuration relative to one another, the first predetermined configuration being different than the second predetermined configuration, the second orientation being at a different angle than the first orientation.

3. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 2, wherein the different angle is at least 25 degrees.

4. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 3, wherein the first predetermined configuration comprises a flat configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a same plane;

5. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 4, wherein the second predetermined configuration comprises a notebook configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case, relative to one another, are at the different angle;

6. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 5, wherein the monitor device comprises a monitor device display;

wherein the mobile device comprises a mobile device display; and

wherein the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in the notebook configuration when a perpendicular from the monitor device display when the monitor device is in the monitor device case and a perpendicular from the mobile device display when the mobile device is in the mobile device case form a notebook angle, the notebook angle being predefined to be a single angle between 40 degrees and 125 degrees.

7. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 5, wherein the monitor device comprises a monitor device display;

wherein the mobile device comprises a mobile device display;

further comprising a third magnet oriented to be at the tent predetermined angle relative to the orientation of the first magnet; and wherein the other of the mobile device case or monitor device case includes a third opposing magnet of opposite polarity to the third magnet and oriented to be at the tent predetermined angle relative to the orientation of the first opposing magnet so that a maximum area of contact between the third magnet and the third opposing magnet is when the monitor device-mobile device case is in the tent configuration.

8. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 5, wherein one of the mobile device case or the monitor device case includes the multi-sided magnetic structure;

9. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 1, wherein one of the mobile device case or the monitor device case includes the multi-sided magnetic structure;

10. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 9, wherein the first predetermined configuration comprises a flat configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a same plane; and

11. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 10, wherein the magnet is cylindrical and the multi-sided covering at least partly encircles the magnet.

12. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 11, wherein the covering fully encircles the magnet.

13. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 9, wherein the multi-sided magnetic structure forms a convex structure; and

14. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 13, wherein the second corresponding side is metallic.

15. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 9, wherein the multi-sided magnetic structure includes a first magnet and comprises a convex structure; and

16. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 10, wherein magnetic attraction generated by the multi-sided magnetic structure causes sufficient attraction between the mobile device case and the monitor device case so that the mobile device case and the monitor device case remain adjacent to one another when transitioning from the flat configuration to the notebook configuration.

17. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 1, wherein one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case includes a plurality of protrusions in order to configure the monitor device case and the mobile device case in: (i) a flat configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are in a same plane; and (ii) a notebook configuration in which the mobile device case and the monitor device case are at an angle of at least 25 degrees relative to one another.

18. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 17, wherein the other of the monitor device case or the mobile device case includes a plurality of insets that mate with the plurality of protrusions in order to configure the monitor device case and the mobile device case in the flat configuration and the notebook configuration.

19. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 17, wherein the plurality of protrusions on the one of the monitor device case or the mobile device case comprise a first plurality of protrusions;

20. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 1, wherein one of the monitor device or the mobile device includes a magnet covering that covers portions of the magnet but not an entirety of the magnet;

21. A monitor device-mobile device case comprising:

a monitor device case configured to at least partly encase a monitor device, the monitor device including a monitor device display; and a mobile device case configured to at least partly encase a mobile device, the mobile device including a mobile device display;

a notebook configuration wherein a surface of the mobile device case configured to receive the mobile device and a surface of the monitor device case configured to receive the monitor device, relative to one another, form an angle of at least 25 degrees.

22. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 21, wherein the monitor device-mobile device case is moved from the flat configuration to the notebook configuration without detachment of the monitor device case from the mobile device case.

23. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 22, wherein the plurality of predetermined configurations further includes:

24. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 23, wherein the monitor device-mobile device case is moved from the notebook configuration to the tent configuration without detachment of the monitor device case from the mobile device case.

25. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 24, wherein the plurality of predetermined configurations further includes:

26. The monitor device-mobile device case of claim 25, wherein the monitor device-mobile device case is moved from the tent configuration to the back-to-back configuration without detachment of the monitor device case from the mobile device case.

27. A mobile device case comprising:

a platform configured for attachment to a mobile device; and

28. The mobile device case of claim 27, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the magnetic strip in both of the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction of the mobile device.

29. The mobile device case of claim 28, wherein the mating case comprises a ferromagnetic metal.

30. The mobile device case of claim 28, wherein the magnetic strip comprises a first magnetic strip that includes a plurality of magnets; and

31. A method for establishing a farther-field communication channel between a first mobile device and a second mobile device, the method comprising:

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the nearer-field communication channel establishes a personal area network between the first mobile device and the second mobile device;

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the nearer-field communication channel comprises a

Bluetooth^® -based communication channel; and

34. The method of claim 33, wherein transmitting update information in order to determine whether to update the farther-field communication channel comprises the first mobile device sending, via the Bluetooth^®-based communication channel, a heartbeat signal indicative of one or more changes to the WiFi-based communication channel; and

35. The method of claim 34, wherein configuration data is for configuring the Wi-Fi-based communication channel;

wherein the Wi-Fi-based communication channel transmits less of the configuration data than the Bluetooth^®-based communication channel.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the Wi-Fi-based communication channel transmits all of the user data and the Bhietooth^®-based communication channel transmits none of the user data; and

37. The method of claim 32, wherein the information transmitted in order to establish the farther-field communication channel between the first mobile device and the second mobile device comprises one or both of SSID information or security information.

38. The method of claim 32, wherein the information transmitted in order to establish the farther-field communication channel between the first mobile device and the second mobile device comprises port information.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising:

transmitting, by the first mobile device with at least a part of a farther-field access point, a request to open a port in order to establish a non-cloud based local area network; and

responsive to transmitting the request, receiving, via the farther-field access point, port information indicative of an open port; and

40. The method of claim 32, wherein the update information is indicative of changing at least one aspect of the local area network; and

41. The method of claim 32, wherein the first mobile device includes cellular communication functionality; and

42. A method for streaming content to a monitor device, the monitor device paired to a mobile device via one or both of a personal area network or a local area network, the method comprising:

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the protected content is transmitted from the mobile device to the monitor device via an encrypted channel.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the indication of authorization to receive protected content comprises a one-time password.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the one-time password is received from the monitor device.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein the one-time password is received via the app on the mobile device.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the app determines whether the monitor device paired with the mobile device is entitled to receive any content from the mobile device prior to receiving the indication of authorization to receive protected content.

48. The method of claim 43, wherein the app determines whether the monitor device paired with the mobile device is entitled to receive any content from the mobile device responsive to the mobile device receiving the protected content.

49. The method of claim 43, wherein the app on the mobile device determines whether the monitor device paired with the mobile device is entitled to receive any content from the mobile device by validating a key locally stored and received from the monitor device.

50. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having data stored therein representing software executable by a mobile device, the software including instructions, when executed by one or more processors on the mobile device, causing performance of a method comprising:

accessing sensor data from one or more sensors resident on the mobile device in order to determine a status or a configuration of the mobile device; communicating, via the mobile device, with a monitor device in order for the monitor device to verify the software or for the software to verify the monitor device and in order to establish an encryption channel using a session key, the monitor device being separate from the mobile device and reversibly attached to at least a part of the mobile device or housed in a common case;

51. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the monitor device is reversibly attached to the mobile device via a monitor device/mobile device case;

52. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the sensor data accessed is indicative of an orientation or a position of the mobile device; and

53. The computer-readable medium of claim 52, wherein the sensor data is indicative of whether the mobile device is oriented in landscape or portrait; and

54. The computer-readable medium of claim 52, wherein the sensor data is indicative of whether a back face of the mobile device is facing a user of the mobile device; and

55. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the information comprises advertising of an establishment;

wherein the status is indicative of an internal event of the mobile device;

wherein responsive to identifying the internal event of the mobile device:

generating the communication indicative of the internal event and including the advertising of the establishment;

encrypting the communication; and

56. The computer-readable medium of claim 55, wherein the internal event comprises a low battery warning of the mobile device.

57. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the information comprises advertising of an establishment;

wherein the status is indicative of an external event of the mobile device;

wherein responsive to identifying the external event of the mobile device:

encrypting the communication; and

58. The computer-readable medium of claim 57, wherein the external event comprises the mobile device receiving an external telephone call or a text message.

59. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, further comprising sensing whether the mobile device is performing or not performing an activity; and

60. The computer-readable medium of claim 59, wherein the activity comprises the mobile device playing a video; and

61. The computer-readable medium of claim 59, wherein the activity comprises the mobile device conducting a telephone call; and

62. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the software communicates with the monitor device for the monitor device to verify the software and to establish the session key for the encryption channel.

63. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein the information comprises an advertisement; further comprising:

64. The computer-readable medium of claim 63, wherein the feedback is indicative of a like or dislike of the advertisement.

65. The computer-readable medium of claim 50, wherein communicating with the external server is via a non-Bluetooth communication protocol; and

66. A monitor device comprising:

a housing configured for removable connection to a mobile device;

a touchscreen configured to receive input.

67. The monitor device of claim 66, wherein the housing includes an adhesive to connect directly or indirectly to the mobile device.

68. The monitor device of claim 66, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive an advertisement from the monitor device;

wherein the touchscreen is configured to:

output the advertisement; and

receive feedback from a user of the monitor device, the feedback indicative of liking or disliking the advertisement; and

wherein the communication interface is configured to transmit the feedback to the monitor device in order to tailor selection of future advertisements to send to the monitor device.

69. The monitor device of claim 66, wherein the housing configured for removable connection to the mobile device comprises a monitor device case configured to connect with the mobile device or a mobile device case.

70. A method for operating a mobile device and a monitor device paired to the mobile device, the method comprising:

accessing, by the mobile device, a weblink;

71. The method of claim 70, wherein the mobile device is configured to cause the weblink to be accessed by the monitor device by: