Integrated visual notification system in an accessory device

• US 9,104,371 B2
• Filed: 12/07/2012
• Issued: 08/11/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 12/07/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Sartee, Jared, Wodrich, Justin
• Primary Examiner(s): Obiniyi, Paul
• Application Number:
  US13/708,833
• Publication Number:
  US 20140159867A1
• Time in Patent Office: 977 Days
• Field of Search: 340/6.1, 340/6.11, 340/815.4, 340/815.43, 340/815.44, 340/815.45, 335/219, 335/156, 335/168, 335/173, 335/174, 361/679.01, 361/679.02, 361/679.26, 361/679.3, 361/679.41
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/00 Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 specially adapted for toiletry or cosmetic equipment A45D29/20, A45D44/18; travelling sewing kits A45F3/48
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/003 for portable computing devices, e.g. laptop, tablet, netbook, game boy, navigation system, calculator
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1634 Integrated protective display lid, e.g. for touch-sensitive display in handheld computer
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 5/36 using visible light sources

Abstract

The described embodiments relate generally to an accessory device for a tablet device. The accessory device takes the form of a flexible screen protector that can be disposed over a display portion of the tablet device. Because the flexible screen protector covers the display of the tablet there is no visual way for the tablet to provide notifications to the user while the screen protector overlays it. By providing a data and power connection between the tablet and the accessory device, the processor of the tablet device can command illumination elements disposed in the accessory device to be illuminated in any of a number of illumination states. Each of the illumination states can be associated with an operating state of the tablet device thereby allowing the tablet device to visually communicate operating state information while the display is covered.

Claims

1. An accessory device configured to be detachably coupled with a host device having a display, the accessory device comprising:

a flexible flap having a size and shape in accordance with the display of the host device, the flexible flap having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the flexible flap further having a partially transparent portion that allows light emanating from a corresponding portion of the display of the host device to pass through the partially transparent portion;

a plurality of illumination elements disposed across the flexible flap; and

a connector configured to receive electrical power from an electrical distribution system of the host device and a control signal from a processor of the host device that directs one or more of the plurality of illumination elements to coordinate with each other to provide an illumination state that at least forms a word across the first surface of the accessory device comprising the operating state of the host device, the illumination state corresponding to an operating state of the host device;

wherein;

the control signal directs the one or more of the plurality of illumination elements to provide an illumination state defined by light emanating from the one or more of the plurality of illumination elements being visible through both the first surface and second surface of the flexible flap, and

when the flexible flap covers the display and when the operating state is a low power state corresponding to a power state less than a pre-defined threshold, the flexible flap is configured to stop receiving power from the host device, and the light passing through the partially transparent portion defines an indication signaling the low power state of the host device after the flexible flap stops receiving the power.

2. The accessory device as recited in claim 1, wherein the operating state is a low battery charge level.

3. The accessory device as recited in claim 1, wherein the operating state is a receipt of high priority message receipt.

4. The accessory device as recited in claim 1, wherein the connector of the accessory device is magnetically coupled to an electrical connector of the host device.

5. The accessory device as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of illumination elements are embedded within the accessory device and not visible unless illuminated.

6. The accessory device as recited in claim 1, wherein the illumination state is configured to allow the one or more of the plurality of the illumination elements to form a shape across the first surface of the accessory device.

7. The accessory device as recited in claim 1, wherein the illumination state comprises sequential illumination of the one or more of the plurality of illumination elements.

8. The accessory device as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more of the plurality of illumination elements can only be illuminated while the second surface of the flexible flap is in direct contact with the display of the host device.

9. The accessory device as recited in claim 1, wherein the illumination state is configured to allow the one or more of the plurality of the illumination elements to form a symbol across the first surface of the accessory device.