U.S. patent application number 14/311883 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-22 for customized content for electronic devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Teodor Davov, Fletcher Rothkopf.
Application Number | 20150022324 14/311883 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47144094 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150022324 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rothkopf; Fletcher ; et
al. |
January 22, 2015 |
Customized Content for Electronic Devices
Abstract
A method for providing customized content to an electronic
device. The method may include activating the electronic device
through a packaging that substantially surrounds the electronic
device, without substantially damaging or removing the packaging.
Once the device is activating, connecting the electronic device to
a content and providing the content to the electronic device
without substantially damaging or removing the packaging.
Inventors: |
Rothkopf; Fletcher; (Los
Altos, CA) ; Davov; Teodor; (San Francisco,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47144094 |
Appl. No.: |
14/311883 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13248950 |
Sep 29, 2011 |
8762704 |
|
|
14311883 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/10.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 7/10128 20130101;
G06K 7/10366 20130101; G06F 1/1628 20130101; G06F 9/445 20130101;
G06F 1/181 20130101; H01H 36/00 20130101; G06F 1/1626 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/10.3 |
International
Class: |
G06K 7/10 20060101
G06K007/10 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A packaged electronic device, comprising: an electronic device
comprising a sensor; and a retail package surrounding the
electronic device; wherein the sensor is configured to sense a
device outside the package that is in proximity with the electronic
device, and wherein the packaged electronic device changes from a
deactivated state to an activated state in response to the sensor
sensing a characteristic of the outside device.
22. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the
characteristic is an electronic identifier of the outside
device.
23. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the sensor
is configured to sense an electronic identifier of the outside
device, and wherein the packaged electronic device changes to the
activated state in response to a determination that the electronic
identifier of the outside device matches a predetermined electronic
identifier of the electronic device.
24. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the sensor
is configured to sense an electronic identifier of an RFID tag of
the outside device, and wherein the packaged electronic device
changes to the activated state in response to a determination that
the electronic identifier of the RFID tag matches a predetermined
electronic identifier of the electronic device.
25. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the
characteristic is proximity of the outside device to the
sensor.
26. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the
characteristic is proximity of the outside device to the sensor
within a predetermined proximity.
27. The packaged electronic device of claim 26, wherein the
predetermined proximity is based on a signal strength sensed by the
sensor.
28. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the sensor
is a coil and is configured to sense an induction coil of the
outside device, and wherein the packaged electronic device changes
to the activated state in response to a current induced in its
induction coil by the induction coil of the outside device.
29. The packaged electronic device of claim 28, wherein the coil of
the sensor is a coil of a speaker of the electronic device.
30. The packaged electronic device of claim 28, wherein the coil of
the sensor is a coil of a microphone of the electronic device.
31. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the first
electronic device receives content wirelessly from a second
electronic device when in the activated state.
32. The packaged electronic device of claim 21, wherein the first
electronic device receives content wirelessly from a second
electronic device when in the activated state, without physical
access to the first electronic device by the second electronic
device.
33. Packaging for an electronic device, the packaging comprising:
an outer wall defining a cavity for receiving an electronic device;
an electrical source disposed within the cavity, for transmitting
electrical signals to the electronic device; wherein the outer wall
defines an access aperture, and wherein the electrical source is
electrically coupled to a receiving port disposed at the access
aperture, for receiving a connector.
34. The packaging of claim 33, wherein the electrical source is
configured to transmit signals to the electronic device by a wired
connection.
35. The packaging of claim 33, further comprising the electronic
device, wherein the electronic device comprises a coil for
producing a current induced by an induction coil outside the
electronic device while the electronic device is contained within
the packaging.
36. The packaging of claim 33, further comprising the electronic
device, wherein the electrical source extends from the access
aperture to a surface of the electronic device.
37. The packaging of claim 33, wherein the outer wall comprises at
least one of a bottom wall, a side wall, or a top wall.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional
application No. 13/248,950, filed Sep, 29, 2011, which is expressly
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to electronic
devices and more specifically, to providing content to electronic
devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Electronic devices such as digital music players, video
players, smart phones, mobile gaming devices, laptops, and so on
may include a variety of content such as music files, video files,
applications, and so on. These electronic devices may often be sold
in stores, online, or other retailers in packaging. The packaging
may protect the electronic devices from damage during shipping,
storage, and so on, as well as enhance attractiveness to consumers
and/or reduce the likelihood of shoplifting. Prior to a particular
electronic device being removed from its packaging, the content on
the device typically is not customized. In other words, every
electronic device of a particular model, if it includes any
content, usually includes the same content. This is because it may
be extremely time consuming and prohibitively expensive to
customize content for each specific electronic device prior to
packaging, as each device need to be accessed individually, slowing
manufacturing, shipping, and other processes.
SUMMARY
[0004] Examples of embodiments described herein may take the form
of a method for providing customized content to an electronic
device. The method may include activating the electronic device
through a package that substantially surrounds the electronic
device, without substantially damaging or removing the package.
Once the device is activated, connecting the electronic device to
content and providing the content to the electronic device without
substantially damaging or removing the package.
[0005] Other embodiments may take the form of a method for
individualizing content on an electronic device enclosed with a
package. The method may include connecting a data connector in the
electronic device through the package. Once the data connector has
been connected to the electronic device, transferring content from
a computer to the electronic device and disconnecting the
electronic device from the data connector.
[0006] Still other embodiments may include a system for packaging
an electronic device. The system includes an electronic device and
a package. The electronic device includes a processor and an
enclosure at least partially surrounding the processor and defining
an input port. The package substantially surrounds the electronic
device and at least partially protects debris from encountering the
electronic device. The package includes an access aperture
substantially aligned with the input port, where the access
aperture is configured to receive a connector for communicating
with the electronic device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic
device.
[0008] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the electronic device of FIG.
1A.
[0009] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the electronic device
substantially enclosed in a package.
[0010] FIG. 2B is a bottom plan view of the electronic device
substantially enclosed in the package.
[0011] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the electronic device
substantially enclosed in the package and including a temporary
cover over an access aperture in the package.
[0012] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the electronic device
substantially enclosed in the package with a connector positioned
substantially beneath the access aperture.
[0013] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the electronic device
substantially enclosed in the package with the connector inserted
through the access aperture and connected to the electronic
device.
[0014] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
package for enclosing the electronic device.
[0015] FIG. 4B is a bottom plan view of the package enclosing the
electronic device of FIG. 4A.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 4A with
the connector in communication with the electronic device.
[0017] FIG. 6A is another embodiment of an electronic device in a
package.
[0018] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a controller positioned
over the package and the electronic device of FIG. 6A.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for providing
custom content to the electronic device.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a user using a second computing
device to provide custom content and a label for the electronic
device.
SPECIFICATION
[0021] Some embodiments described herein may take the form of
various methods and devices for providing customized content to
electronic devices without removing the electronic devices from the
packaging. As described herein "content" refers to any type of
software, firmware, or electronic files, such as but not limited
to, data files, operating systems, software or firmware updates,
music files, images, videos, and so on. In one embodiment, a
package for electronic devices includes a connection or access
aperture that may substantially aligned with an input port or other
port for the device. In this embodiment, the access aperture is
configured to receive a connector therethrough, and the connector
may electronically connect to the device through the packaging.
Once the device is connected to the connector, a user may
selectively choose content to be downloaded or associated with the
device.
[0022] In another embodiment, the package may include an embedded
or temporary connector that may include a connection port
accessible through the packaging. In this embodiment, the temporary
connector may be made of a relatively disposable or inexpensive
material, one example of which is cardboard with copper wiring
attached thereto, or another similar type of temporary connector
mechanism. The temporary connector may be positioned in the
packaging so as to be in communication with the device. An external
connector may then connect to the device through the temporary
connector. Once the connector is attached, a user may select
content to be downloaded or associated with the device.
[0023] In yet another embodiment, the device may be activated
wirelessly and data may be transmitted wirelessly through the
package. For example, the device may be turned on physically by
using a controller, such as a magnetic controller, that may
displace the power switch from a first position to a second
position. In another example, the controller may include a radio
frequency identification (RFID) tag that may be used to activate
the device. In another example, the device may include a sensor and
may activate itself when a particular motion, sound, light, or
image is sensed. The device may also be activated by inducing a
current in the device through a magnetic coil or the like. Once the
device is activated, the user may select content to be downloaded
or associated with the device.
[0024] The user may select content from another computing device,
such as a computer or kiosk, or may select content from a wireless
source (e.g., cloud storage, local or online retailer, and the
like). The content may be downloaded directly to the device through
the package, or may be associated with the device, e.g., through a
serial number of the device, gift card identification, user name,
or other identification code. Additionally or alternatively, the
user may select to delete content from the device, rather than add
content to the device. In other examples, the content may be
created by the user using the device, e.g., by taking a picture
using a camera on the device when the device has been
activated.
[0025] The device may be further customized, in that the content
may be integrated into a software package which may allow
customized home screens, startup screens, or background images. In
one example, a user may associate content with the device that may
be select images that may apparent on a home screen or background
screen of the electronic device.
[0026] Furthermore, select content may be printed and included as a
part of the package. For example, the user may create content or
may select content to be printed by a printing device and placed on
the package. The printed content may be selected to correspond to
the electrical content stored or tied to the device.
The Electronic Device
[0027] The methods and devices described herein can be used with
substantially any type of device that may be transported, sold, or
otherwise enclosed in some form of packaging. However, in some
embodiments, these methods and devices may be used with an
electronic device 100. FIG. 1A is an isometric view of an exemplary
electronic device. FIG. 1B is an exemplary block diagram of the
electronic device 100. The electronic device 100 may be
substantially any type of electronic device that stores content,
such as but not limited to, a computer, mobile phone, smart phone,
digital music player, digital camera, calculator, personal digital
assistant, television, and so on. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1A, the electronic device 100 is a portable electronic device
such as a digital musical player or mobile phone, but other options
are envisioned and the figures are meant to be exemplary only.
[0028] The electronic device 100 may include a display 104, at
least one input member 108, an input port 110, a power switch 106,
and an enclosure 102 at least partially surrounding select or all
of the components of the electronic device 100. The power switch
106 may turn the electronic device 100 and on and off, e.g., may
activate and deactivate the electronic device 100. The power switch
106 may be positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic
device 100 and may be substantially any type of input mechanism,
e.g., button, switch, knob, and so on.
[0029] The display 104 may provide an image or video output for the
electronic device 100. The display 104 may be substantially any
size and may be positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic
device 104. In some embodiments, the display 104 may be a liquid
display screen, plasma screen, light emitting diode screen, and so
on. The display 104 may further include an input sensor, e.g.,
capacitive touch screen.
[0030] The input member 108 (which may be a switch, capacitive
sensor, or other input mechanism) allows a user to interact with
the electronic device 100. For example, the input member 108 may be
a button or switch to alter the volume, return to a home screen,
and the like. Additionally, the input member 108 may also provide
haptic feedback or other haptic output for the electronic device
100. The electronic device 100 may include one or more input
members 108, and each button 108 may have a single or multiple
input/output function. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the input
member 108 may be incorporated into the display 104, e.g., a
capacitive touch screen as the display 104. The input member 104
(which may be a switch, capacitive sensor, or other input
mechanism) allows a user to interact with the electronic device
100.
[0031] The enclosure 102 may form a portion of an exterior of the
electronic device 100 and may at least partially surround select
components, such as a processor, memory, and so on, of the
electronic device 100. The enclosure 102 may be removable from the
device 100, or may be substantially secured around the select
components.
[0032] The input port 110 may be formed within or defined by the
enclosure 102 and may electrically connect an external device
(e.g., headphones, speakers) to one or more internal components of
the mobile computing device 100. The input port 110 is configured
to receive an electrical connector for the electronic device 100.
For example, the input port 110 may be configured to receive a
power cord, a data cable (e.g., universal serial bus, fiber optic,
tip ring sleeve connector, and the like), or a combination data and
power cable. The electronic device 100 may include more than one
input port 110 and each input port 110 may be positioned
substantially anywhere on the electronic device 100.
[0033] The electronic device 100 may also include a sensor 122
positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device 100. The
sensor 122 may include a single sensor or multiple sensors.
Additionally, the sensor 122 may be configured to sense
substantially any type of characteristic, such as but not limited
to, images, pressure, light, touch, heat, movement, relative
motion, and so on. For example, the sensor 122 may be an image
sensor, a heat sensor, a light or optical sensor, an accelerometer,
a pressure transducer, a gyroscope, a magnet, and so on.
[0034] Furthermore, the electronic device 100 may include a
processor 112, a network/communication interface 114, an
input/output interface 118 (which may include the display 104,
input members 108, and/or input port 110), and memory 116. The
processor 112 may control operation of the electronic device 100
and its various components. The processor 112 may be in
communication with the input port 110, the display 104, the input
member 108, the network/communication interface 114, the memory 116
and the input/output interface 118. The processor 112 may be any
electronic device cable of processing, receiving, and/or
transmitting instructions. For example, the processor 112 may be a
microprocessor or a microcomputer.
[0035] For example, the network/communication interface 114 may be
used to place phone calls from electronic device 100 (in
embodiments where the electronic device 100 is a phone), may be
used to receive data from a network, or may be used to send and
transmit electronic signals via a wireless or wired connection
(Internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet being a few
examples).
[0036] The memory 116 may store electronic data that may be
utilized by the electronic device 100. For example, the memory 116
may store electrical data or content e.g., audio files, video
files, document files, and so on, corresponding to various
applications. The memory 116 may be, for example, non-volatile
storage, a magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium,
magneto-optical storage medium, read only memory, random access
memory, erasable programmable memory, or flash memory.
[0037] The input/output interface 118 facilitates communication by
the electronic device 100 to and from a variety of devices/sources.
For example, the input/output interface 118 may receive data from
user, control buttons (e.g., input member 108) on the electronic
device 100, and so on. Additionally, the input/output interface 116
may also receive/transmit data to and from an external drive, e.g.,
a universal serial bus (USB), or other video/audio/data inputs.
Furthermore, in other embodiments input/output interface 118 may
include an audio output component such as a speaker or audio jack
in order to provide an audio output for the device.
[0038] It should be noted that FIGS. 1A and 1B are exemplary only.
In other examples, the electronic device may include fewer or more
components than those shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
Input Port Access Through Packaging
[0039] A package for the electronic device 100 will now be
discussed. FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the electronic device
100 substantially enclosed within a package 150. FIG. 2B is a
bottom plan view of the electronic device 100 enclosed within the
package 150. The package 150 may substantially enclose the
electronic device 100 and may prevent the electronic device 100
from collecting debris, being damaged, and the like during
transportation, distribution, storage, sale, and so on.
[0040] The package 150 may be substantially any shape. However, as
shown in FIG. 2A, it may be configured to generally correspond to
the shape of the electronic device 100. The package 150 may be
constructed out of substantially any type of material, such as, but
not limited to, plastic, cardboard, paper, expanded polystyrene
foam, paperboard, metals or alloys, wood, and so on. In one
embodiment, the package 150 may be a hard, at least partially rigid
plastic in order to provide a stiff enclosure for the electronic
device 100.
[0041] The package 150 may include a bottom wall 162 and two
sidewalls 158, 160 extending substantially vertically upward from
opposite edges of the bottom wall 162 and parallel to each other.
The package 150 may further include a top wall 156 spanning
horizontally between a top end of each side wall 158, 160. A front
and back wall 164, 166 extend from opposite edges of the bottom
wall 162, and are substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls 158,
160. It should be appreciated that FIG. 2A is not necessarily drawn
to any particular scale or proportion, and is intended to
illustrate certain components generally rather than precise, exact
relationships between such components. Likewise, some elements or
components may be omitted from the view of FIG. 2A in order to more
clearly illustrate what is shown in order to effectively describe
certain embodiments. The foregoing is true for all other figures in
this application, as well.
[0042] The package 150 may define a cavity 168 in which the
electronic device 100 may be supported. The cavity 168 may be
modified based on the desired packaging strength or appearance
desired. For example, in some embodiments, the walls 158, 160, 164,
166 may be configured to substantially conform to the shape of the
electronic device 100. In these examples, the cavity 168 may
substantially trace the shape of the electronic device 100.
However, in other embodiments, the cavity 168 may be much larger
than the electronic device 100 and the walls of the package 150 may
be spaced apart from the electronic device 100.
[0043] The package 150 may also include a product support 170 to
support the electronic device 100 within the package 150. The
product support 170 may position the electronic device 100 at a
certain height or position within the package 150. As shown in FIG.
2A, the product support 170 may support a bottom surface of the
electronic device 100. However, in other examples, the product
support 170 may be differently configured and may support a rear
surface of the electronic device 100, a top surface, and so on.
Furthermore, the product support 170 may be omitted in other
embodiments. It should be noted that after FIG. 2A, the product
support 170 has been hidden so that other aspects of the package
150 may be seen.
[0044] The package 150 may define an access or connection aperture
152. The access aperture 152 may be defined through a portion of
the package 150 and provides an opening to electronically connect
to the electronic device 100. For example, a connection cable may
be inserted through the access aperture 152 to electronically
connect to the electronic device 100. Thus, the electronic device
100 may be accessed without opening the package 150, thereby
potentially substantially maintaining the integrity and strength of
the package 150. The access aperture may permit content to be
loaded onto the device electronically without removing the device
from the packaging. The access aperture 152 may be positioned in
the package 150 so as to be substantially aligned with the input
port 110, therefore the location of the input port 110 may drive
the location of the access aperture 152
[0045] FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the package 150. As can been
seen in FIG. 2B, the access aperture 152 may be substantially
aligned with the input port 110, so that a connection cable may be
inserted substantially straight through the access aperture 152 in
order to connect with the input port 110.
[0046] In one example, the access aperture 152 may be a rectangular
aperture defined through the bottom wall 162 and may extend into
the cavity 168. In other embodiments, such as ones where the cavity
168 may be substantially formed around the electronic device 100,
the access aperture 152 may extend through the package 150 to the
electronic device 100. In this manner, the access aperture 152 may
define a guide path or tunnel through the package 150 to the
electronic device 100. It should be noted that, in some
embodiments, the access aperture 152 may be defined via slits or
cuts within the package 150, which may form a door or living
hinge.
[0047] The dimensions of the access aperture 152 may be configured
based on the electronic device 100, its position and configuration
within the package 150, the dimensions of the input port 110,
and/or the spatial relationship of the device/input port to the
package. For example in some embodiments, the electronic device 100
may include a smaller sized input port 111 than shown in FIG. 1A.
In this example, the access aperture 152 may have smaller
dimensions than those shown in FIG. 2A.
[0048] In some embodiments, the package 150 may further include a
temporary cover or door to provide a covering or stopper for the
access aperture 152. FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the package
150 including the electronic device 100 and a temporary cover 172.
The temporary cover 172 may be positioned over the access aperture
152. The temporary cover 172 may be a stopper-like member that may
be inserted into the access aperture 152 or may be a label or paper
including adhesive that may be positioned cover the access aperture
152. Similarly, the temporary cover 172 may be a door or living
hinge that may be define the access aperture 152. The temporary
cover 172 may prevent debris, water, or the like from entering into
the cavity 168 and the input port 110. The temporary cover 172 may
be selectively removable so that the electronic device 100 may be
accessed and then replaced to cover the access aperture 152.
[0049] As described above, the access aperture 152 may provide a
port or pathway for a connector (such as a Universal Serial Bus, or
other data cable) to access the input port 110 without
substantially damaging or otherwise opening the package 150. FIG.
3A is a perspective view of the electronic device within the
package with a connector 174 about to be inserted into the access
aperture. FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the electronic device
100 within the package 150 with the connector 174 inserted. The
access aperture 152 and the input port 110 are configured to
receive the connector 174.
[0050] The connector 174 may be electronically connected to a
second computing device, such as a computer, laptop, mobile
electronic device, store kiosk and the like. The connector 174 may
be substantially any type of connector, such as a power and/or data
connector. In some examples, the connector 174 may be a USB cable
or 30 pin connector. However, other connector types are envisioned
as well.
[0051] The connector 174 may be inserted into the access aperture
152 and then into the input port 110. Once the connector 174 has
been received within the input port 110, the electronic device 100
may be activated or powered on. Additionally, the connector 174 may
transfer content or data such as music files, video files,
applications, and so on, from the second computer (not shown) to
the electronic device 100.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 3B, once the connector 174 is inserted into
the access aperture 152, the electronic device 100 may activate and
the display 104 may display an initial screen 180. The initial
screen 180 may be substantially any type of graphical user
interface and may include a display of particular data, such as
music information, video information or the like. The transfer of
content to the electronic device 100 is discussed in more detail
below with respect to FIG. 7.
Temporary Connector Embedded into Packaging
[0053] In another embodiment, a temporary or package connector may
form a portion of the package 150. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of
the electronic device 100 included within the package 150 having a
package connector 184. FIG. 4B is a bottom plan view of the
electronic device 100 included within the package 150 illustrated
in FIG. 4A. The package connector 184 may be formed within the
cavity 168 and may be in communication with the input port 110. In
one example, the package connector 184 may be in electrical
communication with the input port 110.
[0054] The package connector 184 may extend through at least a
portion of the package 150 and may be substantially flush with the
access aperture 152 or may extend slight past or terminate slightly
before the bottom wall 162. The package connector 184 may allow the
connector 174 to connect to the electronic device 100 without
requiring the connector 174 to be inserted into the package
150.
[0055] The package connector 184 may be temporary, in that it may
be formed of a disposable or relatively inexpensive material, such
as cardboard, plastic, or so on. The material forming the package
connector 184 may further include conductive wiring, a printed
circuit board, or another type of component for transmitting
electrical signals. In this manner, the package connector 184 may
transmit signals to and from the electronic device 100 and the
connector 174. For example, the package connector 184 may be a
plastic portion insert molded into the package 150 including
electrical contacts or wiring.
[0056] The package connector 184 may include a receiving port 188
for receiving a terminal end of the connector 174. The receiving
port 188 may be substantially the same as the input port 110, so
that the connector 174 may be able to be received within either the
package connector 184 or the input port 110.
[0057] However, in other embodiments, the receiving port 188 may be
configured differently from the input port 110. In these
embodiments, a specialized connector may be used in order to
connect to the electronic device 100 and the package connector 184
may act as an adapter between the specialized connector and the
electronic device 100. These embodiments may assist in preventing
theft of the electronic device 100 prior to being sold. For
example, the electronic device 100 may be manufactured, transported
and stored within the package 150, and may not include any content
stored in the memory 116. Once the electronic device 100 is
purchased, stocked in a store, or otherwise ready to be used, the
specialized connector may connect to the package connector 184 to
transfer content to the electronic device 100. In some cases, this
content may include an operating system or other key software
component necessary to operate or activate the device. As the
electronic device 100 may be substantially blank when being
transported, and may only be activated or have content downloaded
thereto by the specialized connector, a person may be substantially
less likely to steal the electronic device 100 (or may be unable to
use a stolen device). The specialized connector may be a
non-standard connector with a unique pin layout in certain
circumstances.
[0058] In other embodiments, the package connector 184 may be
formed of a more permanent or more expensive material, such as a
material similar to the connector 174. For example, the package
connector 184 may be a relatively permanent connector that may be
included within the entire packaging of the device 100. In this
example, the package connector 184 may be inserted into the port
110 and then a second end of the package connector 184 may be
positioned to be substantially aligned with the access aperture
152. This embodiment, may allow a connector that may already be
included with the packaging to be used to provide access to the
electronic device 100 while it is in the package 150.
[0059] Similar to the access aperture 152, the package connector
184 may be positioned and configured in order to accommodate the
position and orientation of the electronic device 100 within the
package 150. For example, although the package connector 184 is
illustrated as extending or spanning between an inner surface of
the bottom wall 162 of the package 150 to the bottom surface of the
electronic device 100, in other embodiments, the package connector
184 may be differently positioned, e.g., on a top, side or other
position of the electronic device 100 and/or package 150.
Wireless Connection to the Device
[0060] In another embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be
activated and content may be transferred to the electronic device
100 wirelessly. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of another embodiment
of the package 250. The package 250 may be substantially similar to
the package 150, but the access aperture 152 may be omitted. In
this embodiment, the package 250 may be substantially enclosed and
sealed so that debris, water, and so on, may be substantially
prevented from entering into the cavity 168. Thus, the electronic
device 100 may be substantially encased within the package 250.
[0061] In the embodiment of the package 250 illustrated in FIG. 6A,
the electronic device 100 may be activated and content may
transferred to the electronic device 100 wirelessly. In one
example, an external device, such as a wand or controller, may be
used to activate the device. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the
package 250 and the electronic device 100, with a controller 252
activating the electronic device 100. The controller 252 may couple
to the electronic device 100 to activate a switch, one example of
which is power switch 106.
[0062] In one example, the controller 252 may physically move the
power switch 106 from an off position to an on position, and vice
versa. The arrows in FIG. 6B illustrate the potential relative
movement of the power switch 106 as it interacts with the
controller 252. For example, the power switch 106 and the
controller 252 may be corresponding magnets, such that the
controller 252 can magnetically move the power switch 106 (or other
relay) mechanically. In this example, the controller 252 and the
power switch 106 may be permanent magnets, electromagnets, or
programmable magnets. Further, the controller 252 and the power
switch 106 may be substantially any type of material that has a
magnetic field or can be configured to produce a magnetic
field.
[0063] In operation, a user may pass the controller 252 over the
top wall 156 of the package 250 in a direction in which he or she
desires the power switch 106 to move. As the controller 252 passes
over the top wall 156, a magnetic force produced by the controller
252 interacts (through the top wall 156) with the power switch 106.
The magnetic force may then pull the power switch 106 in the
direction that the controller 252 is moving. As the power switch
106 moves from a first position to a second position, the
electronic device 100 may change states, e.g., the electronic
device 100 may switch from off to on, from hibernate to on, from on
to off, and so on.
[0064] In one example, the controller 252 may be used to activate
or turn on the electronic device 100. After the electronic device
100 is turned on, content, e.g., music files, data, and so on, may
be transferred from a second computing device to the electronic
device 100 wirelessly, e.g., through the network/communication
interface 114 or the like. The transfer of content to the
electronic device will be discussed in more detail with respect to
FIG. 7.
[0065] In other embodiments, the controller 252 may activate the
electronic device 100 wirelessly rather than mechanically. For
example, the controller 252 may have a unique electronic identifier
that corresponds to a unique identifier in the electronic device
100. The sensor 122 may then sense the unique identifier and may
activate the electronic device 100.
[0066] It should be appreciated that the controller may be
stationary in some embodiments and the package, with device, passed
beneath it to achieve the same results discussed herein.
[0067] In one example, the controller 252 may include a RFID tag
that may correspond to the electronic device 100. As the controller
252 passes over the sensor 122, the sensor 122 may recognize the
unique identifier (the RFID tag) that may be transmitted by the
controller 252. If the unique identifier corresponds to the
electronic device 100, the sensor 122 may then activate the
electronic device 100. In this example, the sensor 122 may be an
active RFID sensor, and may detect the controller's RFID tag. In
such embodiments, the controller 252 may employ a passive RFID tag.
However, other options are possible.
[0068] In another example, the controller 252 may be an induction
coil that operates in conjunction with a corresponding coil in the
electronic device 100. For example, the sensor 122 may include a
corresponding induction coil that may produce a current when placed
in close proximity to the controller 252. In another example, the
electronic device 100 may include a speaker as a part of the
input/output interface 118. As the controller 252 is positioned
over the location of the package 250 corresponding to the speaker,
the controller 252 may induce a current in a coil of the speaker.
For example, the speaker may include a selectively magnetized coil
in order to vibrate a diaphragm in order to produce sounds; this
coil may be magnetized by the controller 252 while the device 100
is in the package 250.
[0069] As the speaker is activated, it may provide an input to the
processor 112 to activate the electronic device 100. Similarly, the
controller 252 may also induce the speaker coil indirectly. For
example, the controller 252 may produce a vibration that causes the
diagram of the speaker to vibrate, inducting a current in the
speaker coil to wake the device 100. It should be noted that the
aforementioned embodiments may also be used with a transducer
microphone instead of a speaker in the electronic device 100.
[0070] In another embodiment, the controller 252 may be a light
source and the sensor 122 may be a light sensor. In this
embodiment, the controller 252 may be activated and direct a light,
such as a ultra-violet light, an incandescent light, a light
emitting diode, or the like, towards the sensor 122 through the
package 250. The sensor 122, which may be an optical sensor, or
other light sensing component, may then sense the light source and
activate the electronic device 100 by sending a signal to the
processor 112, or activating a power source of the electronic
device 100.
[0071] Similar to the previous embodiment, in some embodiments the
controller 252 may be omitted and the sensor 122 may be a light
sensor. The sensor 122 may then be covered on the outside of the
package 250, e.g., by the temporary cover 172. The temporary cover
172 or other item may then be removed when the electronic device
100 is to be activated. The sensor 122 may then detect the ambient
light or a change in the light and may the activate the electronic
device 100.
[0072] Other embodiments for the sensor 122 are also possible. For
example, the sensor 122 may be a pressure transducer and the
electronic device 100 may be activated by a user blowing air or
otherwise providing change in pressure into the package 150.
[0073] It should be noted that it substantially any of the above
mentioned embodiments, the sensor 122 may be detached from the
electronic device 100. For example, the sensor 122 may be included
as part of the package 250 and may in communication with the
electronic device 100, e.g., through input port 110. Thus, the
sensor 122 may only be used to activate the electronic device 100,
and may not be included during the normal functions of the
electronic device 100.
Providing Content to the Device
[0074] Once the electronic device 100 is activated, content, such
as an operating system, firmware (e.g., programs and/or data
structures that internally control various electronic devices),
software programs, software updates, firmware updates, data files,
and applications may be transferred or associated with the
electronic device 100. The content may be customized and
individualized for the specific electronic device 100. FIG. 7 is a
flow chart of an exemplarily method for providing content to the
electronic device 100.
[0075] The method 300 may begin with operation 302 and the
electronic device 100 may be activated or turned on. As described
above, the electronic device 100 may be activated in a number of
different manners, such as but not limited to, connecting the
connector 174 to the device 100 (either through the access aperture
152 or through the temporary connector 184), or wirelessly
activating the electronic device 100.
[0076] After the electronic device 100 has been activated, the
method 300 may proceed to operation 304. In operation 304, custom
content may be associated or downloaded to the device 100. For
example, the user may provide an input to the electronic device 100
indicating that he or she may create his or her own content or
otherwise select a unique or individualized selection of content to
be associated with or downloaded to the device 100. Or, the
electronic device 100 may not include an essential software
component, and the user may select an option to provide the
electronic device 100 with content.
[0077] Custom content may be substantially any type of content, but
may be individualized for the particular electronic device 100 (for
example, content selected by a user). Non-custom content may be
content that may be common to all instances of a particular
electronic device, such as an operating system or the like. It
should be noted that a user may select particular custom content
for a first electronic device and then reselect that same custom
content for a second electronic device, and the content on each
electronic device may still be considered "custom."
[0078] In operation 304, if custom content is desired, the method
300 may proceed to operation 306. In operation 306, the electronic
device 100 and/or a second computing device may present an option
to the user to determine if he or she wishes to create content,
e.g., take a photograph, record a sound, or the like. In operation
306, if the user wishes to create his or her own content, the
method 300 may proceed to operation 310 and the user may create the
content. The content may be created with the electronic device 100,
for example, a user may use the sensor 122 to capture an image,
record a sound, or the like. In another example, the user may
create the content using a second computing device, for example,
the user may create the content with a digital camera and transfer
the content to the electronic device 100.
[0079] After the content has been created or if the user did not
choose to create content in operation 306, the method 300 may
proceed to operation 312. In operation 312 the user may provide an
input to the electronic device 100 or the second computing device
selecting content to be associated or downloaded to the electronic
device 100. If the content is created by the user, the created
content may then be chosen or selected by the user. This may
involve providing an input to the electronic device 100 via the
input member 108 indicating that a particular content should be
added or may involve selecting a content on a second computing
device.
[0080] The content may be selected or chosen from a variety of
sources, including the custom content, which may be on the
electronic device 100 itself, online content (e.g., content
available from online retailers), content stored in the memory of
the second computing device and so on. The content may be selected
by the electronic device 100 or by the second computing device as
well. As an example, the content may be a music selection of the
top 25 artists, which may be automatically selected by the
electronic device 100 or the second computing device.
[0081] Returning briefly to operation 304, in operation 304, if the
user does not chose to create custom content, the method 300 may
proceed to operation 308. In operation 308 the user, the electronic
device 100, or the second computing device may determine whether
the content should be updated. In one example, the user decide that
the content of the device 100 to be updated. In a second example,
the second computing device may determine that the content may need
be updated. In yet another example, the electronic device 100, once
activated in operation 302, may determine that its content is out
of date and needs to be updated.
[0082] The content that may be updated may be content already
included on the electronic device 100. The electronic device 100
may include an operating system, data files, musical files, and the
like that may be updated. For example, the electronic device 100
may include software which may have been updated to a new version
while the electronic device 100 was being transported or stored.
Thus, if content is to be updated on the electronic device 100, the
new version of the software may be downloaded or associated with
the electronic device 100, while the electronic device 100 is
encased within the package 150, 250.
[0083] After operation 312, or in operation 308, the content was
chosen to be updated, the method 300 may proceed to operation 314.
In operation 314 the electronic device 100 or the second computing
device presents an option to the user whether the content should be
stored over a network or whether the content should be stored on
the electronic device 100. If the content is to be stored remotely,
e.g., in cloud storage over a network, the method 300 may proceed
to operation 322. In operation 322 the electronic device 100
associates the content with a unique identifier. The unique
identifier may be a serial number of the electronic device 100, a
gift card, a user name, a store name, and so on. Substantially any
type of identification to associate the content with the particular
user or with the electronic device 100 may be used.
[0084] Once the content is associated with the electronic device
100 or the user, the content may be selectively or automatically
accessed. For example, a user may associate the content with the
electronic device 100 while in a retail store purchasing the
electronic device 100. After the electronic device 100 has been
purchased, the user may take it home and turn on the electronic
device 100. In one example, the content may be automatically
associated with the electronic device 100 and may be accessibly
substantially immediately when the user activates the electronic
device 100. In another example, the electronic device 100 may
present the user the option of accessing the content, or the user
may search for the content. Thus, the content accessible by the
electronic device 100 may be substantially customized without
opening the package 150, 250 or destroying the package 150,
250.
[0085] After the content has been associated with a unique
identifier, the method 300 may proceed to operation 324 and the
electronic device 100 may be deactivated. As described above, the
electronic device 100 may be deactivated by a user either
wirelessly, wired, or another manner, e.g., predetermined time-out
session, the device 100 turns off after a set period.
[0086] In operation 314, if the content is not stored remotely, the
method 300 may proceed to operation 316. In operation 316 the
electronic device 100 or the second computing device determines if
the content is local to the electronic device 100. For example, the
content may already be stored on the memory 112 of the device 100
as the content may have been created with the electronic device
100. If the content is local, the method 300 may proceed to
operation 320 and the content may be added by the electronic device
100, if the content has not already been added to the memory 112 of
the electronic device 100.
[0087] In operation 316, if the content is not local, the method
300 may proceed to operation 318. In operation 318 the content is
downloaded to the electronic device 100 via the connection cable
174, the temporary connector 184, or wirelessly (e.g., via the
network/communication interface 114, sensor 122, or input/output
118). In one embodiment, the content may be transferred to the
electronic device 100 via the connection cable 174. In another
embodiment, the content may be downloaded to the electronic device
100 via the network/communication interface 114. After the content
has been downloaded or otherwise added to electronic device 100,
the method 300 may proceed to operation 324 and the device may be
deactivated.
[0088] After the content has been added or otherwise associated
with the electronic device 100, a label 402 may be created. FIG. 8
is a diagram of a user 404 creating a customized label 402 to place
on the package 150, 250. The user 404 may use a second computing
device 406, which may be in the form of a computer, laptop, mobile
electronic device, or as shown in FIG. 8, a kiosk, to create the
label 402. The label 402 may be designed by the user and/or my
correspond to the content added or associated with the electronic
device 100. For example, the content may be transferred to the
electronic device 100 from the second computing device 406, and
thus the label 402 may be based on the content, e.g., a printout of
the content names, an album cover corresponding to music downloaded
to the device 100, and so on. Alternatively or additionally, the
user 404 may create the label 402 themselves.
[0089] Furthermore, the second computing device 406 may also be
used to erase content included on the electronic device 100. For
example, a user may use method 300 to associate or download content
to the electronic device 100 but may then not purchase the
electronic device 100. In this example, the second computing device
406 may be used to erase content on the electronic device 100. The
operations for erasing the content may be substantially the same as
adding content to the electronic device 100, in that the device 100
may be activated and electronically accessed, but content may be
removed rather than added.
[0090] The method 300 and the embodiments for the package 150, 250
and electronic device 100 described herein may allow content to be
customized and added to an electronic device without damaging or
opening the packaging. This allows a user to give a personalized
gift to a person, which may include selected content by the user in
addition to the hardware and standardized content already include
on the electronic device 100. Furthermore, content may be updated,
e.g., software programs, after a product has manufactured and
shipped. Thus a user may purchase an electronic device with the
most current software, even if the device had been manufactured
weeks or months prior to the purchase.
[0091] Moreover, the embodiments described herein may provide theft
protection for electronic devices. Electronic devices may be
manufactured and transported without any content stored thereon.
The content may then be added via a proprietary connector, unique
identifier, or the like, as the electronic device is purchased.
Thus, if an electronic device is stolen during transportation the
device may be substantially useless.
CONCLUSION
[0092] The foregoing description has broad application. For
example, while examples disclosed herein may focus on the packaging
for an electronic device, it should be appreciated that the
concepts disclosed herein may equally apply to packaging for other
devices and apparatuses. Similarly, although the electronic device
may be discussed with respect a mobile electronic device, the
devices and techniques disclosed herein are equally applicable to
other types of devices. Accordingly, the discussion of any
embodiment is meant only to be exemplary and is not intended to
suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is
limited to these examples.
* * * * *