U.S. patent application number 15/276702 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-23 for skin-dependent device components.
The applicant listed for this patent is Amazon Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Volodymyr V. Ivanchenko.
Application Number | 20170052565 15/276702 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52247878 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170052565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ivanchenko; Volodymyr V. |
February 23, 2017 |
SKIN-DEPENDENT DEVICE COMPONENTS
Abstract
Additional components or functionality can be provided for a
computing device by coupling the device with one or more device
skins. Each device skin can include one or more components that can
be utilized by the computing device, such that a user of the
computing device can obtain desired functionality by selecting an
appropriate skin. The components of the skin can be powered by the
computing device, such as through wired or wireless power coupling.
The computing device can determine an appropriate control scheme
for the skin when the skin is coupled with the device, enabling a
user to utilize the various components of the skin as if those
components were part of the computing device.
Inventors: |
Ivanchenko; Volodymyr V.;
(Mountain View, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Amazon Technologies, Inc. |
Reno |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52247878 |
Appl. No.: |
15/276702 |
Filed: |
September 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14595121 |
Jan 12, 2015 |
9454185 |
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15276702 |
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13171085 |
Jun 28, 2011 |
8935438 |
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14595121 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/266 20130101;
G06F 1/189 20130101; G06F 1/1694 20130101; G06F 1/1632 20130101;
G06F 1/1698 20130101; G06F 1/1626 20130101; G06F 1/1637 20130101;
G06F 1/1688 20130101; G06F 1/1635 20130101; G06F 1/1662 20130101;
G06F 1/1686 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; G06F 1/26 20060101 G06F001/26; G06F 1/18 20060101
G06F001/18 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. An apparatus, comprising: a first cover portion of the
apparatus; a second cover portion of the apparatus, the apparatus
least partially encasing a portion of a computing device, the first
cover portion configured to be positioned at least partially
between the second cover portion and the computing device; a
communication component configured to be positioned at least
partially between the second cover portion and the computing device
and configured to communicate with the computing device; a power
component; a functional component configured to: receive power from
the power component; receive control signals from the computing
device via the communication component; and send information to the
computing device via the communication component.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the power component is
configured to receive power from the computing device.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the functional component is
configured to be positioned at least partially between the second
skin portion and the computing device.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the communication component is
configured to be positioned at least partially between the second
skin portion and the computing device.
6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the communication component
includes wireless communication capability.
7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the communication component
includes physical contacts for communication with the computing
device.
8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the power component is
configured to receive power from the computing device.
9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the power component includes a
battery.
10. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a memory
component configured to store instructions; and a processor
configured to execute the instructions to control the functional
component.
11. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a memory
component configured to store first instructions; and a processor
configured to execute the first instructions to receive second
instructions for controlling the functional component.
12. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a memory
component configured to store first instructions; and a processor
configured to execute the first instructions to cause the
communication component to communicate identifying information
associated with the functional component to the computing
device.
13. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the functional component
includes a passive component operable to send information to the
computing device without receiving control signals from the
computing device.
14. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the functional component
includes at least one of an image capture element, an image capture
array, an audio capture element, and audio transmission element, a
display element, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a touch
sensitive material, a pressure sensitive material, a light emitting
diode, an infrared transceiver, a wireless component, a keypad, a
keyboard, a communication port, or a light sensor.
15. A method performed by an apparatus that partially encases a
portion of a computing device, the method comprising: receiving
power from a power component of the apparatus; sending identifying
information for the apparatus to the computing device via a
communication component of the apparatus; receiving control signals
from the computing device via the communication component; and
sending the control signals to at least one of a first cover
portion of the apparatus or a second cover portion of the
apparatus, the first cover portion configured to be positioned at
least partially between the second cover portion and the computing
device.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: receiving a control
scheme for the apparatus, the control scheme based at least in part
on the identifying information.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: performing a
processor-executable function based at least in part on the control
scheme.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving the
control scheme from a provider associated with the apparatus.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: submitting a
request to a remote source, the request including the identifying
information; and receiving configuration information for the
apparatus from the remote source.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: receiving power
from the computing device.
21. The method of claim 15, further comprising: generating
directional audio using a plurality of audio elements.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/595,121, filed Jan. 12, 2015, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/171,085, filed
on Jun. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,935,438; of which the full
disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by
reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] People are utilizing computing devices to perform an
increasing variety of tasks. For example, portable computing
devices such as tablet computers and smart phones are being used to
take high quality pictures, record audio and video, and interface
with various other devices. Further, additional types of input are
being utilized, such as motion or touch input, which require
specific sensors or components. In many instances, particularly for
portable devices that have a limited form factor, it is not
possible to include all the possible components and functionality
that various users might want without significantly increasing the
size and cost of the computing device. Further, for portable and
mobile devices with limited battery life, operating such a large
number of components can provide an unnecessary drain on the
battery. Further still, the resource requirements (such as
processing capacity and bandwidth) to support such a large number
of components can be significant, which can negatively impact the
performance of a device, particularly small portable devices with
limited processing capability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Various embodiments in accordance with the present
disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, in
which:
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates front and back views of an example
computing device that can be used in accordance with various
embodiments;
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates front and back views of an example skin
or casing that can be used with a computing device such as that
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates front and back views of an example skin
coupled with a portable device in accordance with one
embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates an example skin that can be used in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates an example skin that can be used in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates front and back views of an example skin
that can be used in accordance with various embodiments;
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates front and back views of an example skin
that can be used in accordance with various embodiments;
[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates an example process for adding
functionality to a device through use of a skin that can be used in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates an example configuration of components of
a portable computing device that can be used in accordance with
various embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 10 illustrates an example configuration of components
of a skin for a portable computing device that can be used in
accordance with various embodiments; and
[0014] FIG. 11 illustrates an environment in which various
embodiments can be implemented.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments
of the present disclosure may overcome one or more of the
aforementioned and other deficiencies experienced in conventional
approaches to providing varying types of functionality with an
electronic device. In particular, various embodiment provide one or
more "skins" that can be utilized with a portable computing device
not only to provide some amount of protection for the device (e.g.,
protection against scratches or other such damage), but also to
expand the functional capabilities of the device. In some
embodiments, different skins can be available for the same
computing device, with each skin including one or more different
components or functional elements that can be utilized with the
computing device. Using such an approach, different users can
obtain selections of components that each user wants with the
computing device and exclude at least some of the components that a
given user may not care about, thus providing desired functionality
and flexibility without having to significantly increase the size
of the computing device or provide an unnecessary drain on
resources.
[0016] In at least some embodiments, one or more skins can be
provided that can be used with one or more types of electronic
device. Each type of skin can include a specific set of components,
as may be appropriate for different types of user or different
types of usage. For example, one skin might include multiple
cameras useful for three-dimensional imaging, while another skin
might not include cameras at all, but might instead provide touch
or squeeze input capability. Similarly, one skin might provide
multiple speakers for surround or directional sound capabilities,
while another skin might provide infrared emitting and detecting
elements for providing gesture input. Various skins might also
include various combinations of these and other such
components.
[0017] The skins in various embodiments can communicate with a
computing device in various ways. In some embodiments, one or more
physical contacts or ports on the device can contact or be coupled
with one or more contacts or ports on the computing device. In
other embodiments, the skin might have wireless communication
capability that can communicate with one or more wireless
communication elements of the computing device. Similarly, the skin
might include its own battery power or might draw power from the
computing device. If the skin draws power from the device, the skin
can obtain power through one or more physical power contacts, or
can obtain power through another mechanism such as through an
inductive or capacitive power source of the computing device.
[0018] Using such an approach, a user can have the flexibility of
obtaining a new skin when wanting to obtain additional
functionality, without forcing the user to instead obtain a whole
new computing device. Similarly, if the user has one or more skins
that are useful to the user, the user can purchase a new computing
device that is compatible with those skins, without having to pay
for the components of the skins again. Such an approach can provide
flexibility and cost savings for the user, and can allow device
manufacturers to provide a variety of functionality while keeping
the cost of the individual devices and skins relatively low.
[0019] Further, the ability to move various components to a device
skin can further reduce the size and expense of the associated
computing device. For example, there might be one or more
components that make sense in at least some embodiments to leave
with the computing device, such as a main processor, at least one
memory device, at least one display element, and at least one input
mechanism, whereby the device can still be used without a skin.
Such a device can be relatively small and inexpensive to produce.
Various other components can be moved to the skin, as may include
imaging elements, audio and video elements, touch sensitive
materials, pressure sensitive materials, proximity sensors,
electro-magnetic sensors, temperature sensors, bending sensors,
acceleration or inertial sensors, accelerometers, global
positioning systems, electronic gyroscopes, LEDs, wireless
components, keypads, keyboards, ports, light sensors, and the like.
There can be different control schemes for each skin that enable
the device to take advantage of the components of the skin. These
schemes can use information stored with the skin or, for example,
downloaded from a provider associated with the skin.
[0020] In many embodiments, the skin will not significantly change
the form factor of the device, and can be as thin as one or two
millimeters thick or less in some embodiments (as many depend at
least in part upon the type of components included). In some
embodiments, however, the computing device can be used with a
"shell" or other component that might provide various functionality
and be of a substantially different size or shape than the
computing device, but might utilize basic functionality such as the
processor of the computing device. In such an instance, the shell
might be a "dummy device" that requires the "brains" of the
computing device to operate. This can include, for example, a
monitor or notebook shell, an automotive navigation system, a media
center, or other such device. Such an approach enables a user to
utilize any of a number of different type of devices at various
locations by coupling the computing device with the shell device,
such as by sliding the computing device at least partially within
the shell. Further, the shell devices then can provide a customized
user experience as various types of information such as user
preferences or settings of the computing device can be used to
control the components of the shell device.
[0021] Various other applications, processes and uses are presented
below with respect to the various embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates front and back views of an example
computing device 100 that can be used in accordance with various
embodiments. Although a portable computing device (e.g., a smart
phone, an electronic book reader, or tablet computer) is shown, it
should be understood that various other types of electronic device
that are capable of determining, processing, and/or providing input
or output can be used in accordance with various embodiments
discussed herein. The devices can include, for example, notebook
computers, personal data assistants, cellular phones, video gaming
consoles or controllers, and portable media players, among
others.
[0023] The computing device 100 in this example includes a
relatively small number of components or elements with respect to
conventional devices, although additional components can be
provided with other devices in accordance with the various
embodiments. In this example, the computing device includes basic
functional components (not shown in FIG. 1) for such a device,
including at least one device processor and processor memory
operable to store and execute instructions on the device. The
example device 100 includes a display screen 102 (e.g., a liquid
crystal display (LCD) element) operable to display image content to
one or more users or viewers of the device. In at least some
embodiments, the display screen provides for touch or swipe-based
input using, for example, capacitive or resistive touch technology.
Such a display element can be used to, for example, enable a user
to provide input by pressing on an area of the display
corresponding to an image of a button, such as a right or left
mouse button, touch point, etc.
[0024] The example computing device also includes a relatively high
resolution camera 106 on a back of the device, as may be used as a
primary image capture element of the device. The camera might
include lenses or focusing elements of a certain thickness that can
make it desirable in at least some embodiments to include the
camera within the casing of the device. The image capture element
may be, for example, a camera, a charge-coupled device (CCD), a
motion detection sensor, or an infrared sensor, or can utilize
another image capturing technology. The computing device in this
example also includes a microphone 104 or other audio capture
element capable of capturing audio data, such as may be used to
enable a user to provide audio input in at least some
embodiments.
[0025] The can also include device at least one communication
mechanism 110, such as may include at least one wired or wireless
component operable to communicate with one or more other electronic
devices. The device also includes a power mechanism 112, such as
may include a battery operable to be recharged through conventional
plug-in approaches, or through other approaches such as capacitive
charging through proximity with a power mat or other such device.
The device also includes at least one physical contact mechanism
108 (e.g., magnetic, conductive, or inductive) that can be used to
couple the device with another component, such as a device skin as
discussed elsewhere herein. Such a mechanism can be used for
various purposes, such as to provide power from the device power
mechanism 112 to power the other component, or to enable
communications between the device and the other components. Some
embodiments might utilize multiple physical contacts for different
purposes, or might not include any physical contacts. For example,
the power mechanism 112 might include one or more mechanisms for
providing power wirelessly (e.g., inductively or capacitively) to
the external device, and the communication mechanism 110 might
provide one or more mechanisms for providing wireless communication
with the external device. Any appropriate mechanism for providing
wireless communications and/or power can be used as known or
developed in the art for such purposes. Various other elements
and/or combinations are possible as well within the scope of
various embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates front and back views of an example device
skin 200 that can be used in accordance with various embodiments.
In this example, the skin takes the form of a protective cover that
fits around one or more outer surfaces of a computing device such
as that illustrated in FIG. 1. The skin can be a rigid, semi-rigid,
or flexible housing, casing, or member, as may be formed out of an
appropriate lightweight material such as a plastic, rubber, fiber,
or polymer material. In this example, the skin can be a flexible
and/or pliable material that can be stretched to fit over the edges
of the device, although other protective cover-like approaches can
be used as well within the scope of various embodiments as
discussed elsewhere herein. In this example, the skin has a shape
substantially matching an outer shape of a respective computing
device, with the inner surface of the skin designed to
substantially match and/or contact at least a portion of the outer
surface of the device. The walls, edges, or other such portions of
the skin can be relatively thin, such as on the order of a few
millimeters or less in at least some embodiments, such as to not
substantially change the overall size or shape of the device when
coupled with the skin. In at least some embodiments, the outer
surface of the skin might have a slight texture to prevent the
device from slipping, etc.
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 2, there can be any of a number of
different functional components included with such a device skin.
These can include both "active" elements that can require
instructions and/or power from a coupled device, such as cameras
and speakers, as well as "passive" elements that might not require
power and/or instructions from a coupled device, such as may
include solar cells, squeeze detectors, or force sensing resistors
(FSR), such as may be used to provide Interpolating Force-Sensitive
Resistance Technology (I.F.S.R.), which provides tactile feedback
(in terms of depression) as well as power and pressure location
information. In this example, the skin includes a front-facing
camera 204, as may be used with video conferencing or other such
applications. The skin in this example also has a
pressure-sensitive outer material 210 to enable a user to provide
input by squeezing or otherwise applying pressure to one or more
locations on the skin, relative to a coupled computing device.
Depending upon the type of casing material and/or design of the
skin, these components can have wires, printed pathways, or other
transmission mechanisms (not shown in FIG. 2) embedded in the
material of the skin or located on (or at least partially in) an
inner surface of the skin 214, 216, as may contact a coupled
device.
[0028] As discussed, the skin can communicate with a coupled
computing device, and in some embodiments can also draw power from
a coupled computing device. As illustrated in FIG. 2, this can be
provided using a physical contact mechanism 206 and/or a wireless
mechanism 208. As discussed with respect to FIG. 1, wireless
communication and/or power transfer can be used between the skin
and the computing device, as well as communication and/or power
transfer over physical connections. For example, bringing the
contacts 108 of FIG. 1 in contact with the contacts 206 of FIG. 2
can enable the device to transfer power or communications to the
device. Similarly, at least one wireless component 208 can be used
to provide similar functionality wirelessly, or without a physical
connection. Various other options can be used as well within the
scope of the various embodiments.
[0029] The shape of skin can vary based at least in part upon
aspects of a computing device to be coupled with the skin. For
example, the skin is shown to have a large front opening 202 that
can provide one or more functions for the skin. In at least some
embodiments, the opening is large enough to enable the flexible
skin to be slipped over an outer edge of a computing device. The
opening can also be shaped to allow access to one or more
components of a coupled device, such as the display screen 102 and
microphone of the device of FIG. 1. Other openings can be provided
as well as appropriate, such as the opening 212 on the back of the
skin to prevent blocking the view of the high resolution camera 106
of the device in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a situation 300 where the example skin
200 of FIG. 2 has been coupled with the computing device 100 of
FIG. 1. As can be seen, the basic form factor (i.e., size and shape
of the computing device) is substantially unchanged with the skin
in place. Further, elements such as the display screen 102 and high
resolution camera 106 are still able to be utilized while the skin
is coupled, although in some embodiments one or more components
might be covered or obstructed based upon an intent, design, or use
of the skin. Also, the coupled device and skin enable the device to
utilize the components of the skin, including the front-facing
camera 204 and pressure-sensitive material 210. In this example,
the physical contacts 108 of the device are brought into contact
with the physical contacts 206 of the skin, enabling the device and
skin to work together as a single device in at least some
embodiments, although wireless and other approaches can be used as
well as discussed and suggested elsewhere herein.
[0031] It should be understood from the present disclosure that
there can be various types of skins with various selections or
combinations of components that can be used with various types of
computing devices within the scope of the various embodiments. For
example, FIG. 4 illustrates an example skin 400 that is intended to
slide "over" an exterior of a computing device in a specific
direction and substantially lock into place when the computing
device is fully received in the skin. The skin in this embodiment
includes an opening 402 or receiving portion into which the
computing device is to be introduced. Such a skin can be
substantially rigid in at least some embodiments, providing for
protection against drops or other types of impact. FIG. 5
illustrates another type of skin 500 that includes multiple pieces
that are designed to lock together around a device. Such a skin can
also be relatively rigid, and can provide protection around all
edges of the device. It should be understood that a skin can be
divided into two or more sections along any appropriate plane of
the skin, and can use any appropriate mechanism for locking
together (or otherwise coupling) two physical members.
[0032] One advantage to a multi-part skin such as that illustrated
in FIG. 5 is that the skin can provide further flexibility. For
example, if the skin has "upper" and "lower" portions, there might
be different combinations of upper and lower portions that can be
selected by a user. In this example, the upper portion 512 includes
a camera 506 and a wireless component 508, while the lower portion
contains a physical contact 510. If the device to be coupled
provides both communication and power wirelessly, the user might
select a different bottom portion that instead includes a wireless
connection. The user might alternatively want to select a bottom
portion that also includes multiple speakers, a USB connection, a
second display screen, or any other such component, which can be
combined with the upper portion to form a customized skin for the
device. Such approaches enable a user to select two or more
connectable skin portions that each have desired components without
unwanted and/or duplicative components upon combination, which can
increase the flexibility of component combinations available to a
user without unnecessarily increasing the cost. Various other
options can be utilized as well as should be apparent in light of
the present disclosure.
[0033] As discussed, different skins can include different
selections and/or combinations of components that can provide
functionality desirable to certain types of users, or for certain
uses or applications. For example, FIG. 6 illustrates front and
back views of a skin 600 that provides a variety of imaging
elements enabling various types of image information to be captured
around the device. In this example, there are two front-facing
cameras 602 enabling stereoscopic and/or three-dimensional image
information to be captured in a view from the front of the device,
as may be used for video conferencing or for gaming purposes. The
example skin also includes a camera 612 on each edge of the skin
enabling a substantially 360 degree view around the skin. In this
example, the skin also has an array of imaging elements 610 on a
"back" surface of the skin. Such a camera array enables the image
information from each camera to be shifted spatially, in order to
provide auto-focusing without having a relatively thick focusing
mechanism. Further, the amount needed to shift the various images
can be used to determine the distance to various objects in the
captured image information, and aggregated to provide for
three-dimensional imaging. There can be additional or fewer cameras
in various arrays, but in at least some embodiments a balance is
struck between enough cameras to do sufficient shifting and a small
enough number of cameras that the amount of captured image
information is not overwhelming with little additional benefit. In
this example, a 5.times.5 array provides a good balance for at
least some applications. This example skin also shows two sets of
physical contacts 606, 608, one for communications and one for
power. It should be understood that there can be additional or
fewer physical contacts of any appropriate type known for
transmitting communications and/or power.
[0034] In additional to being able to capture image and/or video
information for conventional purposes, such elements can also
provide for motion or gesture input from any direction around the
device. For example, a user can make a gesture that can be included
in image information captured by one or more image capture
elements, which can be analyzed to determine the type of gesture
and, thus, the appropriate input to the device. In at least some
embodiments, at least a portion of these image capture elements
might be infrared (IR) sensors or other such elements operable to
capture radiation over a specific range of wavelengths. In such a
situation, the skin might also include one or more IR emitters or
other such components.
[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates another example skin 700 wherein the skin
does not include any imaging elements, but instead includes an
array of speakers 702 on the front and back of the skin. It should
be understood, however, that the speakers could also (or
alternatively) be placed on the sides, edges, or corners of the
skin in other embodiments. Using such a skin, a device can provide
audio playback in surround sound. Further, having an array of
speakers enables directional sound to be emitted, such that a user
playing a game or watching a movie can hear sounds that appear to
come from specific directions corresponding to the content being
accessed on the device. In some embodiments, these audio elements
could additionally (or alternatively) capture audio information,
such as to capture three-dimensional sound around the device. In at
least some embodiments, such an array enables sound to be captured
from specific directions, such as from the direction of a specific
person nearby. In some embodiments, sound captured from other
directions can be used to filter out background noise from the
directionally-captured audio. Various other approaches can be
utilized as well within the scope of the various embodiments.
[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates an example process 800 for utilizing
additional functionality provided through a device skin that can be
used in accordance with various embodiments. It should be
understood that, for any process discussed herein, there can be
additional, fewer, or alternative steps performed in similar or
alternative orders, or in parallel, within the scope of the various
embodiments unless otherwise stated. In this example, a contact
signal is received by a computing device when a device skin is
brought into contact and/or coupled with the computing device 802.
In some embodiments, this signal might be received when one or more
physical contacts of the skin are brought into contact with one or
more physical contacts of the device, or when a short-range
wireless signal of the skin is detected by at least one wireless
component of the computing device. In response to the signal, the
device can attempt to determine identifying information for the
skin 804. In many embodiments, identifying information will be
provided from the skin itself through direct communications with
the device. The information can include any appropriate
information, such as a serial number, skin type identifier,
configuration information, or capability information that might be
stored on a memory chip or other appropriate location of the device
skin.
[0037] Upon obtaining identifying information for the skin, the
computing device can determine whether the computing device has
appropriate configuration information for the skin 806. This can
include, for example, determining whether the computing device is
aware of the components of the particular skin that can be
utilized, commands or protocols needed to control these components,
power requirements for the device, and other such information. If
the device does not have the necessary information, and cannot
obtain the information directly from the skin, the computing device
can attempt to obtain the information from an appropriate source,
such as by submitting a request for configuration information over
at least one appropriate network 810, such as the Internet or a
wireless network. When the configuration information is
subsequently received from a remote server 812 or other such
source, the computing device can use the information to generate an
appropriate control scheme 814 that can enable the computing device
to control the components of the device and utilize those
components as if the components were part of the computing device
itself.
[0038] Once the computing device has determined identifying and/or
configuration information for the skin, and has generated or
otherwise obtained an appropriate control scheme, the device can
activate that control scheme 808 to enable the user to utilize the
functionality of the skin 816 as if the components of the skin are
part of the device itself. The control scheme information can be
stored on the computing device such that upon subsequent couplings
of that type of skin to the computing device, the control scheme
can be automatically loaded and/or activated. For multiple skins,
the computing device can automatically load and/or adjust the
current control scheme based at least in part upon the skin that is
currently coupled with the device.
[0039] In some embodiments, there can be different functionality
activated on the computing device as well based at least in part
upon the skin that is currently coupled (or not coupled) with the
computing device. For example, a user might utilize one skin at
work that has recording and projection elements for meetings. The
device might correspondingly switch into a "work" mode where the
device prioritizes applications such as meeting organizers,
presentation applications, etc. If the user goes home and swaps in
another skin that includes surround sound and a three-dimensional
display, the device could enter another mode where other
applications are prioritized, such as media players or gaming
applications. Methods of notification and communication with a user
also can be updated based on the current mode or skin, such as
where a notification might be provided by a flashing LED when the
computing device is not coupled with a skin, but might involve a
scrolling message on a side of the skin when the skin is in place.
Many other variations are possible as well, as should be apparent
in light of the present disclosure.
[0040] In some embodiments, two or more skins can be "stacked" to
obtain additional functionality. For example, a transparent outer
layer that is capable of providing touch or pressure input might be
able to be placed over an inner skin that has cameras and display
elements. Similarly, an inner skin might provide functionality such
as Wi-Fi, 4G communication capability, and other functional
aspects, while an outer skin might provide a full-skin display
area, audio array, or other such set of more user-perceptible
components. In such an embodiment, certain skins might be able to
communicate with other skins as well as a computing device, whether
over wireless communications or through contacts on an inner and
outer surface of a skin. Similarly, power can be provided to
multiple skins wirelessly or through contacts or other physical
mechanisms on an inner and outer surface of a skin.
[0041] A skin can also be utilized to provide specific
functionality that might not be appropriate for many users, but
might be prohibitively expensive if an entire custom device needed
to be generated. For example, a skin might be generated that covers
a display screen of the computing device. A portion of the skin
might be able to, based at least in part upon a state of the pixels
or portions of the display, dynamically generate an array of bumps
or points of varying intensity that enable a blind person to be
able to obtain information from the display. Similarly, another
skin might be able to generate vibrations that can be detected by
deaf users, enabling those users to better appreciate music or
sounds corresponding to a particular display, etc. These skins can
be produced much more cost-effectively than generating entire
devices for those particular markets, and the cost to the end user
can be reduced as well.
[0042] As mentioned above, additional components for use with a
computing device do not need to be supplied via a mechanism in the
form of a skin or protective casing, for example, but can also be
supplied in many other potential shapes and sizes in other
embodiments. For example, many types of device rely on some type of
processor, display, memory, communication mechanism, or other such
components. Since a computing device typically will incorporate at
least some of these components, these components can be removed
from the external device if the external device can leverage those
components from the computing device. For example, a television
might be a "dummy" terminal that simply accepts a digital cable
signal, for example, but can become an Internet-capable television
by enabling the television to couple with a computing device that
has a processor, browser software, an Internet connection, and
other such aspects. Further, a user can take that computing device
and plug it into the navigation system of that user's car whereby
the navigation system can also be connected to the Internet, can
access routes stored by the user on the device, etc. Even basic
devices such as toasters or washing machines can become smart
devices if they are able to couple with the computing device. The
computing device can act as the brain for any such "dummy terminal"
in accordance with various embodiments, where each dummy terminal
offers at least one function or component not otherwise offered, at
least in the same format, on the computing device.
[0043] In order to provide functionality such as that described
above, FIG. 9 illustrates an example set of basic components of a
computing device 900 that can couple with a device skin in
accordance with various embodiments. As discussed, a significant
amount of functionality can be moved from the device to the skins
in various embodiments, simplifying the operation of the device
itself. In this example, the device includes at least one processor
902 for executing instructions that can be stored in at least one
memory device or element 904. As would be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art, the device can include many types of
memory, data storage, or non-transitory, computer-readable storage
media, such as a first data storage for program instructions for
execution by the processor 902, the same or separate storage for
storing images or data, a removable storage memory for sharing
information with other devices, etc. The device typically will
include some type of display element 906, such as a touch screen,
electronic ink (e-ink), organic light emitting diode (OLED) or
liquid crystal display (LCD), although devices such as portable
media players might convey information via other means, such as
through audio speakers. In at least some embodiments, the display
screen provides for touch or swipe-based input using, for example,
capacitive or resistive touch technology. Such a display element
can be used to, for example, enable a user to provide input by
pressing on an area of the display corresponding to an image of a
button, such as a right or left mouse button, touch point, etc.
[0044] The example device also includes at least one communication
mechanism or set of communication components 908, such as may
include at least one wired or wireless component operable to
communicate with at least one skin coupled with the device. The
example device also includes a power system 910, such as may
include a battery operable to be recharged through conventional
plug-in approaches, or through other approaches such as capacitive
charging through proximity with a power mat or other such device.
The power components also can provide power to one or more device
skins through contact or wireless mechanisms, as discussed
elsewhere herein. In order for the device to function without a
skin, the example device can also include one or more input
elements 912, such as buttons, switches, and the like. Various
other elements and/or combinations are possible as well within the
scope of various embodiments.
[0045] FIG. 10 illustrates an example set of components of a device
skin 1000 that can couple with a computing device, such as the
computing device illustrated in FIG. 9, in accordance with various
embodiments. It should be understood that reference numbers for
similar elements are carried over between figures for purposes of
simplicity of explanation, but that such use should not be
interpreted as limiting the scope or variations of the various
embodiments. In this example, it can be seen that the skin does not
include a main processor, but instead uses one or more
communication components 1002 to utilize a processor 902 of the
computing device 900 via one or more communication components 908
of the computing device. It should be understood, however, that
additional processors can be provided with various skins in
accordance with various embodiments. The example skin can also
include one or more power components 1012 operable to receive power
from the computing device 900.
[0046] Any of a number of different components can also be included
with a device skin in accordance with various embodiments. For
example, a device skin can include one or more image capture
elements for purposes such as conventional image and/or video
capture. Image capture elements can be placed in any appropriate
location, such as on the front, back, sides, or corners of the
skin, and there can be any appropriate number of capture elements
of similar or different types. Each image capture element may be,
for example, a camera, a charge-coupled device (CCD), a motion
detection sensor, or an infrared sensor, or can utilize another
image capturing technology. The computing device can also include
at least one microphone or other audio capture element capable of
capturing audio data, such as may be used to determine changes in
position or receive user input in certain embodiments. In some
devices there may be only one microphone, while in other devices
there might be at least one microphone on each side and/or corner
of the device, or in other appropriate locations.
[0047] The skin 1000 in this example also includes at least one or
more other functional components 1006, such as may include a
motion-determining element, orientation-determining element,
position-determining element, illumination element, light sensor,
motion detector, tactile feedback element, solar cell, and/or other
such elements discussed and suggested herein. These elements can
include, for example, accelerometers, inertial sensors, electronic
gyroscopes, electronic compasses, and GPS elements. Various types
of motion or changes in orientation can be used to provide input to
the device that can trigger at least one control signal for another
device. The skin can also include touch and/or pressure sensitive
material 1014 on one or more areas of the skin as well, such as on
the sides or back of the skin. While in at least some embodiments a
user can provide input by touching or squeezing such a material, in
other embodiments the material can be used to detect motion of the
skin through movement of a patterned surface with respect to the
material. A touch element also can provide tactile feedback to a
user in at least some embodiments, in place of or in addition to a
separate tactile component. The skin can also include one or more
additional display elements 1008, such as a touch screen,
electronic ink (e-ink) display, organic light emitting diode (OLED)
or liquid crystal display (LCD), and the like. The skin can also
include at least one additional input element 1016 able to receive
conventional input from a user. This conventional input can
include, for example, a push button, touch pad, touch screen,
wheel, joystick, keyboard, mouse, trackball, keypad or any other
such device or element whereby a user can input a command to the
device. These I/O devices could even be connected by a wireless
infrared or Bluetooth or other link as well in some embodiments. In
some embodiments, however, such a device might not include any
buttons at all and might be controlled only through a combination
of visual and audio commands such that a user can control the
device without having to be in contact with the device.
[0048] The example skin can also include one or more wireless
components 1010 operable to communicate with one or more electronic
devices other than a skin but within a communication range of the
particular wireless channel. The wireless channel can be any
appropriate channel used to enable devices to communicate
wirelessly, such as Bluetooth, cellular, or Wi-Fi channels. It
should be understood that the device can have one or more
conventional wired communications connections as known in the
art.
[0049] As discussed, different approaches can be implemented in
various environments in accordance with the described embodiments,
such as to determine and/or obtain configuration information for a
device skin coupled with a computing device. As an example, FIG. 11
illustrates an example of an environment 1100 for implementing
aspects in accordance with various embodiments. As will be
appreciated, although a Web-based environment is used for purposes
of explanation, different environments may be used, as appropriate,
to implement various embodiments. The system includes an electronic
client device 1102, which can include any appropriate device
operable to send and receive requests, messages or information over
an appropriate network 1104 and convey information back to a user
of the device. Examples of such client devices include personal
computers, cell phones, handheld messaging devices, laptop
computers, set-top boxes, personal data assistants, electronic book
readers and the like. The network can include any appropriate
network, including an intranet, the Internet, a cellular network, a
local area network or any other such network or combination
thereof. Components used for such a system can depend at least in
part upon the type of network and/or environment selected.
Protocols and components for communicating via such a network are
well known and will not be discussed herein in detail.
Communication over the network can be enabled via wired or wireless
connections and combinations thereof. In this example, the network
includes the Internet, as the environment includes a Web server
1106 for receiving requests and serving content in response
thereto, although for other networks, an alternative device serving
a similar purpose could be used, as would be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0050] The illustrative environment includes at least one
application server 1108 and a data store 1110. It should be
understood that there can be several application servers, layers or
other elements, processes or components, which may be chained or
otherwise configured, which can interact to perform tasks such as
obtaining data from an appropriate data store. As used herein, the
term "data store" refers to any device or combination of devices
capable of storing, accessing and retrieving data, which may
include any combination and number of data servers, databases, data
storage devices and data storage media, in any standard,
distributed or clustered environment. The application server 1108
can include any appropriate hardware and software for integrating
with the data store 1110 as needed to execute aspects of one or
more applications for the client device and handling a majority of
the data access and business logic for an application. The
application server provides access control services in cooperation
with the data store and is able to generate content such as text,
graphics, audio and/or video to be transferred to the user, which
may be served to the user by the Web server 1106 in the form of
HTML, XML or another appropriate structured language in this
example. The handling of all requests and responses, as well as the
delivery of content between the client device 1102 and the
application server 1108, can be handled by the Web server 1106. It
should be understood that the Web and application servers are not
required and are merely example components, as structured code
discussed herein can be executed on any appropriate device or host
machine as discussed elsewhere herein.
[0051] The data store 1110 can include several separate data
tables, databases or other data storage mechanisms and media for
storing data relating to a particular aspect. For example, the data
store illustrated includes mechanisms for storing content (e.g.,
production data) 1112 and user information 1116, which can be used
to serve content for the production side. The data store is also
shown to include a mechanism for storing log or session data 1114.
It should be understood that there can be many other aspects that
may need to be stored in the data store, such as page image
information and access rights information, which can be stored in
any of the above listed mechanisms as appropriate or in additional
mechanisms in the data store 1110. The data store 1110 is operable,
through logic associated therewith, to receive instructions from
the application server 1108 and obtain, update or otherwise process
data in response thereto. In one example, a user might submit a
search request for a certain type of item. In this case, the data
store might access the user information to verify the identity of
the user and can access the catalog detail information to obtain
information about items of that type. The information can then be
returned to the user, such as in a results listing on a Web page
that the user is able to view via a browser on the user device
1102. Information for a particular item of interest can be viewed
in a dedicated page or window of the browser.
[0052] Each server typically will include an operating system that
provides executable program instructions for the general
administration and operation of that server and typically will
include computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when
executed by a processor of the server, allow the server to perform
its intended functions. Suitable implementations for the operating
system and general functionality of the servers are known or
commercially available and are readily implemented by persons
having ordinary skill in the art, particularly in light of the
disclosure herein.
[0053] The environment in one embodiment is a distributed computing
environment utilizing several computer systems and components that
are interconnected via communication links, using one or more
computer networks or direct connections. However, it will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that such a
system could operate equally well in a system having fewer or a
greater number of components than are illustrated in FIG. 11. Thus,
the depiction of the system 1100 in FIG. 11 should be taken as
being illustrative in nature and not limiting to the scope of the
disclosure.
[0054] The various embodiments can be further implemented in a wide
variety of operating environments, which in some cases can include
one or more user computers or computing devices which can be used
to operate any of a number of applications. User or client devices
can include any of a number of general purpose personal computers,
such as desktop or laptop computers running a standard operating
system, as well as cellular, wireless and handheld devices running
mobile software and capable of supporting a number of networking
and messaging protocols. Such a system can also include a number of
workstations running any of a variety of commercially-available
operating systems and other known applications for purposes such as
development and database management. These devices can also include
other electronic devices, such as dummy terminals, thin-clients,
gaming systems and other devices capable of communicating via a
network.
[0055] Most embodiments utilize at least one network that would be
familiar to those skilled in the art for supporting communications
using any of a variety of commercially-available protocols, such as
TCP/IP, OSI, FTP, UPnP, NFS, CIFS and AppleTalk. The network can
be, for example, a local area network, a wide-area network, a
virtual private network, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a
public switched telephone network, an infrared network, a wireless
network and any combination thereof.
[0056] In embodiments utilizing a Web server, the Web server can
run any of a variety of server or mid-tier applications, including
HTTP servers, FTP servers, CGI servers, data servers, Java servers
and business application servers. The server(s) may also be capable
of executing programs or scripts in response requests from user
devices, such as by executing one or more Web applications that may
be implemented as one or more scripts or programs written in any
programming language, such as Java.RTM., C, C# or C++ or any
scripting language, such as Perl, Python or TCL, as well as
combinations thereof. The server(s) may also include database
servers, including without limitation those commercially available
from Oracle.RTM., Microsoft.RTM., Sybase.RTM. and IBM.RTM..
[0057] The environment can include a variety of data stores and
other memory and storage media as discussed above. These can reside
in a variety of locations, such as on a storage medium local to
(and/or resident in) one or more of the computers or remote from
any or all of the computers across the network. In a particular set
of embodiments, the information may reside in a storage-area
network (SAN) familiar to those skilled in the art. Similarly, any
necessary files for performing the functions attributed to the
computers, servers or other network devices may be stored locally
and/or remotely, as appropriate. Where a system includes
computerized devices, each such device can include hardware
elements that may be electrically coupled via a bus, the elements
including, for example, at least one central processing unit (CPU),
at least one input device (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, controller,
touch-sensitive display element or keypad) and at least one output
device (e.g., a display device, printer or speaker). Such a system
may also include one or more storage devices, such as disk drives,
optical storage devices and solid-state storage devices such as
random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM), as well as
removable media devices, memory cards, flash cards, etc.
[0058] Such devices can also include a computer-readable storage
media reader, a communications device (e.g., a modem, a network
card (wireless or wired), an infrared communication device) and
working memory as described above. The computer-readable storage
media reader can be connected with, or configured to receive, a
computer-readable storage medium representing remote, local, fixed
and/or removable storage devices as well as storage media for
temporarily and/or more permanently containing, storing,
transmitting and retrieving computer-readable information. The
system and various devices also typically will include a number of
software applications, modules, services or other elements located
within at least one working memory device, including an operating
system and application programs such as a client application or Web
browser. It should be appreciated that alternate embodiments may
have numerous variations from that described above. For example,
customized hardware might also be used and/or particular elements
might be implemented in hardware, software (including portable
software, such as applets) or both. Further, connection to other
computing devices such as network input/output devices may be
employed.
[0059] Storage media and computer readable media for containing
code, or portions of code, can include any appropriate media known
or used in the art, including storage media and communication
media, such as but not limited to volatile and non-volatile,
removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or
technology for storage and/or transmission of information such as
computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or
other data, including RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other
memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other
optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk
storage or other magnetic storage devices or any other medium which
can be used to store the desired information and which can be
accessed by a system device. Based on the disclosure and teachings
provided herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement the various
embodiments.
[0060] The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It
will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes
may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.
* * * * *