U.S. patent application number 15/694357 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-21 for managing device functions based on physical interaction with device modules.
The applicant listed for this patent is GOOGLE INC.. Invention is credited to Kevin D. Brune, Jason Chua, Eric Liu, Yoshimichi Matsuoka.
Application Number | 20170364396 15/694357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56084390 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170364396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu; Eric ; et al. |
December 21, 2017 |
MANAGING DEVICE FUNCTIONS BASED ON PHYSICAL INTERACTION WITH DEVICE
MODULES
Abstract
Embodiments are provided for managing operation of an electronic
device based on the connection(s) of hardware module(s) to the
electronic drive via a support housing. According to certain
aspects, the electronic device may detect when a hardware module
connects to the support housing. The electronic device may identify
a function associated with the hardware module, where the function
may be a built-in function of the hardware module itself or of the
electronic device. The electronic device may accordingly activate
the identified function.
Inventors: |
Liu; Eric; (Redwood City,
CA) ; Matsuoka; Yoshimichi; (Sunnyvale, CA) ;
Chua; Jason; (San Francisco, CA) ; Brune; Kevin
D.; (Maple Valley, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GOOGLE INC. |
Mountain View |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56084390 |
Appl. No.: |
15/694357 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14709982 |
May 12, 2015 |
9785487 |
|
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15694357 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 13/10 20130101;
G06F 1/1626 20130101; G06F 1/1635 20130101; G06F 9/4413 20130101;
H04M 1/0254 20130101; G06F 9/445 20130101; G06F 1/1633 20130101;
G06F 9/542 20130101; G06F 1/1684 20130101; G06F 1/181 20130101;
G06F 1/1658 20130101; G06F 1/1656 20130101; G06F 1/1632
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 9/54 20060101
G06F009/54; G06F 9/445 20060101 G06F009/445; G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16 |
Claims
1. An electronic device comprising: a support housing; a hardware
module configured to connect to the support housing via one or more
of a set of connector components; a memory storing a set of
applications and a set of computer-executable instructions; and a
processor interfacing with the memory, and configured to execute
the set of computer-executable instructions to cause the processor
to: detect the hardware module connect to the support housing via
the one or more connector components of the set of connector
components, and in response to detecting the hardware module
connect to the support housing: determine that the hardware module
connecting to the support housing is associated with an application
input to an application of the set of applications, and initiate
the application with the application input incorporated
therein.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein to initiate the
application with the application input incorporated therein, the
processor is configured to: initiate the application, and cause a
function associated with the application to be unlocked.
3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein to initiate the
application with the application input incorporated therein, the
processor is configured to: initiate the application, and cause a
function associated with the electronic device to be unlocked.
4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processor is
configured to execute the set of computer-executable instructions
to further cause the processor to: detect an additional hardware
module connect to the support housing.
5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein to determine that the
hardware module connecting to the support housing is associated
with the application input, the processor is configured to:
determine that the hardware module connecting to the support
housing in sequence with the additional hardware module connecting
to the support housing is associated with the application input to
the application.
6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the memory further
stores a predetermined sequence of module movements, and wherein to
determine that the hardware module connecting to the support
housing in sequence with the additional hardware module connecting
to the support housing is associated with the application input to
the application, the processor is configured to: determine that the
hardware module connecting to the support housing in sequence with
the additional hardware module connecting to the support housing
matches the predetermined sequence of module movements.
7. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a user
interface, and wherein to initiate the application with the
application input incorporated therein, the processor is configured
to: initiate the application, and cause the user interface to
display content associated with the application.
8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the application is a
game, and wherein to initiate the application with the application
input incorporated therein, the processor is configured to:
initiate the application in which a goal of the game is scored.
9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the hardware module
further connects to the support housing from a movement
direction.
10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein to determine that the
hardware module connecting to the support housing is associated
with the application input, the processor is configured to:
determine that the hardware module connecting to the support
housing from the movement direction is associated with the
application input to the application.
11. A computer-implemented method of managing operation of an
electronic device comprising a support housing and a hardware
module configured to connect to the support housing via one or more
of a set of connector components, and a processor configured to
execute a set of applications, the method comprising: detecting, by
the processor, the hardware module connect to the support housing
via the one or more connector components of the set of connector
components; and in response to detecting the hardware module
connect to the support housing: determining that the hardware
module connecting to the support housing is associated with an
application input to an application of the set of applications, and
initiating the application with the application input incorporated
therein.
12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein initiating
the application with the application input incorporated therein
comprises: initiating the application, and causing a function
associated with the application to be unlocked.
13. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein initiating
the application with the application input incorporated therein
comprises: initiating the application, and causing a function
associated with the electronic device to be unlocked.
14. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further
comprising: detecting an additional hardware module connect to the
support housing.
15. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, wherein
determining that the hardware module connecting to the support
housing is associated with the application input comprises:
determining that the hardware module connecting to the support
housing in sequence with the additional hardware module connecting
to the support housing is associated with the application input to
the application.
16. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, wherein
determining that the hardware module connecting to the support
housing in sequence with the additional hardware module connecting
to the support housing is associated with the application input to
the application comprises: determining that the hardware module
connecting to the support housing in sequence with the additional
hardware module connecting to the support housing matches a stored
predetermined sequence of module movements.
17. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein initiating
the application with the application input incorporated therein
comprises: initiating the application, and displaying, in a user
interface, content associated with the application.
18. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the
application is a game, and wherein initiating the application with
the application input incorporated therein comprises: initiating
the application in which a goal of the game is scored.
19. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein detecting
the hardware module connect to the support housing comprises:
detecting the hardware module connect to the support housing from a
movement direction.
20. The computer-implemented method of claim 19, wherein
determining that the hardware module connecting to the support
housing is associated with the application input comprises:
determining that the hardware module connecting to the support
housing from the movement direction is associated with the
application input to the application.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/709,982, filed May 12, 2015, the disclosure
of which is hereby fully incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This application generally relates to physical interactions
by a user with one or more modules of an electronic device. In
particular, the application relates to identifying functions of the
modules or of the electronic device based on the physical
interactions and activating or facilitating the functions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Portable electronic devices such as smart phones and tablet
devices are becoming more ubiquitous as underlying technology and
device capability improves. Generally, with improved technology
comes more portable and advanced devices. These devices incorporate
numerous components that support various device functions and
applications. For example, current smart phones include components
that support various types of wireless communication, image and
video capture, audio and video playback, data storage, and/or the
like.
[0004] Typically, smart phone manufacturers will constantly and
consistently design, manufacture, and release new devices, where
the new devices often incorporate upgraded or improved components
as compared to the previous device iterations. However, the design,
manufacture, and release cycles are costly endeavors for both the
device manufacturers and for the consumers who purchase the
devices. Additionally, device components evolve or improve at
different rates. While some electronic devices contemplate
incorporating modular components, use of such devices is cumbersome
and complicated.
[0005] There is therefore an opportunity for electronic devices
that support modular components, and an opportunity to effectively
and efficiently manage operation of the devices based on physical
interactions with and configurations of the modular components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views, together with the detailed description below, are
incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to
further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed
embodiments, and explain various principles and advantages of those
embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 1 depicts an example electronic device including
hardware modules configured to connect thereto, in accordance with
some embodiments.
[0008] FIGS. 2-4 depict various views of example electronic
devices, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 5 depicts a detailed view of an example electronic
device and components thereof, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0010] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B depict example interactions with
hardware modules of an example electronic device, in accordance
with some embodiments.
[0011] FIGS. 8 and 9 depict example electronic devices with example
functionalities activated, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0012] FIGS. 10 and 11 depict example electronic devices including
hardware modules configured to connect thereto, in accordance with
some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 12 depicts an example electronic device positioned in
an example orientation, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 13 depicts a flow diagram of facilitating electronic
device functionalities in response to hardware module positioning,
in accordance with some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 14 depicts a flow diagram of activating device
functions based on configurations of hardware modules, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an electronic device in
accordance with some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Existing portable electronic devices such as smart phones
and tablet devices are capable of supporting multiple applications,
functions, and the like. Generally, users of the existing devices
may control which applications and functions are active or
executing by making selections and interactions with existing
hardware and software buttons of the devices. In particular, these
devices have numerous hardware and software buttons which often
require the user to make multiple individual and particular
selections to accomplish a single task, such as switching from one
application to another application. This is particularly apparent
when an electronic device powers on or otherwise activates from an
idle state, where it is often the case that an application or
function desired to be accessed by the user is neither initiated
nor active.
[0018] The embodiments described herein provide an electronic
device that is configured with hardware modules removably secured
thereto via a support housing. A user of the electronic device may
manually manipulate or relocate the hardware modules to different
positions of the support housing, where the support housing may
incorporate various connection components that enable the
electronic device to detect connections with hardware modules. The
hardware modules themselves may have various functionalities
incorporated therein, or may be associated with an function or
application of the electronic device itself. For example, a
hardware module may provide more random access memory (RAM) or
processing power for the electronic device to use. In another
example, a hardware module may be a camera module capable of
capturing digital image data for use in an imaging application of
the electronic device.
[0019] The electronic device may be configured to detect when
hardware modules connect to the support housing. In response to a
hardware module connecting to the support housing, the electronic
device may identify a function that is associated with the hardware
module, or a function or application of the electronic device that
incorporates the hardware module. The electronic device may then
activate the function. The electronic device may also account for
how the hardware module is connected to the support housing as well
as a sequence associated with multiple hardware modules connecting
to the support housing.
[0020] Accordingly, by connecting various hardware modules to the
support housing, users of electronic devices may control which
functions or applications for the electronic device to activate in
response to the electronic device detecting the connections. The
embodiments as discussed herein offer a benefit to users of the
electronic devices by providing easier and more intuitive control
of device applications and functionalities. This benefit is
especially important when the user wishes to effectively and
efficiently access a desired function associated with a particular
hardware module.
[0021] The systems and methods discussed herein therefore address a
challenge that is particular to electronic devices. In particular,
the challenge relates to a rigidness in the ability for a user to
initiate desired applications or functions of electronic devices.
This is particularly apparent when the user wishes to quickly
access a certain application or function. Instead of requiring the
user to make specific selections of specific built-in hardware or
software components, as required by conventional electronic
devices, the electronic devices of the present embodiments
incorporate hardware modules that a user may manually connect to
the electronic device, which causes the electronic device to
automatically initiate functions associated with the hardware
modules. Accordingly, because the systems and methods employ
hardware modules connecting to support housings and having
specified functions, the systems and methods are necessarily rooted
in computer technology in order to overcome the noted shortcomings
that specifically arise in the realm of electronic devices.
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts an example electronic device 10 capable of
supporting and facilitating the features and functions as described
herein. The electronic device 10 may be any type of portable
electronic device, for example, a notebook computer, a mobile
phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a tablet
computer, a multimedia player, an MP3 or MP4 player, a digital or
analog broadcast receiver, a remote controller, or any other
electronic apparatus. The electronic device 10 may include various
electronic and mechanical features and components capable of
supporting a variety of functionalities and applications, including
phone and video calls, data communication, general computing and
processing data, audio input and output, graphical display, sensing
environmental conditions, sensing interactions with users,
recording data, generating notifications, maintaining scheduling
data, and/or the like.
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the electronic device 10 may
include a support housing 12 that may be configured to removably
secure a set of modules 14 thereto. In particular, a user may
manually attach the set of modules 14 to or remove the set of
modules 14 from the support housing 12. The set of modules 14 may
be electrically and/or physically connected to the support housing
12 using any of a variety of connection components, such as
magnetic connectors (e.g., electro-permanent magnets (EPMs)),
capacitive connectors, optical connectors, or other electrical
connections; physical male/female connectors or ports (e.g., ribs
and recesses); and/or other fastening or connecting components.
[0024] Some implementations enable the set of modules 14 to be
locked in place to the support housing 12 at a particular position
within the support housing 12. For example, the set of modules 14
may be locked to the support housing 12 using a hardware locking
mechanism such as a latch. According to embodiments, a power source
(e.g., a battery) may be included in each of the set of modules 14
to power its own operation. The set of modules 14 may additionally
or alternatively be powered by a power source provided in other
modules 14 or located within the electronic device 10.
[0025] The support housing 12 may include a set of ports,
receptacles, or the like (generally, a set of ports) spaced at
various positions or locations, where the set of ports may be
physically separated by a set of ribs and/or a set of spines that
may protrude from the support housing 12. The set of ports may be
configured to receive and removably secure the set of modules 14
via corresponding connector components. For example, as illustrated
in FIG. 1, some of the set of modules 14 may be slid in or out of
some ports of the support housing 12 as shown by arrows 16. The set
of ports may be located at various positions of the support housing
12, and may be different sizes and/or include different types
and/or amounts of connector components. Similarly, the set of
modules 14 may be of different sizes and shapes, and may include
various types and amounts of connector components.
[0026] Accordingly, various of the set of modules 14 may be
compatible with some of the ports and incompatible with others of
the ports. Therefore, the user may interchange some of the modules
14 in various correspondingly-sized ports of the support housing 12
if those modules 14 are physically similar in dimensions and/or
include the same type and/or amount of connector components. The
interchangeability of the set of modules 14 enables the electronic
device 10 to achieve different physical layouts.
[0027] According to embodiments, each of the set of modules 14 may
include electronic components that enable or are associated with
one or more functions. Specifically, these one or more functions
may contribute to or supplement operation of the electronic device
10 when the corresponding module 14 is secured to the electronic
device 10 via the support housing 12. In some implementations, some
of the modules 14 may include components that are used by various
functions or applications of the electronic device 10. For example,
the module 14 may include a lens and image sensor that is used by a
camera application supported by the electronic device 10; or a
display screen module 18 may include a display screen that is used
by a video playback application executable by the electronic device
10. In other implementations, some of the modules 14 may provide
functionality that contributes to operation of the electronic
device 10. For example, various of the modules 14 may add memory to
the total memory of the electronic device 10, processing capability
to the total processing capability of the electronic device 10, or
battery power to an overall power capability of the electronic
device 10.
[0028] It should be appreciated that a variety of functions and
applications associated with the modules 14 are envisioned. In one
implementation, the modules 14 may be associated with communication
capabilities of the electronic device 10. For example, one of the
modules 14 may be a subscriber identity module (SIM) module that
may include a socket (or other receptacle) to interface with a SIM
card inserted in the socket, where the SIM card may store
subscriber identity information for a phone carrier or other
service carrier. Accordingly, different SIM cards may be inserted
into or removed from the SIM module to enable different subscribers
or accounts to use the electronic device 10, and/or to enable
retrieval of stored personal data of a user, such as contacts
and/or other data. The SIM module may also include a physical
slider or switch to enable a user to select different subscriber
services that may be linked to the SIM card. For example, different
switch positions may correspond to different options to
send/receive voice calls only (and not data), send/receive data
only (such as via a data plan), or disallow phone service if
roaming charges on the device would be incurred.
[0029] In some implementations, multiple of the set of modules 14
may be fastened or connected to each other via electrical and/or
physical connectors. For example, magnetic connections or
connectors may provide an attractive force between or among modules
14 to attach them securely to each other, but still enable a user
to readily pull apart the modules 14; or physical connectors may
provide physical engagement between or among some of the modules
14. Some implementations may enable wireless communication (e.g.,
short-range communication such as RF signals) between the modules
14 and the support housing 12, or between the modules 14
themselves. Some of the modules 14 may also be positioned in the
ports of the support housing 12 so those modules 14 are adjacent to
each other.
[0030] In one example implementation, the modules 14 may be display
modules that each includes a display screen on its surface that may
support graphical display output. The display screen on each module
may extend to one or more edges of the module, and the module may
include a connector to be linked directly to another module at a
corresponding edge. Accordingly, each display module may be
connected to another display module at corresponding edges to cause
the display screens to be positioned adjacent to each other and to
form a combined display screen having a larger area. A display
controller of the electronic device 10 may manage the content that
is displayed on the adjacent display modules such that the combined
display area of the adjacent display modules acts as a single large
screen, or as multiple screens defined arbitrarily within the
combined display area. Some implementations enable a display screen
area to be extended in horizontal and/or vertical directions of the
display modules.
[0031] According to embodiments, the electronic device 10 may be
physically implemented according to various configurations and may
support multiple ways for the modules 14 to connect to the support
housing 12. In particular, the electronic device 10 may include one
or more layers, where each layer may define a plane of the support
housing 12 and that may removably secure multiple of the modules
14. In some implementations in which the electronic device 10
includes multiple layers, each layer may be aligned parallel to the
other layers.
[0032] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the electronic device 10
described with respect to FIG. 1. The electronic device 10 depicted
in FIG. 2 includes two layers: a rear layer 20 (which is shown
facing up in FIG. 1) and a front layer 22 (which is shown facing
down in FIG. 1). The rear layer 20 may removably secure a first set
of modules that may be arranged within a plane and the front layer
22 may removably secure a second set of modules that may be
arranged within another plane, where the rear layer 20 and the
front layer 22 may be aligned parallel to each other. The support
housing 12 may accordingly include a first side associated with the
rear layer 20 and a second side associated with the front layer 22,
where the first side and the second side may include ports having
the same or different amount, type, and size to respectively
removably secure the first set of modules and the second set of
modules. For example, the front layer 22 may face the user during
normal use of the electronic device 10 and may accordingly include
a larger port for securing the display screen module 18 that may be
larger than other modules.
[0033] FIG. 3 depicts another example implementation of an
electronic device having a single layer 24 of modules arranged
within a plane and connected to the electronic device via the
support housing 12. It should be appreciated that a single
electronic device may also support more than two layers, where the
multiple layers may be aligned parallel with each other and may be
the same or different sizes. FIG. 4 depicts an example
implementation of an electronic device having three layers: a front
layer 30, a middle layer 32, and a rear layer 34, where each layer
is arranged within a plane and parallel to the other layers.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, the middle layer 32 is provided between
the front layer 30 and the rear layer 34. It should be appreciated
that the modules of the middle layer 32 may be accessed and/or
removed in various ways. In some implementations, one or more
layers themselves may be removable or separable from the electronic
device, where the electronic device may include multiple individual
support housings. For example, a layer of modules may be connected
to its own support housing, where that support housing may be
connected to the support housing(s) associated with the other
layers.
[0035] FIG. 4 depicts a main support housing 12 that may support
the front layer 30 and the middle layer 32, similar to the support
housing 12 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The electronic device of FIG.
4 also includes an extension support housing 13 that may support
the rear layer 34 to which several modules 28 may be removably
secured. The extension support housing 13 may be coupled to the
main support housing 12 at an interface 15 (e.g., a mechanical,
magnetic, or electrical connection mechanism). The main support
housing 12 and the extension support housing 13 may be detached
from each other to enable access to or removal of the modules of
the middle layer 32.
[0036] In additional implementations for supporting multiple
layers, the electronic device may include hinges or similar
mechanisms to enable a layer of modules to pivot with respect to
the other layer(s) of modules, thereby enabling a user to access an
internal layer of modules and/or other areas of the electronic
device. Other implementations may support internal layers of
modules having edges that extend from or protrude past edges of the
modules of the surrounding layers, therefore enabling the user to
easily insert and remove the internal modules.
[0037] Some electronic devices may include a support housing
configured to connect to a support housing of another electronic
device, thereby enabling the electronic devices to connect
together. For example, instead of the layer 34 of FIG. 4 being an
extension layer with an extension support housing 13 that is
attached to the main support housing 12, the layer 34 may be a
second, separate electronic device that can function independently
of the first electronic device that includes the main support
housing 12. Accordingly, the second electronic device may include
its own support housing that may attach to the support housing 12
of the first electronic device. In this implementation, the
extension support housing 13 may be a separate linking structure
(in some cases, without any modules attached) that may attach
between the first electronic device and the second electronic
device to mechanically connect the two electronic devices together.
In other implementations, two electronic devices may be connected
together at their edges (e.g., via a linking structure that may be
positioned between the two electronic devices to mechanically
connect them). Such edge-connected devices may offer improved
features, such as a larger combined display area that may
incorporate display modules from both electronic devices.
[0038] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the electronic device 10
depicting various features and components as well as a set of
modules 30, 32, 34 thereof. The modules 30, 32 may include buttons
20, 22 respectively positioned thereon. Similarly, the modules 32,
34 may include slider switches 40, 42 respectively positioned
thereon. The buttons 20, 22 and the slider switches 40, 42 may be
pressed, touched, switched, or otherwise physically manipulated or
actuated by a user. The buttons 20, 22 and the slider switches 40,
42 may be positioned on an outer surface of the corresponding
module 30, 32, 34 or otherwise on a surface that is accessible to a
user while the corresponding module 30, 32, 34 is secured to the
support housing.
[0039] While FIG. 5 depicts the buttons 20, 22, and the slider
switches 40, 42, it should be appreciated that other types of
physical controls are envisioned, including switches, knobs,
directional pads, trackpads or other sensor pads, touchscreens,
hinges, joysticks, optical sensors, capacitive sensors, and/or the
like. Some types of physical controls may be positioned or disposed
at least partially within the corresponding module, such as a
capacitive sensor capable of detecting touch input. Some physical
controls may be configured to sense multiple simultaneous touches
or other manipulations, such as trackpads and touchscreens.
[0040] According to embodiments, the actuation of a physical
control on a module by a user may cause an activation of a function
associated with the module. For example, an input/output device
incorporated in a module may be activated/enabled and
deactivated/disabled by the actuation or manipulation of a physical
control. In some implementations, actuation of a physical control
may activate or deactivate functions that are provided by the
module to the electronic device, such as processing capability,
memory expansion, battery power addition, sensing capability, a
function of the device operating system or running environment,
and/or the like. In other implementations, actuation of a physical
control may activate/deactivate and/or adjust certain settings of
the electronic device, such as scaling levels, parameters
associated with module functions, and/or other device settings.
[0041] By having certain physical controls present on the modules
themselves, the modules are more interchangeable. If a particular
function for a specific module is desired (or not desired), a user
can add (or remove) the specific module to (or from) the support
housing of the electronic device, and the physical controls for
that function will be added (or removed) as well. For example, if a
user decides that a camera module for an electronic device is not
wanted or needed, the user can remove the camera module and replace
it with another module (e.g., a battery module that supplies
additional power to the electronic device).
[0042] As discussed herein, numerous types of modules and functions
thereof are envisioned. For example, the module 30 of FIG. 5 may be
a camera module that may include a lens 23, charge-coupled device
(CCD), image sensor, circuitry, memory, and/or any other components
that may be used to support image capture functionalities. In this
example, the button 20 on the surface of the camera module 30 may
be used as a shutter control to capture an image and start/stop
recording a video. In some implementations, the button 20 may be
linked to other camera functions that may be indicated on a display
screen located on the camera module 30 or on another module, such
as a display screen module.
[0043] For further example, the module 32 of FIG. 5 may be a
speaker module that may include one or more speakers 33 capable of
outputting audio according to applied electrical signals. The
slider switch 40 on the speaker module 32 may enable a user to
adjust the volume of the audio that is output from the speaker(s)
33. In some implementations, multiple speaker modules of an
electronic device may each include their own independent volume
slider, or the user may designate one of the volume sliders as a
master volume control that controls all the speaker modules. The
button 22 on the speaker module 32 may, in some scenarios,
enable/disable the audio output from the speaker(s) 33. Other
physical controls are envisioned for the speaker module 32, such as
selections that may adjust various settings of the audio output,
such as tone, balance, equalization levels, fade, bass, treble,
and/or the like.
[0044] It should be appreciated that other types of modules having
physical controls that may activate, deactivate, adjust, or
otherwise control a variety of different functions are envisioned.
For example, the modules may include an activity monitoring module
having heartrate sensors, blood pressure sensors, oxygen level
sensors, and/or the like, a location module having a GPS sensor,
and/or others. The physical controls provided on the modules may
also be used to control overall device functions or modes, and/or
control functions of other modules secured to the device. In one
example, a module can include several controls that may each be
assigned to a different function of the device wherein, in some
cases, the module itself may not have any other functions except to
support the controls.
[0045] It should further be appreciated that the physical controls
on the modules may control a variety of functions of the electronic
device. For example, a particular control may activate an unlock
feature for the electronic device such that operating system is
"unlocked" when the control is actuated. Other controllable device
functions may include power on/off, selection of modes (sleep mode,
low power mode, etc.), display screen activation, GPS sensor
activation, launching of particular applications or other software
on the electronic device, controlling of various settings and user
preferences, enabling and disabling notifications, and/or
others.
[0046] As discussed herein, a user of the electronic device may
move, rotate, relocate, or otherwise physically change the modules
within a support housing and/or in relation to other modules
secured to the support housing. According to embodiments, this
movement or physical change may be associated with certain
functions that may be managed by the electronic device.
[0047] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict examples of physical movements of a
module 50, by a user, in association with a support housing 12. As
depicted in FIG. 6A, the user may move the module 50 to the left as
indicated by arrow 52 to remove the module 50 from the support
housing 12. According to some embodiments, the module 50 may be
"unlocked" prior to being removed via a physical interaction or a
software command. Similarly, as depicted in FIG. 6B, the user may
move the module 50 to the right as indicated by arrow 54 to secure
the module 50 to the support housing 12. In some implementations, a
group (e.g., a row or column) of adjacent modules may be moved
together in relation to the support housing 12. For example, if a
group of multiple modules are attached directly to each other
within adjacent ports of the support housing 12, then the user may
remove the entire group of modules from the support housing 12.
[0048] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict additional examples of physical
movement of modules in relation to the support housing 12. As
depicted in FIG. 7A, a module 60 is positioned in the upper left
corner of the support housing 12 and a same- or similar-sized
module 62 is positioned under the module 60. In one implementation,
the user may remove the modules 60, 62 by detaching the modules 60,
62 from the support housing 12 and sliding the modules 60, 62 to
the left, away from the support housing 12.
[0049] The user may then re-secure the modules 60, 62 to the
support housing 12, but with the modules 60, 62 switching positions
as depicted in FIG. 7B (i.e., the module 62 is now positioned in
the upper left corner and the module 60 is positioned under the
module 62). A similar swapping of modules may be made between same-
or similarly-sized modules 64 and 66, modules 70 and 72, and
modules 80 and 82.
[0050] According to embodiments, a processor or controller of the
electronic device may sense the movement of the modules (such as
those described with respect to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B). In some
implementations, the processor may detect change(s) in module
connection(s) to the support housing 12, such as when a user moves
a module to a different position of the support housing 12.
Generally, the processor may detect the original positions of the
modules according to their original connections to the support
housing 12, and may detect new positions of the modules according
to their new connections to the support housing 12.
[0051] In some implementations, the support housing 12 may include
sensors that may be configured to detect any motion of modules
within the support housing 12. The sensors may be, for example,
optical sensors, magnetic sensors, and/or other types of sensors.
The modules themselves may, in some cases, include motion sensors
(e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes) that may be used as an
alternative to or in combination with any sensors of the support
housing 12. The sensors may be configured to detect a movement
direction associated with a module connecting to the support
housing 12. For example, the module may connect to the support
housing 12 from the left, the right, the bottom, or the top.
[0052] According to embodiments, the processor may detect
connections of the modules and may facilitate functions or
applications associated with the modules and/or the device. In
particular, the processor may detect a connection of a module to
the support housing 12, may identify a function to activate, where
the function may correspond to a function of the module itself or
of the electronic device, and may activate the function. A function
of the electronic device may constitute an application installed on
the electronic device, where the application may use the connected
module, or may constitute a setting or mode modification or other
similar function. In some implementations, the processor may
determine the function based at least in part on a movement
direction associated with the module connecting to the support
housing 12.
[0053] For example, the processor may detect a module being removed
from a particular port of the support housing 12 and then replaced
into the same port of the support housing 12, as depicted in FIGS.
6A and 6B, which the processor may determine corresponds to an
unlocking of a device operating system to enable the user to access
functions of the electronic device. For further example, the
processor may detect two modules switching port positions, as
depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B, which the processor may determine
corresponds to a resetting of a device operating system to a
starting state. In determining or identifying the function, the
processor may compare the detected movement of the module(s) to a
listing of the corresponding functions, such as via a lookup table,
list, or other data structure.
[0054] The movement and placement of certain modules by a user may
also be linked to one or more functions of the moved modules
themselves. For example, an input/output device incorporated into a
module may be activated/enabled or deactivated/disabled by the
movement of that same module. Similarly, the movement of certain
modules may be linked to one or more functions that are provided by
the modules to the electronic device. For example, movement of a
certain module may cause activation or deactivation of processing
capability, memory size, sensing capability, or a function of the
device operating system or running environment. Additionally,
certain settings, scaling levels, and other parameters of certain
module functions and/or device functions may be adjusted based on
manipulation or movement of the modules by the user.
[0055] It should be appreciated that the processor may activate a
variety of other functions in response to detecting various
movements, repositionings, and/or relocations of the modules into,
out of, and/or within the support housing 12. Further, the
movements, repositionings, and/or relocations may incorporate a
single module or a combination of multiple modules. Some of these
additional functions may include, but are not limited to, enabling
and disabling a sleep mode; enabling and disabling certain
communication functions such as "airplane mode" or the ability to
initiate or receive telephone calls; enabling and disabling
notifications to be selectively displayed or output based on
calendar events, received communications, sensed environment
conditions, or other conditions; activating a particular
application, enabling and disabling certain communication settings
(e.g., Bluetooth.RTM., WLAN hotspot); enabling and disabling an
input/output component of the device (e.g., a speaker, alarm,
siren, camera flash, vibration); and/or the like.
[0056] The support housing 12 may also be configured to enable a
module to be positioned in different orientations. In one
implementation, the module may include multiple connectors or
contacts in multiple location, such as on opposing edges or sides
of the module, so that the module may be rotated (e.g., 180
degrees) and connected to the support housing 12 in a different
orientation. In another implementation, a symmetrical module (e.g.,
a square or circular shaped module) may include a connector on more
than two edges or sides of the module, thereby enabling the module
to have multiple connectable orientations.
[0057] The processor may detect or sense changes in orientation of
the module in various ways, such as based on the combination of
connectors engaged on the support housing 12, based on an output of
motion or position sensors within the module or on the support
housing, and/or based on other factors. The processor may also
facilitate the activation or deactivation of one or more functions
of the electronic device and/or a module itself in response to
detecting a reorientation of the module. Each orientation of the
module, or each change of the module from one connectable
orientation to another connectable orientation, may be associated
with a different function or set of functions of the electronic
device and/or the module.
[0058] In some implementations, the processor may use data
associated with the movement and/or orienting of modules as input
to applications supported by the electronic device, such as games,
puzzles, or other applications. For example, the electronic device
may store a predetermined sequence of module movements, such that
if the user moves/orients a set of modules to match the
predetermined sequence, a puzzle may be solved, a game goal may be
scored, and/or a function associated with the device and/or an
application running on the device may be unlocked. For further
example, the processor may cause "easter eggs" (e.g., a message,
image, or animation displayed on a display screen of the device),
which may be hidden by developers in the source code of
applications, to be revealed in response to detecting the movement
of particular module(s) in a particular way and/or in a particular
sequence, or to a particular position(s) within the support housing
12.
[0059] The present embodiments further contemplate facilitating
various functionalities in response to the electronic device
powering on, starting up, or otherwise activating. Electronic
device startup may occur when the electronic device changes from a
powered down, sleep, or idle state to a powered on, active, or
awake state. Startup of the electronic device may be activated in a
variety of ways.
[0060] Generally, the electronic device may detect an activation of
a device component, such as when a user activates a control on the
electronic device (e.g., a power button), the electronic device
starts up or is powered on, a timer expires, a trigger event
associated with the component occurs, an event or condition occurs,
and/or the like. The electronic device may identify or select
particular functions (e.g., particular application(s) or mode(s))
to be active upon startup. Therefore, a user may conveniently use
or interface with the startup functions without having to first
select a particular mode or application using the electronic
device.
[0061] The functions that are initiated by the electronic device
upon device startup may vary based on the physical arrangement of
one or more modules in the electronic device. In some
implementations, the startup functions may be based on one or more
particular modules located at or secured to one or more
predetermined controlling positions of the support housing, where a
module at a controlling position may be associated with a
particular application, mode, or other function that the electronic
device may initiate upon device startup. It should be appreciated
that the controlling position(s) may be a default position(s) or
may be configurable by a user of the electronic device.
[0062] FIG. 8 depicts an example of a front side of an electronic
device, which includes a display screen module 40 secured to a
lower position of the support housing 12 and a camera module 42
secured to a different position of the support housing 12. In an
implementation, the camera module 42 may include an image sensor as
well as a microphone component. If the camera module 42 is secured
to a controlling position of the support housing 12, then the
electronic device may identify a function associated with the
camera module 42 to initiate or activate upon device startup. The
function activation by the electronic device may utilize one or
more additional modules. For example, as depicted in FIG. 8, the
electronic device may initiate a video call application as
displayed on the display screen module 40. The user may interface
with the camera module 42 and/or the video call application to
record and send image data associated with the user's face during
the video call.
[0063] FIG. 9 depicts another example of the front side of the
electronic device in which a speaker module 44 is secured to the
position of the support housing 12 previously occupied by the
camera module 42. In response to detecting that the speaker module
44 is connected to the controlling position of the support housing
12 upon device startup, the electronic device may identify and
initiate a music playback application associated with the speaker
module 44, as displayed on the display screen module 40. The music
playback application may cause a speaker of the speaker module 44
to output audio as controlled by the music playback application. In
some implementations, the music playback application may continue
output of the song or track that was output the previous time that
the music playback application was active or initiated. It should
be appreciated that the speaker module 44 may include additional
components such as a headphone jack and/or others.
[0064] It should be appreciated that either or both of the front
side and the rear side of the electronic device may include one or
more controlling positions. For example, as depicted in FIG. 10, if
a camera module 50 is positioned at a controlling position
designated as the top left corner of the electronic device, then
the electronic device may initiate in a camera mode (e.g.,
executing a camera application) in which a display screen of the
device (e.g., the display module 40 of FIGS. 8 and 9) may display a
live preview of image data captured by the camera module 50. In
some implementations, the display screen may display a list of
previously-captured images, and/or other content or information
associated with an imaging or photos application.
[0065] The controlling position of the support housing 12 of the
electronic device may vary. For example, as depicted in FIG. 10, if
the controlling position of the support housing 12 is where a
speaker module 52 is positioned, then the electronic device may
initiate a music playback application associated with the speaker
module 52 upon device startup. In another example, if the
controlling position of the support housing 12 is where a SIM
module 54 (or other type of module related to a particular service
carrier) is positioned, then the electronic device may initiate a
communication application (e.g., a dialer) associated with the SIM
module 54 upon device startup. For further example, if a base
processor module is positioned at a controlling position (not shown
in FIG. 10), the electronic device may initiate in a default mode
in which no particular application is executing. The controlling
position may also be associated with other positions or components
of the support housing 12, such as a center position, a bezel, a
particular small-sized position, or the like.
[0066] As discussed above, various electronic device
implementations may include different amounts of layers of the
support housing 12 as well as various controlling positions. In
some implementations, the front layer of modules of an electronic
device, such as those facing the user in normal operation of the
electronic device, may dictate the function(s) for the electronic
device to initiate upon device startup. In other implementations, a
non-front layer of the electronic device (e.g., a rear layer) may
dictate the startup functions, such as when any front layer modules
are general usage modules and/or may not have an associated
application. It should be appreciated that other layers of the
electronic device may dictate the startup functions in other
implementations or under other conditions. In one embodiment, a
user may designate which layer of the electronic device dictates a
startup function(s) for each controlling position of the support
housing 12.
[0067] In some implementations, the controlling position may result
from multiple modules or devices that may be connected together.
For example, if two display screen modules (or electronic devices)
are connected together at their edges to form a combined larger
display screen (or larger electronic device), the electronic device
may detect that such display screen modules (or electronic devices)
are connected together and may initiate a display application upon
device startup, such as a video playback application or video
conference application.
[0068] The electronic device may also support multiple controlling
positions, where the electronic device may use certain criteria to
resolve conflicts between which function or application is to be
initiated if two or more modules are located in the controlling
positions. For example, the electronic device may resolve a
conflict based on module size, where a larger module would have
priority over a smaller module. For further example, a module
positioned closer to the top of the electronic device may have
priority over a module positioned farther from the top. The
electronic device may resolve conflicts using a default set of
rules which may be configurable by a user. In some implementations,
a user may specify a priority list of applications or functions,
such that if there is a conflict between applications or functions
associated with modules in the controlling positions, the
electronic device may initiate the application or function highest
on the priority list upon startup.
[0069] In some implementations at device startup, the electronic
device may initiate an application related to a module located in a
non-standard or atypical position of the support housing 12 for
that particular module. For example, if a speaker module has a
standard position on the rear layer of the electronic device, but
the speaker module is currently positioned on the front layer of
the electronic device, then upon startup the electronic device may
initiate a music playback application. Similarly, if a camera
module has a standard position on the rear layer (e.g., to enable a
user to take pictures while viewing a display screen on the front
side of the device), then the electronic device may start up in a
normal camera mode if that camera module is in a controlling
position on the rear layer. However, if that same camera module is
in a non-standard position such as a position on the front layer,
then upon startup the electronic device may initiate a
communication application that enables a video call using the
camera module. The user of the electronic device may configure or
set the standard or non-standard controlling position(s) and the
corresponding function(s) or application(s) that are initiated upon
device startup.
[0070] In some implementations, the electronic device may account
for the positions of multiple modules to determine which functions
or applications are initiated upon startup of the device. For
example, the electronic device may determine a set of functions or
applications that corresponds to a set of modules that forms a top
edge of the electronic device, such that each of the set of
functions or applications is initiated upon device startup. The
electronic device may therefore concurrently execute multiple
applications or functions (i.e., multitask), whereby the multiple
applications or functions may share the display screen, or whereby
the electronic device may display one of the applications in the
foreground while executing the remaining applications in the
background. For example, the electronic device may identify the
application to be displayed in the foreground as corresponding to a
module located in a controlling position within the top edge area,
having a particular size, or being associated with a particular
application, and may accordingly display the application in the
foreground.
[0071] The electronic device may also determine a startup
application or function based on a combination of multiple modules
in multiple controlling positions, whereby different combinations
of modules may be associated with particular applications or
functions. For example, a combination of a camera module and a
microphone module on the top edge of an electronic device may
correspond to the electronic device initiating a video recording
application upon startup. The electronic device may maintain a
list, lookup table, or other data structure that specifies which
combinations of modules correspond to which applications or
functions, which may also be configurable by a user.
[0072] In some implementations, the electronic device may account
for the spatial orientation of the electronic device at the time of
device startup to determine which module dictates the startup
application or function of the electronic device. The electronic
device may determine its orientation using various methods, such as
via sensor data from motion and/or orientation sensors. In some
implementations, in order for a module to dictate the startup
application or function of the electronic device, that module must
be in a controlling position of the support housing 12 and also
currently be in a controlling orientation based on its orientation
with respect to the rest of the modules of the electronic device.
In one example, the controlling orientation may be defined as being
at the highest elevation with respect to the ground compared to the
other modules of the electronic device, such as if the electronic
device is tilted.
[0073] FIG. 11 depicts an example electronic device having three
modules on its rear layer: a camera module 60 associated with a
camera application in a controlling position of the support housing
12 adjacent to a top side of the electronic device, a speaker
module 62 associated with a music playback application in a
controlling position of the support housing 12 adjacent to a left
side of the electronic device, and a SIM module 64 associated with
a communication application in a controlling position of the
support housing 12 adjacent to a bottom side of the electronic
device. It may be assumed that the modules of the rear layer
(versus the modules of the front layer) have a controlling
position, and that the controlling orientation may be defined as
being at the highest elevation with respect to the ground compared
to the other modules of the electronic device.
[0074] FIG. 12 depicts the electronic device having its top side
lifted from a surface such that the top side of the electronic
device is higher than the left and right sides (i.e., the
electronic device is tilted such that the top side is highest in
relation to the ground). In this position and orientation, the
camera module 60 on the top side of the rear layer is at the
highest elevation relative to the other modules 62, 64 and
accordingly dictates the startup application, which is the camera
application. Therefore, the electronic device may initiate the
camera application upon device startup. Similarly, if the left side
of the electronic device was held highest at time of device
startup, the electronic device may initiate the music playback
application associated with the speaker module 62. Likewise, if the
bottom side of the electronic device was held highest at the time
of device startup, the electronic device may initiate the
communication application associated with SIM module 64. In some
implementations, if a module is positioned in a controlling corner
position of the support housing 12 and the corner is the
highest-positioned corner of the electronic device at the time of
startup, then the module positioned at the corner may dictate the
startup application or function.
[0075] The user of the electronic device may specify which sides or
corners of the electronic device dictate the startup application or
function if those sides/corners are oriented in the highest
position at the time of device startup. In some implementations,
the electronic device may determine whether a particular side of
the device was continuously oriented in the highest position, such
as for a threshold amount of time before, during, and/or after
startup, whereby if the threshold is not met, the electronic device
will not initiate the associated application or function.
Additional or alternative controlling orientations may be defined,
such as a lowest elevation compared to the rest of the modules, an
orientation based on magnetic poles, and/or others. In some
implementations, if the electronic device is held approximately
horizontally (e.g., parallel to the ground), then a module at a
designated controlling position may dictate the application or
function at device startup, such as a module at or near the center
of the electronic device.
[0076] In addition to the modules dictating applications or
functions at the time of device startup, the positions of the
modules in the electronic device may dictate applications or
functions during use of the electronic device. In one example, if a
user moves a module from a non-controlling position to a
controlling position of the support housing 12 while the electronic
device is active (i.e., neither off nor in a sleep or idle state),
then the electronic device may automatically initiate an
application or function that is associated with that module.
[0077] In some implementations, the physical orientation of the
electronic device may also influence which application or function
related to a module in a controlling position is active and running
on the electronic device. In particular, a module in a controlling
position may dictate the active application if the module is also
in a controlling orientation (e.g., the module is at the highest
elevation of all the modules), as similarly described above with
respect to startup applications or functions. It should be
appreciated that various controlling positions and controlling
orientations may be predefined, such as by the user of the
electronic device.
[0078] In one example, if the camera module 60 is adjacent to a top
edge of the electronic device and the speaker module 62 is adjacent
to a left edge of the device, such as depicted in FIG. 11, then the
electronic device may activate a camera application if the
electronic device detects that its top edge is oriented "up" with
respect to the ground. During device use, if the electronic device
detects that its left edge and accordingly the speaker module 62 is
oriented "up" (e.g., the user rotates the device ninety (90)
degrees during use), then the electronic device may automatically
activate or initiate a music playback application associated with
the speaker module 62 while closing or moving to the background the
previously-active camera application. As a result, the user may
manually designate which application is active by positioning
desired modules at controlling positions (e.g., an edge position of
the device), and orienting the electronic device in a controlling
orientation (e.g., so that a particular desired edge is
highest).
[0079] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method 1300 for an electronic
device (such as the electronic device 10) to detect device
activation and initiate a function corresponding to a module in a
controlling position of the electronic device. The order of the
steps of the depicted flowchart of FIG. 13 may differ from the
version shown, and certain steps may be eliminated, and/or certain
other ones may be added, depending upon the implementation.
[0080] The method 1300 begins with the electronic device monitoring
(block 1305) for a device component activation, or otherwise
detecting that a device component is activated. According to
embodiments, the device component activation may occur when the
electronic device starts up or is powered on, when a timer expires,
when a trigger event associated with the component is detected,
when a user activates, selects, or actuates the component, or in
response to other triggers or events. The device component may
correspond to a hardware or software button of the electronic
device, and the component activation may be an interaction with or
selection of the hardware or software button.
[0081] If the electronic device does not detect a device component
activation ("NO"), the electronic device may continue monitoring
for the activation. If the electronic device does detect a device
component activation ("YES"), the electronic device may identify
(block 1310) any hardware module(s) connected to designated
controlling position(s) of a support housing of the electronic
device. In embodiments, the designated controlling position(s) may
be default position(s) or configurable by a user of the electronic
device. The electronic device may identify the hardware module(s)
connected to the designated controlling position(s) via one or more
of a variety of connectors.
[0082] After identifying the hardware module(s), the electronic
device may determine (block 1315) whether there are multiple
hardware modules connected to multiple controlling positions. If
there are multiple hardware modules connected to multiple
controlling positions ("YES"), the electronic device may determine
(block 1320) which hardware module has priority. In particular, the
electronic device may examine a list, lookup table, or other data
structure that specifies criteria or rules for determining
priority, where the priority may be based on a size or type of the
hardware module(s), a location of the controlling position(s), a
type of application or function associated with the hardware
module(s), and/or other parameters. The electronic device may also
determine whether the hardware module is a position that is
atypical for that type of hardware module. If there are not
multiple hardware modules connected to multiple controlling
positions ("NO"), processing may proceed to block 1325.
[0083] In some optional implementations, the electronic device may
determine (block 1325) its orientation. In embodiments, the
electronic device may determine its orientation using sensor data
gathered from one or more built-in sensors, such as a vector
sensor, gyroscope, and/or the like, or according to other
techniques. The electronic device may also optionally determine
(block 1330) whether the hardware module is in a controlling
orientation. For example, the controlling orientation may be
specified as the module in the "highest" position relative to
ground. It should be appreciated that other controlling
orientations are envisioned.
[0084] If the hardware module is not in the controlling orientation
("NO"), then processing may end or proceed to other functionality.
If the hardware module is in the controlling orientation ("YES"),
then the electronic device may identify (block 1335) a function
associated with the hardware module. As discussed herein, the
function may be a built-in function or use associated with a
component of the hardware module, or a built-in function or
application of the electronic device that uses or incorporates a
component of the hardware module. After identifying the function,
the electronic device may activate (block 1340) the function, such
as by initiating the function or application associated with the
hardware module itself or with the electronic device. Accordingly,
the electronic device may automatically facilitate various
functions in response to detecting manual positioning of hardware
modules by a user of the electronic device.
[0085] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method 1400 for an electronic
device (such as the electronic device 10) to detect a hardware
module connecting thereto and initiate a function corresponding to
the hardware module. The order of the steps of the depicted
flowchart of FIG. 14 may differ from the version shown, and certain
steps may be eliminated, and/or certain other ones may be added,
depending upon the implementation.
[0086] The method 1400 begins with the electronic device monitoring
(block 1405) for a hardware module to connect to a support housing
of the electronic device, where the hardware module may connect to
the support housing via a connector component. If the electronic
device does not detect a hardware module connection ("NO"), the
electronic device may continue monitoring for the connection. If
the electronic device does detect a hardware module connection
("YES"), the electronic device may optionally determine (block
1410) an orientation of the connected hardware module. In
particular, the hardware module may include multiple connector
components that enable the hardware module to connect to the
support housing in multiple ways or orientations.
[0087] The electronic device may also identify (block 1415) a
function associated with the hardware module connected to the
support housing. The identification of the function may be based,
at least in part, on the orientation determined in block 1410. As
discussed herein, the function may be a built-in function or use
associated with a component of the hardware module, or a built-in
function or application of the electronic device that uses or
incorporates a component of the hardware module. After identifying
the function, the electronic device may activate (block 1420) the
function, such as by initiating the function or application
associated with the hardware module itself or with the electronic
device.
[0088] The electronic device may also monitor (block 1425) for the
hardware module disconnecting from the support housing, such as if
a user manually removes the hardware module from the support
housing. If the electronic device does not detect the hardware
module disconnecting from the support housing ("NO"), then
processing may end, return to the start, continue to monitor for
the hardware module to disconnect, or proceed to other
functionality. If the electronic device does detect the hardware
module disconnecting from the support housing ("YES"), then the
electronic device may deactivate (block 1430) the function. In
embodiments, the electronic device may return to a
previously-activated application or function, enter an idle state,
enter a default state, or proceed to other functionality.
[0089] FIG. 15 illustrates an example electronic device 1550 (such
as the electronic device 10 discussed with respect to FIG. 1, or
other devices) in which the functionalities as discussed may be
implemented. The electronic device 1550 may include a processor
1580 or other similar type of controller module or microcontroller,
as well as a memory 1581. The processor 1580 may include a singular
processor or may include more than one separate processor such as:
an application processor to manage a set of applications 1587 and a
user interface 1591 of the electronic device 1550, a sensor
processor to manage sensor 1596 data, and an audio processor to
process audio 1594 data.
[0090] The memory 1581 may store an operating system 1582 capable
of facilitating the functionalities discussed. The processor 1580
may interface with the memory 1581 to execute the operating system
1582 and the set of applications 1587. The set of applications 1587
(which the memory 1581 may also store) may include a communications
application 1588 configured to facilitate various communications,
an imaging application 1589 configured to capture digital image and
video data, and an audio application 1572 configured to manage
audio playback. The set of applications 1587 may also include one
or more other applications 1573 such as, for example, music and
entertainment applications, phone applications, messaging
applications, calendar applications, social networking
applications, utilities, productivity applications, games, travel
applications, communication application, shopping applications,
finance applications, sports applications, photography
applications, mapping applications, weather applications,
applications for connecting to an online marketplace, and/or other
applications.
[0091] The memory 1581 may further store module operating data 1583
that indicates various information associated with modules and
functions/applications corresponding thereto, including controlling
position data; pairings among modules, controlling positions,
controlling orientations, and associated functions/applications;
priority or conflict data; and/or the like. Generally, the memory
1581 may include one or more forms of volatile and/or non-volatile,
fixed and/or removable memory, such as read-only memory (ROM),
electronic programmable read-only memory (EPROM), random access
memory (RAM), erasable electronic programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM), and/or other hard drives, flash memory, MicroSD cards,
and others.
[0092] The electronic device 1550 may further include a
communication module 1595 configured to interface with one or more
external ports 1590 to communicate data via one or more wired or
wireless networks 1585. For example, the communication module 1595
may leverage the external ports 1590 to establish a wide area
network for connecting the electronic device 1550 to other
components such as a remote data server. According to some
embodiments, the communication module 1595 may include one or more
transceivers functioning in accordance with IEEE standards, 3GPP
standards, or other standards, and configured to receive and
transmit data via the one or more external ports 1590. More
particularly, the communication module 1595 may include one or more
WWAN, WLAN, and/or WPAN transceivers configured to connect the
electronic device 1550 to wide area networks, local area networks,
and/or personal area networks.
[0093] The electronic device 1550 may further include one or more
sensors 1596 such as one or more accelerometers 1574, gyroscopes
1576, imaging sensors 1575, proximity sensors 1577, and one or more
location modules 1578. The sensors 1596 may also include other
types of sensors such as light sensors, infrared sensors, touch
sensors, NFC components, and other sensors. The electronic device
1550 may further include a user interface 1591 configured to
present information to the user and/or receive inputs from the
user. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the user interface 1591 may
include a display screen 1593 and I/O components 1592 (e.g.,
capacitive or resistive touch sensitive input panels, keys,
buttons, lights, LEDs, cursor control devices, haptic devices, and
others). In embodiments, the display screen 1593 is a touchscreen
display using singular or combinations of display technologies and
can include a thin, transparent touch sensor component superimposed
upon a display section that is viewable by a user. For example,
such displays include capacitive displays, resistive displays,
surface acoustic wave (SAW) displays, optical imaging displays, and
the like. The user interface 1591 may further include an audio
module 1594 including hardware components such as one or more
speakers 1571 for outputting audio data and one or more microphones
1570 for detecting or receiving audio.
[0094] According to embodiments, the components of the user
interface 1591 may be embodied in hardware modules that may connect
to the electronic device 1550. For example, the display screen 1593
may be a part of a display screen module that connects to the
electronic device 1550. Similarly, the hardware modules may include
one or more of the set of sensors 1596, as well as hardware that
contributes to operation of the processor 1580, to capacity or
operation of the memory 1581, or to functionality of the
communication module 1595 and/or the external ports 1590. The
hardware modules may connect to the electronic device 1550 via a
set of connection components 1579 that may be part of a support
housing of the electronic device 1550.
[0095] In general, a computer program product in accordance with an
embodiment includes a computer usable storage medium (e.g.,
standard random access memory (RAM), an optical disc, a universal
serial bus (USB) drive, or the like) having computer-readable
program code embodied therein, wherein the computer-readable
program code is adapted to be executed by the processor 1580 (e.g.,
working in connection with the operating system 1582) to facilitate
the functions as described herein. In this regard, the program code
may be implemented in any desired language, and may be implemented
as machine code, assembly code, byte code, interpretable source
code or the like (e.g., via C, C++, Java, Actionscript,
Objective-C, Javascript, CSS, XML, and/or others).
[0096] Thus, it should be clear from the preceding disclosure that
the systems and methods offer improved electronic device operation.
In particular, the embodiments enable users to effectively and
efficiently control device operation through manual adjustment and
manipulation of physical hardware modules. Accordingly, the
embodiments advantageously enable improved device capabilities for
users of the electronic devices.
[0097] This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and
use various embodiments in accordance with the technology rather
than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit
thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive
or to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The
embodiment(s) were chosen and described to provide the best
illustration of the principle of the described technology and its
practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the
art to utilize the technology in various embodiments and with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the embodiments as determined by the appended claims, as
may be amended during the pendency of this application for patent,
and all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with
the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably
entitled.
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