Apple Inc.

Other

Chris Mullens

Nicholas Zambetti

Samuel Gilkison Smith

Matthew Irvine Brown

Michael A Cretella

Jeremy C Franklin

Paul Meade

Rohan Goel

Laura Charlotte Shumaker

Richard Hung Minh Dinh

Brian Quentin Huppi

John Tam

A tablet device determines a spatial relationship between the tablet device and a protective cover. The tablet device operates in accordance with the spatial relationship.

Peek mode and graphical user interface (GUI) experience

Accurate and reliable techniques for determining information of an accessory device in relation to an electronic device are described.

Detection system and method between accessory and electronic device

An electronic device having one or more sensors is provided. The sensors may include any suitable type of sensor, including for example a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor that emits or receives radiation (e.g., light waves) from the environment. The electronic device may include openings through which radiation may reach the sensors while keeping the sensors hidden from view. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed underneath an opening used for an audio receiver such that radiation is piped to the sensors using a light path or a chamfered surface along the opening. In some embodiments, the sensors may be embedded in a screen such that the radiation emitted by the sensors exits the screen instead of being reflected on the screen (e.g., to provide content displays). In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed along the periphery of the display, such that access to the sensors is provided via discontinuities in a gasket used to couple the display to the electronic device.

Hidden sensors in an electronic device

Growing community of inventors

Cupertino, CA, United States of America

Chris Mullens