# US 11,992,116 B2 · Wirelessly coupled accessory system for an electronic device

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- Number: US 11,992,116 B2
- Document ID: US11992116B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/478,695
- Filed: 2021-09-17
- Published: 2022-01-06
- Granted: 2024-05-28
- Earliest claimed: 2019-04-17
- Assignees: Apple Inc.
- Applicants: Apple Inc.
- Inventors: Ryan C. Perkins; Devon K. Copeland; Erik G. de Jong
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11992116B2

## CPC

- A45F 5/00: Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45C 13/001: {Accessories}
- A45C 13/18: Devices to prevent theft or loss of {purses,} luggage or {hand carried} bags
- A45C 13/185: {of purses, money-bags or wallets}
- A45C 13/20: Chains or bands {(A45C13/185 takes precedence)}
- A45C 13/24: Devices for sound-producing, piercing, gas-discharging, or the like
- A45C 13/30: Straps; Bands
- A45C 13/42: Devices for identifying luggage; Means for attaching same
- A45F 5/004: {with an automatic spring reel}
- A45F 5/021: {to the belt}
- A45F 5/155: {Holders or carriers for thin, flat, rectangular articles, e.g. ID badges or cards}
- A61B 5/0022: {Monitoring a patient using a global network, e.g. telephone networks, internet}
- A61B 5/1116: {Determining posture transitions}
- A61B 5/4561: {Evaluating static posture, e.g. undesirable back curvature (A61B5/1116 takes precedence)}
- E05B 73/0005: {using chains, cables or the like (chain- or cable-locks of the padlock type E05B67/003; lockable clothing hangers or hanger racks E05B69/006)}
- G01S 5/0036: {of measured values, i.e. measurement on mobile and position calculation on base station}
- G01S 5/0226: {Transmitters}
- G04G 21/04: using radio waves (radio-controlled time-pieces G04R)
- G04G 21/08: Touch switches specially adapted for time-pieces
- G06F 1/163: {Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt}
- G06F 1/1694: {the I/O peripheral being a single or a set of motion sensors for pointer control or gesture input obtained by sensing movements of the portable computer}
- G06F 3/017: {Gesture based interaction, e.g. based on a set of recognized hand gestures (interaction based on gestures traced on a digitiser G06F3/04883)}
- G06F 3/02: Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
- G06F 3/0202: {Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the input device}
- G06F 3/0346: with detection of the device orientation or free movement in a three-dimensional [3D] space, e.g. 3D mice, 6-DOF [six degrees of freedom] pointers using gyroscopes, accelerometers or tilt-sensors
- G06F 3/044: by capacitive means
- G06F 3/0485: Scrolling or panning
- G06F 3/04883: for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
- G06K 7/0008: {General problems related to the reading of electronic memory record carriers, independent of its reading method, e.g. power transfer}
- G06K 7/10396: {the interrogation device being wearable, e.g. as a glove, bracelet, or ring (wearable aerials in general H01Q1/27)}
- G06K 19/0701: {at least one of the integrated circuit chips comprising an arrangement for power management}
- G06K 19/0702: {the arrangement including a battery}
- G06K 19/0708: {the source being electromagnetic or magnetic}
- G06K 19/0723: {the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs}
- G06K 19/07711: {the interface being an audio interface}
- G06K 19/07758: {arrangements for adhering the record carrier to further objects or living beings, functioning as an identification tag}
- G06K 19/07766: {comprising at least a second communication arrangement in addition to a first non-contact communication arrangement}
- G06K 19/07773: {Antenna details (antennas for wireless devices, e.g. RFID tags, in general H01Q1/22)}
- G06K 19/07779: {the inductive antenna being a coil}
- G06T 13/40: of characters, e.g. humans, animals or virtual beings
- H01M 50/109: of button or coin shape
- H01M 50/184: characterised by their shape or structure
- H01Q 1/12: Supports; Mounting means
- H01Q 1/2208: {associated with components used in interrogation type services, i.e. in systems for information exchange between an interrogator/reader and a tag/transponder, e.g. in Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] systems (methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns G06K7/00; record carrier for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00)}
- H01Q 1/2225: {used in active tags, i.e. provided with its own power source or in passive tags, i.e. deriving power from RF signal}
- H01Q 1/2291: {used in Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® devices of Wireless Local Area Networks [WLAN] (H01Q1/241 takes precedence; WLAN in general H04W)}
- H01Q 1/273: {Adaptation for carrying or wearing by persons or animals}
- H01Q 5/25: Ultra-wideband [UWB] systems, e.g. multiple resonance systems; Pulse systems
- H01Q 5/378: Combination of fed elements with parasitic elements
- H01Q 7/00: Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop
- H01Q 9/42: with folded element, the folded parts being spaced apart a small fraction of the operating wavelength
- H01R 4/28: Clamped connections, spring connections (made by means of terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits H01R12/00)
- H04B 1/3888: Arrangements for carrying or protecting transceivers
- H04B 5/79: for data transfer in combination with power transfer
- H04L 9/0825: {using asymmetric-key encryption or public key infrastructure [PKI], e.g. key signature or public key certificates}
- H04L 9/16: the keys or algorithms being changed during operation
- H04L 9/30: Public key, i.e. encryption algorithm being computationally infeasible to invert or user's encryption keys not requiring secrecy
- H04M 1/02: Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M 1/21: Combinations with auxiliary equipment, e.g. with clocks or memoranda pads
- H04R 1/02: Casings; Cabinets {; Supports therefor;} Mountings therein (H04R1/28 takes precedence {; attachments for microphones H04R1/08; mounting of transducers in earpieces H04R1/1075})
- H04R 1/028: {associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles}
- H04R 3/00: Circuits for transducers (arrangements for producing a reverberation or echo sound G10K15/08; amplifiers H03F)
- H04R 7/02: characterised by the construction
- H04W 4/029: Location-based management or tracking services
- H04W 12/02: Protecting privacy or anonymity, e.g. protecting personally identifiable information [PII]
- H04W 12/03: Protecting confidentiality, e.g. by encryption
- H04W 12/33: using wearable devices, e.g. using a smartwatch or smart-glasses
- H04W 12/63: Location-dependent; Proximity-dependent
- A45C 2011/188: {Media card holders, e.g. memory cards, SIM cards}
- A45C 2013/306: {for attaching auxiliary articles to luggage, e.g. piggyback}
- A45F 5/1508: {Holders or carriers for portable audio devices, e.g. headphones or digital music players}
- A45F 2005/006: {comprising a suspension strap or lanyard}
- A45F 2005/008: {Hand articles fastened to the wrist or to the arm or to the leg}
- A63B 24/0062: {Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance}
- G01S 5/0231: {Emergency, distress or locator beacons}
- G06F 3/016: {Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user}
- H01Q 21/06: Arrays of individually energised antenna units similarly polarised and spaced apart
- H01Q 21/28: Combinations of substantially independent non-interacting antenna units or systems {(multiple beam H01Q25/00)}
- H04B 1/717: Pulse-related aspects
- H04L 2209/80: Wireless
- H04R 2400/03: Transducers capable of generating both sound as well as tactile vibration, e.g. as used in cellular phones
- H04R 2420/07: Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
- H04W 88/06: adapted for operation in multiple networks {or having at least two operational modes}, e.g. multi-mode terminals
- Y02E 60/10: Energy storage using batteries
- A45F: TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45C: PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- E05B: LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- G01S: RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G04G: ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
- G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)
- G06K: GRAPHICAL DATA READING (image or video recognition or understanding G06V); PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06T: IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL
- H01M: PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01Q: ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS (radiators or antennas for microwave heating H05B6/72)
- H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H04B: TRANSMISSION
- H04L: TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M)
- H04M: TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION (circuits for controlling other apparatus via a telephone cable and not involving telephone switching apparatus G08)
- H04R: LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS (producing sounds with frequency not determined by supply frequency G10K)
- H04W: WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS (broadcast communication H04H; communication systems using wireless links for non-selective communication, e.g. wireless extensions H04M1/72)
- A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)
- Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION

## Abstract

A wearable electronic device includes a watch body including a touch-sensitive display configured to receive a first input and a first wireless circuit configured to receive a wireless input signal. The wearable electronic device further includes a band coupled to the watch body and configured to attach the watch body to a user and a wireless module coupled to the band and including an input device configured to receive a second input and a second wireless circuit configured to transmit the wireless input signal to the first wireless circuit in response to receiving the second input.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A wearable electronic device comprising:
a watch body comprising:
a touch-sensitive display configured to receive a first input; and
a first wireless circuit configured to receive a wireless input signal;
a band coupled to the watch body and configured to attach the watch body to a user; and
a wireless module coupled to the band and comprising:
an input device configured to receive a second input; and
a second wireless circuit configured to transmit the wireless input signal to the first wireless circuit in response to receiving the second input.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein:
the wireless module further comprises:
a battery operably coupled to the second wireless circuit; and
a charging coil operably coupled to the battery and configured to receive wireless power from an external device.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The wearable electronic device of claim 2, wherein:
the input device further comprises a tactile dome switch;
the tactile dome switch is configured to collapse in response to the second input; and
the wireless input signal is transmitted in response to the collapse of the tactile dome switch.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The wearable electronic device of claim 3, wherein:
the band defines an opening;
the wireless module comprises an enclosure that is positioned at least partially within the opening;
the battery and the charging coil are positioned within the enclosure;
the band comprises an outer layer that defines an exterior surface of the band;
the tactile dome switch is located remote from the enclosure of the wireless module;
the tactile dome switch is positioned below the outer layer of the band; and
a flexible circuit extends along a length of the band and electrically couples the tactile dome switch to the second wireless circuit.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein:
the wireless module is configured to transmit:
a wireless beacon signal to an external device; and
a public encryption key to the external device; and
the external device is configured to:
determine a location of the wireless module based at least in part the wireless beacon signal;
prepare an encrypted location report using the public encryption key, the encrypted location report including the location of the wireless module; and
wirelessly transmit the encrypted location report to a remote server.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein:
the input device comprises a capacitive touch sensor;
the second input is a touch input; and
the capacitive touch sensor is configured to detect the touch input along an exterior surface of the wireless module.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The wearable electronic device of claim 6, wherein:
the capacitive touch sensor includes an array of capacitive nodes;
the touch input is a gesture touch input; and
the array of capacitive nodes are configured to detect the gesture touch input.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The wearable electronic device of claim 7, wherein the touch-sensitive display is configured to scroll a list of items displayed on the touch-sensitive display in response to the gesture touch input provided to the wireless module.

### Claim 9

A system comprising:
an electronic device comprising:
a housing;
a touch-sensitive display configured to receive a first input; and
a first wireless circuit configured to:
receive a wireless input signal; and
transmit a wireless output signal; and
an accessory coupled to the housing and comprising:
a wireless module coupled to the accessory and comprising:
a speaker;
an input device that is configured to receive a second input; and
a second wireless circuit configured to:
transmit the wireless input signal to the first wireless circuit of the electronic device, in response to receiving the second input; and
receive the wireless output signal from the first wireless circuit, wherein the wireless module is configured to, in response to receiving the wireless output signal, produce an audible output using the speaker.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The system of claim 9, wherein:
the system is an electronic watch;
the electronic device is a watch body; and
the accessory is a band that is configured to attach the watch body to a wrist.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The system of claim 10, wherein:
the band defines an opening;
the wireless module comprises an enclosure comprising:
an upper housing defining an upper flange; and
a lower housing defining a lower flange;
the enclosure of the wireless module is positioned in the opening; and
the upper flange and the lower flange engage a portion of the band surrounding the opening.

### Claim 12 (depends on 10)

The system of claim 10, wherein:
the band defines an opening;
the wireless module is positioned in the opening;
the wireless module comprises an enclosure;
the enclosure comprises an upper housing and a lower housing; and
the upper housing defines a portion of a clasp for the band.

### Claim 13 (depends on 10)

The system of claim 10, wherein:
the band defines an opening;
the wireless module is positioned in the opening; and
the wireless module further comprises:
a battery operably coupled to the second wireless circuit;
a charging coil operably coupled to the battery and configured to receive wireless power from an external charging device; and
a magnetic element that is configured to couple the wireless module to the external charging device.

### Claim 14 (depends on 10)

The system of claim 10, wherein:
the wireless module further comprises a near-field communication (NFC) antenna that is configured to wirelessly couple with a separate device that is proximate to the wireless module; and
the NFC antenna is integrated with a wireless charging coil.

### Claim 15 (depends on 9)

The system of claim 9, wherein:
the electronic device is a tablet computing system; and
the accessory is a protective case for the tablet computing system.

### Claim 16 (depends on 9)

The system of claim 9, wherein:
the input device comprises an accelerometer; and
the second input corresponds to a motion of the wireless module.

### Claim 17

A wireless module configured to be integrated with a watch having a touch-sensitive display and a first wireless circuit, the wireless module comprising:
an enclosure configured to be inserted in an opening of a watch band of the watch;
a battery positioned within the enclosure;
a wireless charging coil positioned within the enclosure and operably coupled to the battery;
an input device that is configured to receive an input; and
a second wireless circuit configured to transmit a wireless input signal to the first wireless circuit of the watch in response to receiving the input.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The wireless module of claim 17, wherein:
the enclosure includes an upper flange and a lower flange that are configured to engage a portion of the watch band that surrounds the opening; and
the watch includes a watch body comprising:
a watch battery;
a watch wireless charging coil operably coupled to the watch battery;
the touch-sensitive display configured to receive a touch input; and
the first wireless circuit configured to receive the wireless input signal.

### Claim 19 (depends on 17)

The wireless module of claim 17, wherein:
the second wireless circuit is configured to transmit a UWB beacon signal to an external device; and
the wireless module is configured to estimate a distance between the wireless module and the external device based on a transmission time of the UWB signal.

### Claim 20 (depends on 19)

The wireless module of claim 19, wherein:
the wireless module is configured to transmit a public encryption key to the external device; and
the external device is configured to:
determine a location of the wireless module based at least in part the UWB wireless beacon signal;
prepare an encrypted data item using the public encryption key, the encrypted data item including the location of the wireless module; and
wirelessly transmit the encrypted data item to a remote server.