Skin-dependent device components

Abstract

Additional components or functionality can be provided for a computing device by coupling the device with one or more device skins. Each device skin can include one or more components that can be utilized by the computing device, such that a user of the computing device can obtain desired functionality by selecting an appropriate skin. The components of the skin can be powered by the computing device, such as through wired or wireless power coupling. The computing device can determine an appropriate control scheme for the skin when the skin is coupled with the device, enabling a user to utilize the various components of the skin as if those components were part of the computing device.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a first cover portion of the apparatus;   a second cover portion of the apparatus, the apparatus least partially encasing a portion of a computing device, the first cover portion configured to be positioned at least partially between the second cover portion and the computing device;   a communication component configured to be positioned at least partially between the second cover portion and the computing device and configured to communicate with the computing device;   a power component;   a functional component configured to:
 receive power from the power component; 
 receive control signals from the computing device via the communication component; and 
 send information to the computing device via the communication component. 
   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the power component is configured to receive power from the computing device. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the functional component is configured to be positioned at least partially between the second skin portion and the computing device. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the communication component is configured to be positioned at least partially between the second skin portion and the computing device. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the communication component includes wireless communication capability. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the communication component includes physical contacts for communication with the computing device. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the power component is configured to receive power from the computing device. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the power component includes a battery. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a memory component configured to store instructions; and   a processor configured to execute the instructions to control the functional component.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a memory component configured to store first instructions; and   a processor configured to execute the first instructions to receive second instructions for controlling the functional component.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a memory component configured to store first instructions; and   a processor configured to execute the first instructions to cause the communication component to communicate identifying information associated with the functional component to the computing device.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the functional component includes a passive component operable to send information to the computing device without receiving control signals from the computing device. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the functional component includes at least one of an image capture element, an image capture array, an audio capture element, and audio transmission element, a display element, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a touch sensitive material, a pressure sensitive material, a light emitting diode, an infrared transceiver, a wireless component, a keypad, a keyboard, a communication port, or a light sensor. 
     
     
         15 . A method performed by an apparatus that partially encases a portion of a computing device, the method comprising:
 receiving power from a power component of the apparatus;   sending identifying information for the apparatus to the computing device via a communication component of the apparatus;   receiving control signals from the computing device via the communication component; and   sending the control signals to at least one of a first cover portion of the apparatus or a second cover portion of the apparatus, the first cover portion configured to be positioned at least partially between the second cover portion and the computing device.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 receiving a control scheme for the apparatus, the control scheme based at least in part on the identifying information.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 performing a processor-executable function based at least in part on the control scheme.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 receiving the control scheme from a provider associated with the apparatus.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 submitting a request to a remote source, the request including the identifying information; and   receiving configuration information for the apparatus from the remote source.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 receiving power from the computing device.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 generating directional audio using a plurality of audio elements.