PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11561144-B1
Application Number: US-201916262724-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Wearable electronic device with fluid-based pressure sensing

Abstract:
An electronic device, such as a smart watch, incorporating a fluid-based pressure-sensing device is disclosed. The fluid-based pressure-sensing device includes an enclosure, a pressure sensor, a diaphragm and a sensing medium. The enclosure includes an opening and the pressure sensor is disposed inside the enclosure. The diaphragm hermetically seals the opening, and the sensing medium transfers a pressure exerted on the diaphragm to the pressure sensor. The sensing medium can be liquid oil filling a space of the enclosure, and the diaphragm is a polymer material. The pressure-sensing device may sense an environmental pressure, which may be used by the electronic device to modify its operations, change information that is displayed, and so on.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic watch, comprising:
 a housing defining a volume and a channel coupling the volume to an external environment; 
 a display at least partially within the volume; 
 a cover adjacent the display and coupled to the housing; and 
 a pressure-sensing device within the volume, configured to measure a pressure of the volume, and comprising:
 an enclosure; 
 an isolation diaphragm hermetically sealed to the enclosure; 
 a sensing medium within the enclosure; and 
 a pressure sensor encapsulated by the sensing medium; wherein 
 
 the channel is configured to equalize the pressure of the volume and a pressure of the external environment; and 
 the display is configured to display the pressure of the volume. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the sensing medium is a silicone oil; 
 the electronic watch further comprises a substrate coupled to the enclosure; 
 the enclosure, isolation diaphragm, and substrate cooperate to retain the silicone oil within the enclosure; and 
 the isolation diaphragm is configured to deform in response to a change in pressure, thereby moving the silicone oil. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a crown configured to rotate and translate; wherein: 
 the pressure-sensing device is configured to measure the pressure of the volume in response to the crown rotating or translating; and 
 the display is configured to display the pressure of the volume in response to the crown rotating or translating. 
 
     
     
       4. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the enclosure is coupled to the housing. 
     
     
       5. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , further comprising a filter disposed in the channel and configured to reduce ingress of contaminants from the external environment to the volume. 
     
     
       6. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the channel is an audio port configured to transmit sound through the housing. 
     
     
       7. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , further comprising a processing unit configured to modify an operation of the electronic watch based on the pressure of the volume. 
     
     
       8. An electronic watch, comprising:
 a housing defining a volume and a channel coupling the volume to an external environment; 
 a display at least partially within the volume and configured to display information; 
 a substrate coupled to the housing; 
 an oil-filled pressure-sensing device positioned within the volume and physically and electrically coupled to the substrate, the oil-filled pressure-sensing device comprising:
 an enclosure; 
 a pressure sensor positioned within the enclosure; and 
 a diaphragm sealed to the enclosure, the diaphragm and oil configured to transmit a pressure within the volume to the pressure sensor; 
 
 a band coupled to the housing and configured to couple the housing to a wearer; and 
 a processing unit electrically coupled to the oil-filled pressure-sensing device and the display; wherein: 
 the processing unit is configured to control the display; 
 the processing unit is configured to receive an output from the oil-filled pressure-sensing device; and 
 the information displayed by the display changes based on the output. 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic watch of  claim 8 , wherein the processing unit is further configured to change a function of the electronic watch based on the output. 
     
     
       10. The electronic watch of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the oil-filled pressure-sensing device is substantially filled with an incompressible silicone oil. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic watch of  claim 10 , wherein the diaphragm comprises polyimide, TEFLON, polyethylene, polypropylene, ePTFE, or a corrugated polymer. 
     
     
       12. The electronic watch of  claim 11 , wherein the diaphragm further comprises:
 a first metal layer coupled to a first side of the polyimide; and 
 a second metal layer coupled to a second side of the polyimide. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic watch of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the enclosure is a metal enclosure; and 
 the diaphragm is coupled to the metal enclosure by soldering, brazing, welding, pressure-sensitive adhesive, a pressure-sensitive tape, an epoxy, an acrylic, or a silicone adhesive. 
 
     
     
       14. The electronic watch of  claim 10 , wherein the diaphragm is hydrophobic or oleophobic. 
     
     
       15. The electronic watch of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the oil-filled pressure-sensing device has a height and a width; and 
 a ratio of the height to the width is no more than 1 to 3. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic watch of  claim 8 , further comprising a crown configured to move relative to the housing; wherein:
 the oil-filled pressure-sensing device generates the output in response to a motion of the crown. 
 
     
     
       17. An electronic watch, comprising:
 a housing; 
 a band coupled to the housing and configured to couple the housing to a wearer; 
 a pressure-sensing device, comprising:
 an enclosure coupled to the housing; 
 a diaphragm coupled to the enclosure; 
 a pressure sensor within the enclosure; and 
 a sensing medium within the enclosure and configured to encapsulate the pressure sensor; 
 
 a battery coupled to the pressure-sensing device; and 
 a processing unit coupled to the pressure-sensing device; wherein: 
 the pressure-sensing device is configured to measure a pressure of an external environment; 
 the battery is configured to supply power to the pressure-sensing device and the processing unit; and 
 the processing unit is configured to adjust an operation of the electronic watch based on the pressure of the external environment. 
 
     
     
       18. The electronic watch of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the enclosure comprises at least one of metal or ceramic; 
 the diaphragm comprises polyimide; and 
 the sensing medium comprises a silicone fluid. 
 
     
     
       19. The electronic watch of  claim 18 , wherein the diaphragm further comprises metal coupled to the polyimide. 
     
     
       20. The electronic watch of  claim 17 , further comprising a display configured to display the pressure of the external environment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/737,736, filed Sep. 27, 2018 and titled “Wearable Electronic Device with Fluid-Based Pressure Sensing,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to electronic devices incorporating fluid-based pressure sensors, and more particularly to electronic watches employing oil-filled pressure sensors for measuring barometric pressure. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable communication devices (e.g., smart phones and smart watches) are becoming increasingly equipped with environmental sensors such as pressure, temperature and humidity sensors, gas sensors and particulate matter (PM) sensors. For example, a pressure sensor enables a smart watch or a smart phone to measure pressure and determine other parameters from that pressure measurement, including elevation, velocity, direction of motion, flow rate, and so on. Pressure sensors are used to measure pressure in a gas or liquid environment. 
     Pressure sensors can vary drastically in technology, design, performance and application. Various electronic devices employ a variety of pressure sensors, including piezoresistive, capacitive, electromagnetic, optical, or potentiometric pressure sensors. Some electronic devices use a gel-based pressure-sensing device, in which a pressure sensor is enclosed in a gel that is exposed to atmosphere. These pressure-sensing devices generally have poor chemical resistance and are susceptible to water and contaminant infiltration, all of which may degrade functionality and life of the pressure sensor. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment described herein takes the form of an electronic watch, comprising: a housing defining a volume and a channel coupling the volume to an external environment; a display at least partially within the volume; a cover adjacent the display and coupled to the housing; a pressure-sensing device within the volume, configured to measure a pressure of the volume, and comprising: an enclosure; a diaphragm hermetically sealed to the enclosure; a sensing medium within the enclosure; and a pressure sensor encapsulated by the sensing medium; wherein the channel is configured to equalize the pressure of the volume and a pressure of the external environment; and the display is configured to display the pressure of the volume. 
     Another embodiment described herein takes the form of an electronic watch, comprising: a housing defining a volume and a channel coupling the volume to an external environment; a display at least partially within the volume and configured to display information; a substrate coupled to the housing; an oil-filled pressure-sensing device positioned within the volume and physically and electrically coupled to the substrate; a band coupled to the housing and configured to couple the housing to a wearer; and a processing unit electrically coupled to the oil-filled pressure-sensing device and the display; wherein: the processing unit is configured to control the display; the processing unit is configured to receive an output from the oil-filled pressure-sensing device; and the information displayed by the display changes based on the output. 
     Still another embodiment described herein takes the form of an electronic watch, comprising: a housing; a band coupled to the housing and configured to couple the housing to a wearer; a pressure-sensing device, comprising: an enclosure coupled to the housing; a diaphragm coupled to the enclosure; a pressure sensor within the enclosure; a sensing medium within the enclosure and configured to shield the pressure sensor from an environmental contaminant; a battery coupled to the pressure-sensing device; and a processing unit coupled to the pressure-sensing device; wherein: the pressure-sensing device is configured to measure a pressure of an external environment; the battery is configured to supply power to the pressure-sensing device and the processing unit; and the processing unit is configured to adjust an operation of the electronic watch based on the pressure of the external environment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purposes of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a first view of a sample electronic device incorporating a fluid-based pressure-sensing device. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a second view of a sample electronic device incorporating a fluid-based pressure-sensing device. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-section view taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG.  1 B , showing the fluid-based pressure-sensing device positioned within the sample electronic device. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-section view of a sample fluid-based pressure-sensing device, namely an oil-filled pressure-sensing device. 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  are cross-section views of example oil-filled pressure-sensing devices, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates an example carrier sheet of diaphragms for the oil-filled pressure-sensing devices of  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates an example oil-filled pressure-sensing device with a perforated sealing plug, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-section view of an example oil-filled pressure-sensing device, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  illustrate example hot-bar sealing apparatuses for oil-filled pressure-sensing devices, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS.  9 A- 9 B  illustrate cross-section views of an example oil-filled pressure-sensing device, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS.  10 A- 10 D  illustrate cross-section views of example oil-filled pressure-sensing devices, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  illustrate cross-section views of an example oil-filled pressure-sensing device, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  12    is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless communication device, within which one or more oil-filled pressure-sensing devices can be integrated. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without one or more of the specific details. In some instances, structures and components are shown in a block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. 
     Embodiments described herein are generally directed to electronic devices incorporating fluid-based pressure sensors. As one non-limiting example, an electronic smart watch may incorporate, house, or otherwise employ an oil-filled pressure sensor as a barometric pressure sensor. As another non-limiting example, an oil-filled pressure sensor may be incorporated into a mobile phone, tablet computing device, laptop computing device, personal digital assistant, digital media player, wearable device (including glasses, jewelry, clothing, and the like) to measure environmental and/or internal pressure of the incorporating electronic device. Output from the pressure sensor may be used to determine the device&#39;s elevation, velocity, direction of motion, orientation, and so on. The pressure sensor (and any pressure sensor described with respect to any embodiment herein) may be a piezoresistive, capacitive, optical, optoelectronic, electromagnetic, potentiometric, or other suitable pressure sensor. 
     In many embodiments the fluid-based pressure sensor is relatively small, for example having a volume of approximately 27 cubic millimeters or less, or having dimensions of approximately 3 mm by 3 mm by 3 mm (or less in any given dimension). A pressure sensor with such a relatively small volume and/or dimensions may provide design flexibility for an electronic device by freeing up interior space for other components, by being able to be positioned within an enclosure at certain places where larger sensors may not fit, by providing additional space for a larger battery, and so on. 
     Further, an electronic device incorporating a fluid-based pressure-sensing device (such as a pressure sensor within an oil-filled enclosure) may be configured to measure changes in pressure with greater accuracy than electronic devices employing other types of pressure sensors. Additionally, by isolating the pressure sensor from an external environment, the sensor may be at least partially shielded from corrosion, water infiltration, chemical degradation, thermal stresses, contaminants, and the like. 
     Typically, although not necessarily, the enclosure of the fluid-based pressure-sensing device is made from metal, ceramic, or another material that is relatively durable. A diaphragm may be coupled to the enclosure and may be made from a material having a low Young&#39;s modulus, such that the diaphragm may flex or bend under an external force (such as a pressure) and return to its rest state when the external force is relieved or otherwise ceases. In some embodiments the diaphragm may have a high Young&#39;s modulus but may be dimensioned such that it nonetheless bends or flexes as described above; the shape, thickness, and/or other dimension may be controlled so that the diaphragm may flex and return as discussed. 
     The fluid-based pressure-sensing device is typically, although not necessarily, filled with a fluid that is chemically inert with respect to common contaminants and chemicals. As one non-limiting example, the fluid may be silicone oil or another silicone fluid. Further, the fluid is generally incompressible. By using an incompressible fluid (again, such as a silicone oil or other silicone fluid), an external force (e.g., external pressure) may deform the diaphragm inward towards an interior of the enclosure, thereby exerting pressure on the pressure sensor within the enclosure and permitting the pressure sensor to function. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device is an electronic smart watch and the fluid-based pressure-sensing device is positioned within a housing of the electronic smart watch. The fluid-based pressure-sensing device may be positioned within a volume defined, at least in part, by the housing. This volume may be coupled to atmosphere external to the watch through a channel defined in the housing. In some embodiments, this channel may be inside a lug or other receptacle configured to accept a watch band. In other embodiments, the channel may be part of, or define, an audio port through which sound may enter or exit the enclosure (such as a microphone or speaker opening). 
     Coupling the volume in which the fluid-based pressure-sensing device sits to external atmosphere ensures that the pressure-sensing device measures (or is capable of measuring) atmospheric pressure of the environment rather than an internal pressure within the watch. In some embodiments, the channel between the volume and external atmosphere may be sized and/or shaped to reduce or prevent ingress of water, dust, and/or other contaminants. Likewise, in some embodiments a screen, filter, or other structure may be placed in the channel to prevent ingress into the volume of water, dust, and/or other contaminants. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 B  depict a sample electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  is depicted as an electronic watch (e.g., a smart watch), though this is merely one example embodiment of an electronic device and the concepts discussed herein may apply equally or by analogy to other electronic devices, including mobile phones (e.g., smartphones), tablet computers, notebook computers, head-mounted displays, digital media players (e.g., mp3 players), or the like. The electronic device  100  may incorporate a fluid-based pressure-sensing device, as described herein. 
     The electronic device  100  includes a housing  102  and a band  104  coupled to the housing  102 . The band  104  may be configured to couple the electronic device  100  to a user, such as to the user&#39;s arm or wrist. A portion of the band  104  may be received in a channel that extends along an exterior side of the housing  102 , as described herein. The band  104  may be secured to the housing  102  within the channel to maintain the band  104  to the housing  102 . 
     The electronic device  100  also includes a transparent cover  108  (also referred to simply as a “cover”) coupled to the housing  102 . The cover  108  may define a front face of the electronic device  100 . For example, in some cases, the cover  108  defines substantially the entire front face and/or front surface of the electronic device. The cover  108  may also define an input surface of the device  100 . For example, as described herein, the device  100  may include touch and/or force sensors that detect inputs applied to the cover  108 . The cover  108  may be formed from or include glass, sapphire, a polymer, a dielectric, or any other suitable material. 
     The cover  108  may cover at least part of a display  109  that is positioned at least partially within the housing  102 . The display  109  may define an output region in which graphical outputs are displayed. Graphical outputs may include graphical user interfaces, user interface elements (e.g., buttons, sliders, etc.), text, lists, photographs, videos, or the like. The display  109  may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode display (OLED), or any other suitable components or display technology. 
     The display  109  may include or be associated with touch sensors and/or force sensors that extend along the output region of the display and which may use any suitable sensing elements and/or sensing techniques. Using touch sensors, the device  100  may detect touch inputs applied to the cover  108 , including detecting locations of touch inputs, motions of touch inputs (e.g., the speed, direction, or other parameters of a gesture applied to the cover  108 ), or the like. Using force sensors, the device  100  may detect amounts or magnitudes of force associated with touch events applied to the cover  108 . The touch and/or force sensors may detect various types of user inputs to control or modify the operation of the device, including taps, swipes, multi-finger inputs, single- or multi-finger touch gestures, presses, and the like. Touch and/or force sensors usable with wearable electronic devices, such as the device  100 , are described below. 
     The electronic device  100  also includes a crown  112  having a cap, protruding portion, or component(s) or feature(s) (collectively referred to herein as a “body”) positioned along a side surface of the housing  102 . At least a portion of the crown  112  (such as the body) may protrude from, or otherwise be located outside, the housing  102 , and may define a generally circular shape or a circular exterior surface. The exterior surface of the body of the crown  112  may be textured, knurled, grooved, or may otherwise have features that may improve the tactile feel of the crown  112  and/or facilitate rotation sensing. 
     The crown  112  may facilitate a variety of potential user interactions. For example, the crown  112  may be rotated by a user (e.g., the crown may receive rotational inputs). Rotational inputs of the crown  112  may zoom, scroll, rotate, or otherwise manipulate a user interface or other object displayed on the display  109  (among other possible functions). The crown  112  may also be translated or pressed (e.g., axially) by the user. Translational or axial inputs may select highlighted objects or icons, cause a user interface to return to a previous menu or display, or activate or deactivate functions (among other possible functions). In some cases, the device  100  may sense touch inputs or gestures applied to the crown  112 , such as a finger sliding along the body of the crown  112  (which may occur when the crown  112  is configured to not rotate) or a finger touching the body of the crown  112 . In such cases, sliding gestures may cause operations similar to the rotational inputs, and touches on an end face may cause operations similar to the translational inputs. As used herein, rotational inputs include both rotational movements of the crown (e.g., where the crown is free to rotate), as well as sliding inputs that are produced when a user slides a finger or object along the surface of a crown in a manner that resembles a rotation (e.g., where the crown is fixed and/or does not freely rotate). In some embodiments, rotating, translating, or otherwise moving the crown  112  initiates a pressure measurement by a pres sure-sensing device (such as a fluid-based pressure-sensing device) within the electronic device  100 . The pressure-sensing device is described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS.  3 - 11   . 
     The electronic device  100  may also include other inputs, switches, buttons, or the like. For example, the electronic device  100  includes a button  110 . The button  110  may be a movable button (as depicted) or a touch-sensitive region of the housing  102 . The button  110  may control various aspects of the electronic device  100 . For example, the button  110  may be used to select icons, items, or other objects displayed on the display  109 , to activate or deactivate functions (e.g., to silence an alarm or alert), or the like. 
       FIG.  1 B  depicts another view of the electronic device  100 . As shown, the housing  102  may include a side wall  113 , which may define one or more exterior side surfaces of the housing  102  (and thus of the device  100 ). In some cases, the side wall  113  extends around the entire periphery of the device. As described herein, the side wall  113  may at least partially define an interior volume of the housing  102 . 
     The side wall  113  may define openings  114 . While multiple openings  114  are shown, the side wall  113  may have more or fewer openings than shown, such as a single opening  114 , or three, four, or more openings  114 . Further, while the device  100  shows the openings  114  in the side wall  113 , they may be positioned elsewhere, such as through a back or bottom wall of the device  100 . 
     As described in more detail herein, at least one opening  114  may couple an external environment to a volume within the housing  102 , in which components such as a fluid-based pressure-sensing device are positioned. The opening  114  may allow air pressure equalization between the volume and the external environment around the device  100 , thus allowing the fluid-based pressure-sensing device to achieve accurate readings of the ambient air pressure. 
     In some embodiments, the opening  114  may also allow sound output from an internal speaker to exit the housing  102 , such that sound output from the speaker can be heard by a wearer and/or other observers. In some cases, the opening  114  is completely open, with no screen, mesh, grate, or other component or material obstructing air flow between the first volume. In other cases, the opening  114  may be covered by a screen, mesh, grate, or other component or material, which may help prevent debris, dust, liquid, or other contaminants from entering the housing  102 . 
       FIG.  2    is a cross-section view of the electronic device  100 , taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG.  1 B . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the housing  102  of the electronic device  100  defines an interior volume  230  and a channel  114  coupling the interior volume to external atmosphere (e.g., atmosphere outside the electronic device  100 ). Thus, a pressure of the interior volume  230  and external atmosphere is substantially the same, and may equalize over time as one or the other changes. 
     In some embodiments a filter, screen, or the like may be positioned in the channel  114  to prevent or reduce ingress of contaminants, liquids, and so on into the interior volume  230 . 
     A fluid-based pressure-sensing device  200  (also referred to simply as a “pressure-sensing device”) is positioned within the interior volume  230  of the housing  102 . The fluid-based pressure-sensing device  200  may measure the pressure of the interior volume  230  and thus, the external atmosphere (insofar as the interior volume  230  and external atmosphere are coupled by the channel  114 ). In some embodiments the pressure-sensing device  200  is directly coupled to the housing  110 , while in others the device  200  is coupled to a substrate  210  that is in turn directly or indirectly coupled to the housing  102 . The substrate  210  may be a circuit board, support, strut, projection, or other structure. 
     A battery and other electronic components  220  also may be positioned in the interior volume  230  of the housing  102 . Electronic components may include one or more processing units, sensors, output devices, memory, storage devices, displays, audio devices (including speakers and microphones), and so on, specifically including components discussed below with respect to  FIG.  12   . Generally, the battery and other electronic components  220  occupy a majority of the interior volume  230 . In some embodiments, the substrate  210  may electrically couple the fluid-based pressure-sensing device  200  to the battery, a processing unit, and/or other components  220 . The substrate may route power to the pressure-sensing device  200 , route an output of the pressure-sensing device  200  to a processing unit or other electronic component  220 , and so on. Thus, the substrate  210  may serve both as a support for the pressure-sensing device  200  and an electrical path between the pressure-sensing device  200  and other components  220 . 
     The electronic device  100  also includes a display  109  at least partially within the interior volume  230  and protected by the cover  108 . Typically, the display  109  is configured to display information (as discussed in more detail below); this information may include the pressure sensed by the fluid-based pressure-sensing device  200 . In some embodiments, the processing unit  220  may use the output of the pressure-sensing device  200  to modify information shown on the display  109  or an operation of the electronic device  100 . 
       FIG.  2    also shows the crown  112  extending from the housing  102 . Rotating and/or translating the crown  112  with respect to the housing  102  may initiate an input to the electronic device  100 . For example, rotating and/or translating the crown  112  may cause the fluid-based pressure-sensing device  200  to measure a pressure of the volume  230 . Rotating and/or translating the crown  112  may also cause the measured pressure to be shown on the display  109 , for example by instructing the processing unit to change the information shown on the display. 
     Particulars of a fluid-based pressure-sensing device will now be discussed.  FIG.  3    is a cross-section of an example oil-filled pressure-sensing device  300  (hereinafter “device  300 ”). The oil-filled pressure-sensing device  300  generally can be surface mounted to a substrate  350 , such as a circuit board, ceramic, metal, or the like. The pressure-sensing device typically includes an enclosure  310 , a diaphragm  320 , a sensing medium  330 , and a pressure sensor  340  within the enclosure  310  and encapsulated in the sensing medium  330 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . 
     In some embodiments the enclosure  310  is about three millimeters in each dimension and defines an opening on a side opposite the substrate  350 . Accordingly, in some embodiments the fluid-based pressure-sensing device  300  has a volume of about 27 cubic millimeters, or generally 30 cubic millimeters or less. Typically, the enclosure  310  is coupled to the substrate  350 ; in some embodiments the substrate  350  may cooperate with the enclosure  310  and diaphragm  320  to contain the sensing medium  330 , while in others the enclosure  310  may form a bucket or container that, along with the diaphragm  320 , contains the sensing medium  330 . 
     In some embodiments, the enclosure  310  includes a bottom cup-shaped section that is hermetically joined to a top cap. The bottom section can be formed from ceramic or silicon and the top cap may define walls made of ceramic or silicon. In one or more embodiments, the enclosure  310  may have an aspect ratio about ⅓ to ⅕. Put another way, the enclosure  310  may be three to five times as tall and/or wide as it is high. 
     The opening in the enclosure  310  may be hermetically sealed by the diaphragm  320 . The diaphragm  320  may be made from a material having a low Young&#39;s modulus, such as polyimide or another suitable polymer, or a moderate or high Young&#39;s modulus but that is dimensioned to bend and/or flex. In some embodiments the diaphragm  320  may be formed from multiple layers, such as a polyimide layer coupled to one or more metal layers, or even positioned between metal layers. The polyimide layer can be on an external face or an internal face of the diaphragm  320 . An isolation diaphragm  320  made from the foregoing materials, or combinations thereof, may reduce hydrostatic pressure on the pressure sensor  340 . In some embodiments, the diaphragm  320  is at least partially corrugated. 
     The pressure sensor  340  is positioned inside the enclosure  310 , coupled to the substrate  350  (or to the enclosure, in some embodiments) and encapsulated by the sensing medium  330 , which may be a silicone oil. Generally, the isolation diaphragm  320  shields the pressure sensor from contaminants, such as dust, water, chemicals, and the like. In certain embodiments, the sensing medium  330  may cooperate with the diaphragm  320  to shield the pressure sensor  340  while transmitting pressure from the diaphragm  320  to the pressure sensor  340 . The sensing medium  330  may prevent chemical corrosion of the pressure sensor  340  insofar as it shields the pressure sensor  340  from corrosives and is generally chemically inert (at least with respect to common corrosives). Thus, the isolation diaphragm  320  (and, in some embodiments, the sensing medium  330 ) may extend a life of the pressure sensor  340  and ensure operation of the pressure-sensing device. 
     Generally, the sensing medium  330  can transfer a pressure exerted on the diaphragm  320  to the pressure sensor  340 . In some embodiments, the sensing medium  330  fills a volume of the enclosure  310  or a volume defined by the enclosure  310  and substrate  350 . In some embodiments, the pressure sensor  340  is a monolithic pressure sensor die including a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensor integrated with an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The monolithic pressure sensor die can be coupled to the substrate  350  via flip-chip solders. Additionally, a stress isolator (such as a spring) may be positioned between the pressure sensor  340  and the flip-chip solder, or may be formed in the die of the pressure sensor  340  itself. Such a stress isolator may prevent parasitic stresses from being transmitted from the substrate  350 , through the solder, and to the pressure sensor  340 . This may prevent or reduce sensing error in the pressure sensor  340  that may otherwise occur in response to mechanical and/or thermal stresses exerted on the enclosure  310  and/or substrate  350 . 
     In some embodiments, the substrate  350  defines a hole that is sealed after filling the volume of the enclosure  310  with the silicone oil  330 . The walls of the hole may be metalized; this metal may extend to an external surface of the substrate  350  and serve as a contact point for solder. The solder, in turn, may seal the hole. 
     The diaphragm  320  may isolate the sensing medium  330  and pressure sensor  340  from environmental contaminants such as water, dust and chemicals, thus providing a second shield against external contaminants for the pressure sensor (e.g., in addition to the environmental shield provided by the sensing medium  330 ). Further, the diaphragm  320  may flex, bend, or otherwise deform in response to a pressure exerted on the diaphragm. When the diaphragm  320  deforms toward the substrate  350  (e.g., into the volume of the enclosure  310 ), it deforms or otherwise shifts or moves the sensing medium  330 , thereby transmitting the exerted pressure to the pressure sensor  340 . Thus, the pressure sensor  340  may measure a pressure (or other force) exerted on the diaphragm  320 . Accordingly, the diaphragm both protects the pressure sensor  340  from environmental contaminants and hazards and facilitates the pressure sensor&#39;s measurement of environmental pressure. Typically, the diaphragm  320  hermetically seals the volume inside the enclosure  310 . In some embodiments the isolation diaphragm  320  is coupled to the enclosure  310  using an inside-oil-soldering process, or other suitable processes. 
       FIG.  4 A  is a cross-section view of an example oil-filled pressure-sensing device  400 A, particularly showing sample details of how various parts may be coupled together. The oil-filled pressure-sensing device  400 A shown in the cross-section view of  FIG.  4 A  is waterproof and resists intrusion of contaminants, liquids and the like; both the diaphragm and sensing medium (e.g., silicone oil) shield the pressure sensor. 
     The oil-filled pressure-sensing device  400 A (hereinafter “device  400 A”) includes a pressure sensor  440  disposed on a substrate  450 . The substrate  450  is coupled to a metal enclosure  410  via an interface layer  422  (e.g. an adhesive layer). A top opening of an oil-filled space  430  of the device  400 A is closed using an isolation diaphragm  420 . The isolation diaphragm  420  can be soldered to the enclosure  410  using a soldering ring  442 , or may be attached thereto by soldering, brazing, welding, pressure-sensitive adhesive, a pressure-sensitive tape, an epoxy, an acrylic, or a silicone adhesive. In one or more embodiments, the isolation diaphragm  420  can be made of a polymer material, for example, polyimide and/or KAPTON. Using material having a low Young&#39;s modulus, such as a polymer, (or a material with a high Young&#39;s modulus that is configured to bend or flex) as the isolation diaphragm can significantly reduce hydrostatic pressure on the sensor. In some embodiments, the isolation diaphragm  420  may further include a metallic coating (e.g., copper) on one or both surfaces (e.g., top and/or bottom surfaces). In one or more embodiments, the soldering ring  442  may include plating layers made of material such as copper, nickel, or gold. In one or more embodiments, a hot-bar or an inductive soldering or a spot or laser welding process is used for the inside-oil-soldering process. Using the hot-bar or other welding processes can melt the soldering ring  442  and cause sealing of the isolation diaphragm  420  to the enclosure  410 . As further discussed herein, the use of the hot-bar or other welding processes is performed inside oil content of an oil container. 
     In some embodiments, the pressure sensor  440  of the fluid-based pressure-sensing device  440  is a MEMS pressure sensor that is coupled (for example by wire-bonding or other bonding techniques) to an ASIC. In one or more embodiments, the metal enclosure  410  can be made of stainless steel, or other suitable metals, and can be plated with another suitable metal such as silver. The pressure sensor  440  may be electrically coupled to the substrate  450  by an electrical connector  460  and the substrate  450  may, in turn, electrically couple the sensor  440  to a battery, processing unit, or other electrical component outside the fluid-based pressure-sensing device  400 A. 
       FIG.  4 B  illustrates another sample oil-filled pressure-sensing device  400 B that is similar to the device  400 A of  FIG.  4 A , except that the isolation diaphragm  420  extends past the sides of the enclosure  410  to abut a plug-and-guide ring structure  444 . The plug-and-guide ring structure  444  assists in holding and aligning the isolation diaphragm  420  to the enclosure  410 , particularly while the diaphragm  420  is being coupled to the enclosure. The plug-and-guide ring structure  444  further may set a fill level for the silicone oil  430  (or other sensing medium) before the isolation diaphragm  420  is coupled to the enclosure  410 . In some embodiments the plug-and-guide ring structure  444  is removed once the enclosure  410  and diaphragm  420  are coupled to one another, while in other embodiments the ring structure  444  remains and may reinforce the enclosure  410 . 
       FIG.  5    is a schematic diagram illustrating an example carrier sheet  500  defining multiple isolation diaphragms  522  that may be used with any embodiment described herein. The carrier sheet  500  may be made of a sheet or a tape of a polymer material (e.g., polyimide or KAPTON), on which patterns of a cell  520  of an isolation diaphragm are created. Each cell  520  includes an isolation diaphragm  522  with a metallic plated ring  525 , which is coupled to the rest of the carrier sheet  500  by tie bars  524 . In between the tie bars  524 , air gaps  526  allow aligning the isolation diaphragm  522  on top of the metal enclosure (e.g., enclosure  310  of  FIG.  3   , enclosure  410  of  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , and so on). The tie bars  524  are removed after the aligning process to detach the isolation diaphragm  522  from the carrier sheet  500 . The use of the carrier sheet  500 , on which a large number of cells  520  can be imprinted, facilitates leveraging automation in the manufacturing of the pressure-sensing devices of the subject technology. 
       FIG.  6    is a schematic diagram illustrating an example oil-filled pressure-sensing device  600  with a perforated sealing plug, in accordance with one or more embodiments. The oil-filled pressure-sensing device  600  (hereinafter “device  600 ”) includes a pressure sensor  650  that is disposed on a substrate  620 . The pressure sensor  650  is encapsulated by oil or another incompressible sensing medium contained within the space  630 . The perforated sealing plug  640  is used as a semi-isolation diaphragm and is coupled (e.g., sealed) to a metal enclosure  610  of the device  600 . The holes  642  of the perforated sealing plug  640  keep the oil inside the space inside the enclosure  610 , while allowing the oil to be partially exposed to the environment and can expand and contract temperature changes. The holes  642  can also prevent or reduce a likelihood of formation of air bubbles inside the oil-filled space  630 . In one or more embodiments, the perforated sealing plug  640  is made of a polymer (e.g., polyimide or KAPTON) film with small holes with diameters on the order of about 20 μm. Even though the oil may be partially exposed to the environment, it nonetheless may act as a shield against contaminants and corrosion for the pressure sensor  650 . 
       FIG.  7    is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section view of an example oil-filled pressure-sensing device  700 , in accordance with embodiments described herein. The example oil-filled pressure-sensing device  700  includes a pressure sensor  750  disposed on a substrate  720 . The pressure sensor  750  is protected and encapsulated by a sensing medium  730  (e.g., oil) that fills a space formed by an enclosure  710  and the substrate  720  of the device  700 . Generally, an adhesive  726  (or other bond, interface layer, retainer, or the like) affixes the enclosure  710  to the substrate  720 . As seen from  FIG.  7   , an isolation diaphragm  740  of the device  700  is corrugated. The corrugated isolation diaphragm  740  has the benefit of permitting expansion and/or contraction of the oil  730  inside the space inside the enclosure  710 . In one or more embodiments, the isolation diaphragm  740  can be made of a polymer material, for example, polyimide and/or KAPTON. In some embodiments, the isolation diaphragm  740  may further include a metallic coating (e.g., copper) on one or both surfaces (e.g., top and/or bottom surfaces). 
     The substrate  720  defines a hole  725  through which the space inside the enclosure  710  can be filled with oil, for example by submerging the body of the device  700  inside an oil container. The walls of the hole  725  may be plated with a suitable metal that extends out to an external surface of the substrate  720  to allow soldering of a solder pad  760  to seal the hole  725  after filling the space. Soldering the solder pad  760  can be performed inside the oil in the oil container. In one or more embodiments, the solder pad  760  includes a flat metal layer  764  covered by a high temperature solder layer  766 . The solder pad  760  may be coupled directly to the substrate  720  or may be coupled to a connector  724  as shown in  FIG.  7   . In other embodiments, soldering, brazing, welding, pressure-sensitive adhesive, a pressure-sensitive tape, an epoxy, an acrylic, or a silicone adhesive may be used to affix the solder pad to the substrate. 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  are schematic diagrams illustrating example hot-bar sealing apparatuses  800 A and  800 B for sealing oil-filled pressure-sensing devices, in accordance with one or more embodiments. The example hot-bar sealing apparatus  800 A can be used to seal, for example, the pressure-sensing device  300  of  FIG.  3    (or any other pressure-sensing device described herein). The apparatus  800 A is an oil container  810  in which a pressure-sensing device can be submerged, and a hot bar  840 . The oil container  810  can hold the pressure-sensing device  300  in the oil-filed space of the container, which is filled with oil to a level  830 . The hot bar  840  is placed on the isolation diaphragm (for example, diaphragm  320  of  FIG.  3   ) and is partially immersed in the oil. The high temperature of the hot bar  840  facilities inside-oil-soldering of the isolation diaphragm to the enclosure of the pressure-sensing device  300 . The temperature of the hot bar  840  depends on the solder used and can be a few hundred degrees centigrade. 
     The example hot-bar sealing apparatus  800 B can be used to seal a pressure-sensing device described herein, such as device  700  described with respect to  FIG.  7   . The device  700  can be placed inside the apparatus  800 B upside down, such that the isolation diaphragm  740  is placed on the lower edges of the oil container  810 , and the oil sealing hole  725  is soldered and sealed at the same time the circuit board  860  is bonded affixed, soldered, or otherwise attached to the solder pads  824  of device  800 . The hot bar  840  is placed on the circuit board  860  and is partially immersed into the oil. The high temperature of the hot bar  840  facilities inside-oil-soldering of the circuit board  860  to the substrate of the device. 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 B  are schematic diagrams illustrating cross-section views of example oil-filled pressure-sensing devices  900 A and  900 B, in accordance with various embodiments. The example oil-filled pressure-sensing device  900 A includes a top cap  902  and a bottom cup  904 , which mate with or abut one another. When filled with oil and put together, the top cap  902  and bottom cup  904  form an enclosure of the device  900 A. The top cap  902  can be fabricated separately and includes a resistance weld layer  912 , a low temperature coefficient (LTC) layer  914  (e.g., made of a ceramic, polysilicon, or the like) and an isolation diaphragm  916 . The isolation diaphragm  916  (or a portion thereof, such as a metal layer coupled to a polyimide) can be made of steel, a chromium-iron-nickel alloy such as INCONEL, gold, copper, nickel, or silicon, and is grounded by coupling it to a ground. The resistance weld layer  912  can be made of, for example, a resistance weld material (e.g., an iron-nickel alloy) or a braze joint (e.g., SAC  304  or equivalent, as discussed above). 
     The bottom cup  904  is made of an LTC substrate in the shape of a cup and may also include a resistance weld layer  918  (or braze joint, soldering, welding, pressure-sensitive adhesive, a pressure-sensitive tape, an epoxy, an acrylic, or a silicone adhesive) coupled to a base material  910 , which may be formed from an LTC material. 
     The pressure sensor  950  is disposed in the cup  904 . The pressure sensor  950  can include a MEMS pressure sensor integrated with an ASIC. To form the enclosure of the pressure-sensing device the top cap  902  and the bottom cup  904  are fabricated separately, after which the pressure sensor  950  is positioned inside the bottom cup  904 . The bottom cup  904  is then filled with oil under ambient vacuum. The top cap  902  and the bottom cup  904  are then submerged inside the oil content (e.g., silicone or fluorinated oil) of an oil container (oil bath) and sealed to one another, and the container is evacuated. This ensures the enclosure (formed from the top cap  902  and bottom cup  904 ) retains the oil or other sensing medium, thereby shielding the pressure sensor from external contaminants. 
     The welding of the top cap  902  and the bottom cup  904  is performed inside the oil, for example, by sufficiently raising the temperature to melt the resistance weld layers  912 ,  918  to complete the welding process of the top cap  902  to the bottom cup  904  inside the oil and under vacuum. The resistance weld layers  912 ,  918  may combine to form a seal  920  that joins the top cap  902  to the bottom cup  904 . In some embodiments, the top cap  902  and bottom cup  904  may be soldered or brazed together, or may be joined by welding, pressure-sensitive adhesive, a pressure-sensitive tape, an epoxy, an acrylic, or a silicone adhesive. 
     With respect to  FIG.  9 B , the example oil-filled pressure-sensing device  900 B includes a top cap  902  and a bottom cup  904 . Description of the top cap  902  is the same as discussed above with respect to  FIG.  9 A . The bottom cup  904  is similar to the bottom cup  904  of  FIG.  9 A , except that it includes a hole  970  through which oil may pass to fill the bottom cup. 
     The device  900 B is formed by fabricating the top cap  902  and the bottom cup  906  separately, assembling the pressure sensor  950  inside the bottom cup  906 , joining the top cap  902  and the bottom cup  906  by, for example, high-temperature soldering (thereby creating the enclosure around the pressure sensor  950 ) and filling the enclosure with oil under ambient vacuum through the hole  970 . In some embodiments, the isolation diaphragm  916  is pulled from outside by vacuum to prevent stiction to inside space, while the device  900 B is evacuated through the hole  970 . For evacuation of the space, a three-way valve is used to enable switching from vacuum to oil and letting the vacuumed space inside the enclosure  900 B be filled with oil via a gravity pull force. After oil filling is complete a solder plug  972  is used to close the hole  970  by the inside-oil-soldering technique. 
       FIGS.  10 A- 10 D  are schematic diagrams illustrating cross-section views of example oil-filled pressure-sensing devices  1000 A- 1000 D, in accordance with one or more embodiments. The example oil-filled pressure-sensing device  1000 A includes a substrate  1020 , an enclosure  1010  and an isolation diaphragm  1040 . A pressure sensor  1050  is disposed on the substrate  1020 . A space inside the enclosure  1000 A, formed by the substrate  1020  and the enclosure  1010  is filled with a liquid material such as oil  1030  (e.g., silicone oil), or another incompressible fluid, and the isolation diaphragm  1040  is coupled to the enclosure  1010  inside an oil bath, as described above. The enclosure  1010  can be made of steel or any other suitable metal, and the isolation diaphragm  1040  can be made of a polymer such as polyimide or KAPTON. Using material of low Young&#39;s modulus (such as a suitable polymer) as the isolation diaphragm  1040  may significantly reduce hydrostatic pressure on the sensor  1050 . In some embodiments, a welding metal ring can be created around the isolation diaphragm  1040  to enable welding to the enclosure  1010 . The welding can be done inside oil, as described above, for example, by the inside-oil-welding technique. The substrate  1020  can be made, for example, of a ceramic material or silicon. 
     The example oil-filled pressure-sensing device  1000 B of  FIG.  10 B  is similar to the device  1000 A of  FIG.  10 A , except for an additional metal layer  1042 , which is coupled to the isolation diaphragm  1040  of device  1000 B. The metal layer  1042 , which can be thin (e.g., a few microns) enables welding of the isolation diaphragm to the enclosure  1010 , and further strengthen the isolation diaphragm  1040  (polymer). The metal layer  1042  may also prevent the oil (or other sensing medium) from diffusing into the polyimide. Generally, the metal layer  1042 , and/or any other metal layer of a diaphragm as discussed herein, may be made from any suitable metal such as copper, nickel, gold, silver, alloys of the foregoing, and so on. 
     The example oil-filled pressure-sensing device  1000 C of  FIG.  10 C  is similar to the device  1000 B of  FIG.  10 B , except for an additional top metal layer  1044 , which is coupled to the isolation diaphragm  1040 . The top metal layer  1044 , which can be thin (e.g., a few microns) may further strengthen the isolation diaphragm by reinforcing the polymer layer while maintaining some ability to deform under pressure and return to a rest (undeformed) state when the pressure is relieved. 
     The example oil-filled pressure-sensing device  1000 D of  FIG.  10 D  is similar to the device  1000 A of  FIG.  10 A , except for an additional metal layer  1046 , which is a metal ring coupled to (e.g., deposited on) the isolation diaphragm  1040 . The additional metal layer  1046  can be a thin (e.g., a few microns) layer and enables welding the isolation diaphragm to the enclosure  1010 . Alternatively, the diaphragm may be soldered or brazed to the enclosure, or may be attached to the enclosure by welding, pressure-sensitive adhesive, a pressure-sensitive tape, an epoxy, an acrylic, or a silicone adhesive. 
     Any of the embodiments discussed herein may use a diaphragm formed from a flat or corrugated polymer such as polyimide, TEFLON, ePTFE, polyethylene, polypropylene, and so on. Generally, a corrugated polymer diaphragm  1040  may increase pressure sensitivity and reduce a TCO (temperature coefficient of offset) of the pressure sensor within the fluid-based pressure sensing device. Likewise, any diaphragm discussed herein may be hydrophobic, oleophobic, or both; such diaphragms may be made from hydrophobic and/or oleophobic materials or may be coated with hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coatings. 
       FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  are schematic diagrams illustrating cross-section views of example oil-filled pressure-sensing devices  1100 A and  1100 B, in accordance with one or more embodiments. The example oil-filled pressure-sensing device  1100 A (hereinafter “device  1100 A”) is a low aspect ratio pressure sensor device as described herein. The device  1100 A includes a substrate  1110  and a metal enclosure  1120  coupled to the substrate  1110  using an epoxy layer  1112 . A pressure sensor  1150  is disposed on the substrate  1110  by employing a flip-chip technique using flip-chip solder pads  1116 . The substrate may be made of any suitable material, such as ceramic, metal, a plastic, and so on. 
     The device  1100 A further includes an isolation diaphragm  1140 , which is coupled to the metal enclosure  1120  by soldering, brazing, welding, a pressure-sensitive adhesive or tape, an epoxy, an acrylic, a silicone adhesive, and so on. The substrate  1110  includes a plated-through hole  1170  that allows filling the oil  1130  and sealing the plated through hole  1170  with a plated oil-fill plug  1172 . The substrate  1110  further includes solder pads  1114 , which allow soldering the substrate  1110  to a circuit board such as flex including, for example, an ASIC for processing the pressure signal from the pressure sensor  1150 . The pressure sensor  1150  can be a monolithic pressure sensor such as a MEMS pressure sensor. In one or more embodiments, the pressure sensor  1150  may be integrated with at least some electronic circuit. The device  1100 A further includes elastomer face seals  1180 , which can assist in securing the device  1100 A to host system. The oil filling of the device  1100 A and soldering of the plated oil-fill plug  1172  to the plated-through hole  1170  is performed using the inside-oil-soldering technique described above. 
     In some embodiments the low aspect ratio of the device  1100 A is achieved by having an overall device thickness of less than 1 mm and an overall device width of more than 3 mm. The small dimensions make the device  1100 A suitable for integration in a communication device such as a smart phone or a smart watch. 
     The elastomer face seals  1180  of the device  1100 A are compressed by a system boundary  1184  of a port opening  1144  (see  FIG.  11 B ) of a host system to securely mount the device  1100 A. A circuit board (such as a printed circuit board or a flex circuit)  1190  is coupled to the substrate  1110  of the device  1100 A via the solder pads  1114  of the substrate  1110 . The circuit board  1190  may include an ASIC for processing the pressure signal from the pressure sensor  1150 . 
       FIG.  12    depicts an example schematic diagram of an electronic device  1200 . By way of example, the device  1200  of  FIG.  12    may correspond to the wearable electronic device  100  shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 B  (or any other wearable electronic device described herein). To the extent that multiple functionalities, operations, and structures are disclosed as being part of, incorporated into, or performed by the device  1200 , it should be understood that various embodiments may omit any or all such described functionalities, operations, and structures. Thus, different embodiments of the device  1200  may have some, none, or all of the various capabilities, apparatuses, physical features, modes, and operating parameters discussed herein. 
     As shown in  FIG.  12   , a device  1200  includes a processing unit  1202  operatively connected to computer memory  1204  and/or computer-readable media  1206 . The processing unit  1202  may be operatively connected to the memory  1204  and computer-readable media  1206  components via an electronic bus or bridge. The processing unit  1202  may include one or more computer processing units or microcontrollers that are configured to perform operations in response to computer-readable instructions. The processing unit  1202  may include the central processing unit (CPU) of the device. Additionally or alternatively, the processing unit  1202  may include other processing units within the device including application specific integrated chips (ASIC) and other microcontroller devices. 
     In some embodiments the processing unit  1202  may modify, change, or otherwise adjust operation of the electronic device in response to an output of a fluid-based pressure-sensing device, as described herein. For example, the processing unit may shut off the electronic device  1200  or suspend certain functions, like audio playback, if the pressure sensed by the pressure-sensing device exceeds a threshold. Likewise, the processing unit may activate the device or certain functions if the sensed pressure drops below a threshold (which may or may not be the same threshold previously mentioned). As yet another option, the processing unit  1202  may cause an alert to be displayed if pressure changes suddenly, as sensed by the pressure-sensing unit. This alert may indicate that a storm is imminent, a cabin or area has become depressurized, a port is blocked, and so on. 
     The memory  1204  may include a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. The memory  1204  is configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements. Computer-readable media  1206  also includes a variety of types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media including, for example, a hard-drive storage device, a solid-state storage device, a portable magnetic storage device, or other similar device. 
     The computer-readable media  1206  may also be configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements. 
     In this example, the processing unit  1202  is operable to read computer-readable instructions stored on the memory  1204  and/or computer-readable media  1206 . The computer-readable instructions may adapt the processing unit  1202  to perform the operations or functions described above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 11 B . In particular, the processing unit  1202 , the memory  1204 , and/or the computer-readable media  1206  may be configured to cooperate with a sensor  1224  (e.g., an image sensor that detects input gestures applied to an imaging surface of a crown) to control the operation of a device in response to an input applied to a crown of a device (e.g., the crown  112 ). The computer-readable instructions may be provided as a computer-program product, software application, or the like. 
     As shown in  FIG.  12   , the device  1200  also includes a display  1208 . The display  1208  may include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, light emitting diode (LED) display, or the like. If the display  1208  is an LCD, the display  1208  may also include a backlight component that can be controlled to provide variable levels of display brightness. If the display  1208  is an OLED or LED type display, the brightness of the display  1208  may be controlled by modifying the electrical signals that are provided to display elements. The display  1208  may correspond to any of the displays shown or described herein. 
     The device  1200  may also include a battery  1209  that is configured to provide electrical power to the components of the device  1200 . The battery  1209  may include one or more power storage cells that are linked together to provide an internal supply of electrical power. The battery  1209  may be operatively coupled to power management circuitry that is configured to provide appropriate voltage and power levels for individual components or groups of components within the device  1200 . The battery  1209 , via power management circuitry, may be configured to receive power from an external source, such as an AC power outlet. The battery  1209  may store received power so that the device  1200  may operate without connection to an external power source for an extended period of time, which may range from several hours to several days. 
     In some embodiments, the device  1200  includes one or more input devices  1210 . An input device  1210  is a device that is configured to receive user input. The one or more input devices  1210  may include, for example, a push button, a touch-activated button, a keyboard, a key pad, or the like (including any combination of these or other components). In some embodiments, the input device  1210  may provide a dedicated or primary function, including, for example, a power button, volume buttons, home buttons, scroll wheels, and camera buttons. Generally, a touch sensor or a force sensor may also be classified as an input device. However, for purposes of this illustrative example, the touch sensor  1220  and the force sensor  1222  are depicted as distinct components within the device  1200 . 
     In some embodiments, the device  1200  includes one or more output devices  1218 . An output device  1218  is a device that is configured to produce an output that is perceivable by a user. The one or more output devices  1218  may include, for example, a speaker, a light source (e.g., an indicator light), an audio transducer, a haptic actuator, or the like. 
     The device  1200  may also include one or more sensors  1224 . In some cases, the sensors may include a fluid-based pressure-sensing device (such as an oil-filled pressure-sensing device) that determines conditions of an ambient environment external to the device  1200 , a temperature sensor, a liquid sensor, or the like. The sensors  1224  may also include a sensor that detects inputs provided by a user to a crown of the device (e.g., the crown  112 ). As described above, the sensor  1224  may include sensing circuitry and other sensing elements that facilitate sensing of gesture inputs applied to an imaging surface of a crown, as well as other types of inputs applied to the crown (e.g., rotational inputs, translational or axial inputs, axial touches, or the like). The sensor  1224  may include an optical sensing element, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD), complementary metal—oxide—semiconductor (CMOS), or the like. The sensors  1224  may correspond to any sensors described herein or that may be used to provide the sensing functions described herein. 
     The device  1200  may also include a touch sensor  1220  that is configured to determine a location of a touch on a touch-sensitive surface of the device  1200  (e.g., an input surface defined by the portion of a cover  108  over a display  109 ). The touch sensor  1220  may use or include capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, surface acoustic wave sensors, piezoelectric sensors, strain gauges, or the like. In some cases the touch sensor  1220  associated with a touch-sensitive surface of the device  1200  may include a capacitive array of electrodes or nodes that operate in accordance with a mutual-capacitance or self-capacitance scheme. The touch sensor  1220  may be integrated with one or more layers of a display stack (e.g., the display  109 ) to provide the touch-sensing functionality of a touchscreen. Moreover, the touch sensor  1220 , or a portion thereof, may be used to sense motion of a user&#39;s finger as it slides along a surface of a crown, as described herein. 
     The device  1200  may also include a force sensor  1222  that is configured to receive and/or detect force inputs applied to a user input surface of the device  1200  (e.g., the display  109 ). The force sensor  1222  may use or include capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, surface acoustic wave sensors, piezoelectric sensors, strain gauges, or the like. In some cases, the force sensor  1222  may include or be coupled to capacitive sensing elements that facilitate the detection of changes in relative positions of the components of the force sensor (e.g., deflections caused by a force input). The force sensor  1222  may be integrated with one or more layers of a display stack (e.g., the display  109 ) to provide force-sensing functionality of a touchscreen. 
     The device  1200  may also include a communication port  1228  that is configured to transmit and/or receive signals or electrical communication from an external or separate device. The communication port  1228  may be configured to couple to an external device via a cable, adaptor, or other type of electrical connector. In some embodiments, the communication port  1228  may be used to couple the device  1200  to an accessory, including a dock or case, a stylus or other input device, smart cover, smart stand, keyboard, or other device configured to send and/or receive electrical signals. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Also, when used herein to refer to positions of components, the terms above and below, or their synonyms, do not necessarily refer to an absolute position relative to an external reference, but instead refer to the relative position of components with reference to the figures.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190130
Publication Date: 20230124
Grant Date: 20230124
Priority Date: 20180927
Inventors: HAN, CALEB C.
BOOZER, BRAD G.
WALSH, MARK G.
LEE, WILLIAM S.
JIANG, TONGBI T.
ZHAI, JUN
MA, YUN X.
HORIUCHI, JAMES G.
MACNEIL, DAVID
BALASUBRAMANIAN, Ashwin
CHEN, WEI
ZHAO, JIE-HUA
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G04B47/066", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C5/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01L7/082", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01L9/0041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G9/0064", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C5/06", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04B47/066", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/08", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01L7/082", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 84977951