PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11240595-B2
Application Number: US-202016785294-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Castellated cosmetic mesh stiffener for acoustic flow noise reduction

Abstract:
An electronic device can include a housing defining a first aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume. An air permeable component can be disposed at the first aperture and the device can include a support component defining a second aperture within the first aperture and engaging the air permeable component. The support component can include a sidewall disposed in the first aperture and defining at least one notch.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing defining a first aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume; 
 an air permeable component disposed at the first aperture; and 
 a support component engaging the air permeable component and defining a second aperture in communication with the first aperture; 
 the support component comprising a sidewall disposed in the first aperture and defining at least one notch. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the sidewall defines an open flux area that is at least 10% larger than an area of the first aperture and in communication with the second aperture. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a speaker disposed in the internal volume. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the sidewall defines at least six notches. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the sidewall surrounds a periphery of the second aperture. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the air permeable component comprises an acoustic mesh. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the support component comprises steel. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the air permeable component is disposed between the support component and a portion of the housing defining the first aperture. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the support component comprises a base extending perpendicularly from the sidewall, and the base is adhered to an interior surface defined by the housing. 
     
     
       10. An acoustic cover assembly, comprising:
 an air permeable component; and 
 a support component engaged with the air permeable component, the support component comprising;
 a base defining an aperture; 
 a sidewall extending from the base adjacent to the aperture, the sidewall comprising at least two protruding members; 
 the sidewall defining an open flux area at least 10% larger than an area of the aperture and in communication with the aperture. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The acoustic cover assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the sidewall comprises:
 a first portion extending from the base adjacent to a first peripheral portion of the aperture in a direction; 
 a first set of protruding members extending from the first portion in the direction; 
 a second portion extending from the base adjacent to a second peripheral portion of the aperture, the second peripheral portion opposite the first peripheral portion; and 
 a second set of protruding members extending from the second portion in the direction. 
 
     
     
       12. The acoustic cover assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the first set of protruding members comprises two protruding members, and the second set of protruding members comprises two protruding members. 
     
     
       13. The acoustic cover assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the open flux area is at least 15% larger than the area of the aperture. 
     
     
       14. The acoustic cover assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the protruding members have a rectangular shape. 
     
     
       15. The acoustic cover assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the protruding members have a triangular or rounded shape. 
     
     
       16. The acoustic cover assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the protruding members define a top surface of the support component that is nonparallel relative to the base. 
     
     
       17. A method of forming a support component for an air permeable component, comprising:
 drawing a body into a shape defining a recess; 
 forming multiple first apertures in the body defining the recess; 
 further drawing the body to increase a depth of the recess; and 
 removing a portion of the body defining the recess to define a second aperture and at least one protrusion adjacent to the second aperture. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a castellated sidewall defining an open flux area at least 10% larger than the second aperture when supporting the air permeable component. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the support component comprises a base and a sidewall extending from the base, at least one protrusion extending from the sidewall and having a top surface that is nonparallel relative to the base. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17 , wherein forming multiple first apertures comprises forming three first apertures in a portion of the body defining the recess.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/897,728, filed 9 Sep. 2019, titled “CASTELLATED COSMETIC MESH STIFFENER FOR ACOUSTIC FLOW NOISE REDUCTION,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to electronic device components. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to acoustic electronic device components. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently there are a wide variety of electronic devices that have apertures defined by their housings to allow acoustic components (such as microphones and speakers) located within an internal volume defined by the housing of the electronic device to acoustically communicate with the outside environment. To protect both the acoustic component and any other components within the internal volume of the electronic device from damage, for example, due to the ingress of debris through the aperture, acoustically or air permeable materials can be employed at, within, or proximate to the apertures. 
     These acoustically permeable materials and the components used to secure and position them can, however, increase the distortion and noise associated with acoustic signals transmitted through the aperture. Accordingly, electronic devices can incorporate components, features, and methods of manufacturing acoustic components to achieve desired levels of performance, protection, and aesthetics. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some examples of the present disclosure, an electronic device can include a housing defining a first aperture and at least partially defining an internal volume, an air permeable component disposed at the first aperture, and a support component defining a second aperture within the first aperture and engaging the air permeable component, the support component including a sidewall disposed in the first aperture and defining at least one notch. 
     In some examples, the sidewall can define an open flux area in communication with the second aperture that is at least 10% larger than an area of the first aperture. The electronic device can further include a speaker disposed in the internal volume, wherein an acoustic signal played by the speaker and transmitted through the first aperture and the second aperture has low measurable higher order harmonic distortion and acoustic flow noise. The sidewall can define at least six notches. The sidewall can surround a periphery of the second aperture. The air permeable component can include an acoustic mesh. The support component can include steel. At least a portion of the air permeable component can be disposed between the support component and a portion of the housing defining the aperture. The support component can include a base extending perpendicularly from the sidewall, and the base can be adhered to an interior surface defined by the housing. 
     According to some examples, a support component for an air permeable component can include a base defining an aperture, and a sidewall extending from the base adjacent to the aperture, the sidewall including two or more protruding members. The sidewall defining an open flux area in communication with the aperture can be at least 10% larger than an area of the aperture. 
     In some examples, the sidewall can include a first portion extending from the base adjacent to a first peripheral portion of the aperture, a first set of protruding members extending from the first portion in a same direction as the first portion, a second portion extending from the base adjacent to a second peripheral portion of the aperture, the second peripheral portion opposite the first peripheral portion, and a second set of protruding members extending from the second portion in a same direction as the second portion. The first set of protruding members can include two protruding members and the second set of protruding members can include two protruding members. The open flux area can be at least 15% larger than the area of the aperture. The protruding members can have a rectangular shape. The protruding members can have a triangular or rounded shape. The protruding members can define a top surface of the support component that is slanted or nonparallel relative to the base. 
     According to some examples, a method of forming a support component for an air permeable component can include drawing a material into a shape defining a recess, forming multiple apertures in a portion of the material defining the recess, drawing the material to increase a depth of the recess, and forming the material into a structure defining an aperture, the structure including one or more protrusions adjacent to the aperture. 
     In some examples, the one or more protrusions can include a castellated sidewall defining an open flux area at least 10% larger than the aperture and in communication with the aperture. The structure can include a base and a sidewall extending therefrom, the one or more protrusions extending from the sidewall and having a top surface that is slanted or nonparallel relative to the base. Forming multiple apertures can include forming three apertures in the portion of the material defining the recess. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a close-up view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of acoustic components of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 6A  shows a top view of an acoustic component. 
         FIG. 6B  shows a side view of the acoustic component of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7A  shows a top view of an acoustic component. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a side view of the acoustic component of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 7C  shows a cross-sectional view of the acoustic component of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  shows a top view of an acoustic component. 
         FIG. 8B  shows a side view of the acoustic component of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9A  shows a top view of an acoustic component. 
         FIG. 9B  shows a side view of the acoustic component of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10A  shows a top view of an acoustic component. 
         FIG. 10B  shows a side view of the acoustic component of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIGS. 11A-11D  show stages of a process for forming an acoustic component. 
         FIG. 12  shows a process flow diagram for a process of forming an acoustic component. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments, as defined by the appended claims. 
     There is an increasing drive for electronic devices to become smaller and thinner. This desire for devices having reduced volumes can impact the performance of certain components of device that can typically require a large volume to achieve desired levels of performance. For example, in the context of acoustic components such as speakers, sound quality and speaker performance can be increased by increasing the size of the speaker and/or the hole or aperture through which the speaker transmits acoustic signals. Accordingly, as acoustic components such as speakers and the associated apertures of the device become smaller, other ways to improve or achieve desired levels of performance can be desired. 
     While a large unobstructed aperture for a speaker can produce the best sound quality, such an aperture can leave the internal volume of the device, and the components in communication with the aperture, susceptible to physical damage from debris or other undesired objects impacting or entering into the device through the aperture. In some examples, a protective component can be positioned at the aperture to prevent ingress of debris or other objects. This protective component, however, must still allow the transmission of acoustic energy and/or air through the aperture without undesirably degrading the quality of the acoustic signal or drastically reducing airflow. Accordingly, in some examples, the protective component can be an air permeable component, such as an acoustic mesh, as described herein. 
     In some examples, a sufficiently air permeable component, such as a mesh, can benefit from additional structural or physical support to provide a desired level of protection. That is, in some examples, the air permeable component can be supported by a support component that not only retains the air permeable component at desired positions, but can also provide physical or mechanical support to the air permeable component. 
     As described herein, acoustic signals generated by a speaker can be transmitted through an aperture defined by the housing of an electronic device. In some examples, this aperture can be smaller than is ideal to transmit an extremely high quality and clean sound. Forcing air, such as with a speaker, through this reduced aperture can increase the velocity of air flow, causing flow noise, distortion, and reduction in sound pressure. This reduced sound pressure can be compensated for when generating the acoustic signal. The shape of the aperture, and the structures contained therein, such as the support component, can further reduce the open area of the aperture, and can also undesirably alter the quality of an acoustic signal passing therethrough. The altered acoustic signal and the reduced aperture area can further increase air velocity, generating additional flow noise and distortion of the acoustic signal. 
     Accordingly, the presence of a support component can demand the use of a larger aperture or acoustic component, such as a speaker, to achieve a similar sound quality as compared to an aperture that does not include the support component. Accordingly, it can be desirable to increase the open flux area of the support component, that is, the open area of the support component that does not obstruct the aperture, so as to reduce the levels of signal distortion and flow noise associated with the support component while allowing the flow of audio waves. As the support components described herein can allow for higher quality audio signals, the electronic devices including these components can produce higher quality sound with the same components, or can use smaller components to produce a similar quality of sound while providing additional space in the internal volume of the device for other components and/or features. 
     According to some examples, an electronic device can include a housing and a transparent cover overlying a display assembly. The housing and the cover can define an internal volume, and the cover can define a housing aperture in communication with the internal volume. An air-moving component, such as a speaker, can be disposed in the internal volume, for example, below the housing aperture. The device can further include an air permeable component, such as an acoustic mesh disposed at the housing aperture, and a support component further defining a second aperture located within the housing aperture and engaging the air permeable component. The support component can include a base portion defining the second aperture and a sidewall disposed in the housing aperture defined by the cover. The sidewall can define at least one notch and can further define an open flux area in communication with and larger than the first aperture. 
     These and other examples are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-12. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an example of an electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1  is a mobile wireless communication device, such as a smartphone. The smartphone of  FIG. 1  is merely one representative example of a device that can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein. Electronic device  100  can correspond to any form of a wearable electronic device, a portable media player, a media storage device, a portable digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet computer, a computer, a mobile communication device, a GPS unit, a remote-control device, or any other electronic device. The electronic device  100  can be referred to as an electronic device, or a consumer device. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of the electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  can have a housing that includes a frame or a band  102  that defines an outer perimeter and a portion of the exterior surface of the electronic device  100 . The band  102 , or portions thereof, can be joined to one or more other components of the device as described herein. In some examples, the band  102  can include several sidewall components, such as a first sidewall component  104 , a second sidewall component  106 , a third sidewall component  108  (opposite the first sidewall component  104 ), and a fourth sidewall component  110 . The sidewall components can be joined, for example, at multiple locations, to one or more other components of the device, as described herein. The housing of the device  100 , for example, the band  102 , can include one or more features to receive or couple to other components of the device  100 . 
     In some examples, some of the sidewall components can form part of an antenna assembly (not shown in  FIG. 2 ). As a result, a non-metal material or materials can separate the sidewall components of the band  102  from each other, in order to electrically isolate the sidewall components. For example, a separating material  114  separates the second sidewall component  106  from the third sidewall component  108 . The aforementioned materials can include an electrically inert or insulating material(s), such as plastics and/or resin, as non-limiting examples. Further, as described herein, one or more of the sidewall components can be electrically connected to internal components of the electronic device, such as a support plate, as described herein. In some examples, these electrical connections can be achieved by joining a sidewall component to an internal component, for example, as part of the antenna assembly. 
     The electronic device  100  can further include a display assembly that can include a protective cover  116 . The display assembly can include multiple layers, with each layer providing a unique function. In some examples, the outer layer, cover, or portion  116  of the display assembly defining an external surface of the device  100  can be considered part of the housing of the device. Further, the protective cover  116  of the display assembly can include any desired transparent material or combination of materials, such as polymeric material, or ceramic material such as sapphire or glass. In some examples, the display assembly, such as the protective cover  116 , can define an aperture  118  that can communicate with the internal volume defined by the housing and the display assembly. Furthermore, a rear protective cover  140  can be connected to the sidewall components and can further define the external surface of the device  100 . The rear protective cover  140  can be made of any sufficiently structural materials, including metal, glass, or combinations thereof, and can define any number of apertures. 
     The device  100  can include internal components, such as a system in package (SiP)  126 , including one or more integrated circuits such as a processors, sensors, and memory. The device  100  can also include a battery  124  housed in the internal volume of the device  100 . Additional components, such as a haptic engine, can also be included in the device  100 . In some examples, the display assembly can be received by and/or be attached to the band  102  by one or more attachment features. In some examples, one or more of these internal components can be mounted to a circuit board  120 . The electronic device  100  can further include a support plate  130 , also referred to as a back plate or chassis, that can provide structural support for the electronic device  100 . The support plate  130  can include a rigid material, such as a metal or metals. Such components can be disposed within an internal volume defined, at least partially, by the band  102 , and can be affixed to the band  102 , via internal surfaces, attachment features, threaded connectors, studs, posts, and/or other fixing features, that are formed into, defined by, or otherwise part of the band  102 . In some examples, an attachment feature can be formed by an additive process and/or a subtractive process, such as machining. 
     The electronic device  100  can also include acoustic components disposed in the internal volume. For example, the electronic device  100  can include an air moving component  128  and a microphone (not shown). In some examples, the air moving component  128  can be a speaker that can move air in and out of the aperture  118  of the cover glass  116 . Consequently, in some examples, the speaker  128  can transmit acoustic signals and/or energy through the aperture  118 . 
     The electronic device  100  can also include an acoustically permeable or air permeable component  152  disposed at the aperture  118  of the cover  116 . The air permeable component  152  can extend across the entire area of the aperture  118 . In some examples, the air permeable component can be disposed at least partially in the aperture  118 . In some examples, the air permeable component  152  can be disposed outside of the aperture  118 , for example, above or below the aperture  118 . The air permeable component  152  can include any form of acoustically or air permeable material or materials. In some examples, the air permeable component  152  can include a mesh, a membrane, or another structure including holes, perforations, or passageways that can allow the transmission of air and acoustic energy through the air permeable component  152 . 
     In some examples, the air permeable component  152  can be an acoustic mesh and can include multiple woven wires. In some examples, the air permeable component can include metal, polymer, ceramic, or combinations thereof. For example, the air permeable component  152  can include steel and can be formed from multiple woven steel wires. In some examples, the air permeable component  152  can include one or more sheets of material including multiple perforations formed therein. For example, the air permeable component  152  can include a polymer sheet including multiple perforations. 
     The device  100  can also include a support component  150  that can hold or support the air permeable component  152 . For example, the support component  150  can physically hold and support the air permeable component  152  so that it is held substantially planar and disposed in line with the exterior surface of the cover  116 . The support component  150  can aid the air permeable component  152  in retaining its shape when subjected to external forces. For example, the electronic device  100  can be placed in a pocket or a purse along with a set of keys or other hard objects. The keys can be incidentally pressed against the air permeable component  152 , and can exert pressure on the air permeable component  152  that might otherwise cause it to deform, if not supported by the support component  150 . In some examples, the support component  150  can provide the air permeable component  152  with increased resilience to plastic deformation by reinforcing some or all of the air permeable component  152 , for example, at portions around the perimeter of the aperture  118 . As a result, support component  150  can enable the air permeable component  152  to sustain high levels of force and stress without resulting in plastic deformation. 
     Together, the air permeable component  152  and the support component  150  can be considered an acoustic cover assembly. The acoustic cover assembly, including the air permeable component  152  and the support component  150 , can be disposed over any number of air moving components of the electronic device  100 , such as speaker  128 . In some examples, the air permeable component  152  and the support component  150  can serve to provide a physical barrier and a protection at the aperture  118  to prevent or reduce the ingress of debris and/or impacts from external objects. The air permeable component  152  can also provide a desired aesthetic appearance at the aperture  118 , and can prevent components disposed in the internal volume of the device  100  from being visible to a user through the aperture  118   
       FIG. 3  shows a close-up view a portion of the electronic device  100  including the cover  116  secured to a sidewall component  104  of the band  102 .  FIG. 3  also shows the aperture  118  defined by the cover  116  and the air permeable component  152  disposed at the aperture  118  and extending across substantially an entire area of the aperture  118 .  FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of the portion of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     As described herein, the cover  116  of the device  100  can define an aperture  118 . In some examples, at least some of the air permeable component  152  can be disposed in the aperture  118 . In some examples, a top surface or exterior surface defined by the air permeable component  152  can extend across or cover substantially the entire area of the aperture  118 . In some examples, the exterior or topmost surface of the air permeable component  152  can be recessed or disposed below the exterior surface of the cover  116 , for example, the surface defined by the portion of the cover  116  surrounding the aperture  118 . In some examples, however, the exterior or topmost surface of the air permeable component  152  can be substantially level or flush with the exterior surface of the cover  116 , or in some examples, can even be proud or protrude from the surface of the cover  116 . 
     As described herein, the air permeable component  152  can allow air to pass through the aperture  118  (indicated with reference arrows) while preventing debris or external objects from entering the internal volume of the device through the aperture  118  and potentially damaging components therein, such as the speaker  128 . The support component  150  can be disposed below the air permeable component  152  and can be engaged therewith. Further, at least some of the support component  150  can extend into the aperture  118 . In this particular example, the support component can include a base portion  160  and a sidewall portion  161  extending from the base  160  into the aperture  118 . The sidewall portion  161  of the support component  150  can provide physical support to the air permeable component  152  while the base  160  of the support component  150  can be secured to the housing of the device  100 , for example, an interior surface of the cover  116 . In some examples, the support component  150  can be secured to the housing by adhering, gluing, joining, bonding, or combinations thereof. For example, the base  160  of the support component  150  can be bonded to an interior surface of the cover  116  by a pressure sensitive adhesive or heat activated film  154 . 
     In some examples, at least a portion of the air permeable component  152  can be disposed between the sidewall  161  of the support component  150  and a surface of the cover  116  defining the aperture  118 . In these examples, the sidewall portion  161  can exert a force or pressure on the air permeable component  152  to thereby press a portion of the air permeable component  152  against the cover  116 . In some examples, this configuration can provide mechanical support to the air permeable component  152  and can aid in retaining the air permeable component  152  in a desired position. Further, the air permeable component  152  can be engaged with the base  160  and can be secured, affixed, joined, bonded, glued, or adhered thereto. In some examples, a portion of the air permeable component  152  can be welded to the support component  150 , for example, to the base  160 . Further details of the air permeable component  152  and the support component  150  are described below with reference to  FIG. 5   
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of the air permeable component  152  and the support component  150  separate from one another. As described herein, the support component  150  can include a base portion  160  and a sidewall portion  161  extending from the base portion  160 . In some examples, the sidewall  161  can extend perpendicularly from the base portion  160 . In other examples, the sidewall  161  can extend at any angle or variety of angles from the base portion  160  and can extend at the same or similar angle as the angle of the walls of the cover  116  defining the aperture  118 . The base  160  can define an opening or aperture  168 . In some examples, this aperture  168  can have a size and peripheral shape the same as, similar to, or corresponding to the size and shape of the aperture  118 . 
     In some examples, the sidewall  161  can extend from the base  160  at a location or locations substantially adjacent to the periphery of the aperture  168 . In some examples, the sidewall  161  can include any number of portions having various heights or profiles, and defining any number of features described herein. For example, sidewall  161  can include a first end portion  162  and a second end portion  164  that can be disposed at opposite ends of the aperture  168 . In some examples, the sidewall  161  can include a first portion  163  that can extend from the base  160  adjacent to a portion of the aperture  168 . In some examples, one or more protrusions or protruding members  166  can further extend from the first portion  163 . In some examples, the protruding members  166  can extend from the first portion  163  in the same direction that the first portion  163  extends from the base  160 . In this particular example, the first portion  163  can include two protruding members  166 , although the first portion  163  can include any number of protruding members. In some examples, adjacent protruding members  166  and the first portion  163  can together define a notch or a gap in the sidewall  161 . In some examples, a notch or a gap can be defined by the protruding members  166 , the first portion  163 , and an adjacent first end portion  162 , as shown. In some examples, the sidewall  161  can define  6  notches. In some examples, the sidewall  161  can define any number of notches, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, or even more notches. 
     The sidewall  161  can further include a second portion  165  that can extend from the base  160  adjacent to the aperture  168 , and can be disposed opposite the first portion  163 . In some examples, the second portion  165  can be substantially similar to the first portion  163 . For example, the second portion  165  can also include a number of protruding members  167  that extend from the second portion  165 . The protruding members  167  of the second portion  165  can also at least partially define a number of notches or gaps. Accordingly, in some examples, the sidewall  161  can include a number of protruding members and/or portions  166 ,  167  that can define a number of notches or gaps, as shown. In some examples, these notches can be regularly spaced along the sidewall  161 , although it will be appreciated that any number or configuration or size of notches or gaps can be defined by the sidewall  161 . 
     As the sidewall  161  extends from the base  160  at locations adjacent to the aperture  168  defined by the base  160 , the sidewall  161  can define an open flux area  169  that is in communication with the aperture  168 . In some examples, and as described herein, the features of the sidewall  161 , such as the protruding members  166 ,  167 , can provide the sidewall  161  with a castellated structure. Further, the various notches and gaps defined by the features of the sidewall  161  can be part of the open flux area  169 . The open flux area  169  can be larger than the area of the aperture  168  or aperture  118 . Although the open flux area  169  can have a three dimensional shape, it can be conceptualized as the surface area of the air permeable component  152  that is in communication with the aperture  168  and that is not obstructed or occluded by the sidewall  161  when the air permeable component  152  is disposed over and engaged with the support component  150 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The size of the open flux area  169  is measured in units of area, such as square millimeters or square inches. 
     In the present example, the open flux area  169  includes the area surrounded by the top surface of the sidewall  161 . In other words, the open flux area  169  includes an area that is identical or substantially similar to the area of the aperture  168 , as well as the open area of the notches defined by the first and second end portions  162 ,  164 , the first and second portions  163 ,  165 , and the protruding members  166 ,  167 . Accordingly, the open flux area  169  can be at least 5% larger, at least 10% larger, at least 15% larger, at least 20% larger, or even larger than the area of the aperture  168  and/or the area of the aperture  118 . In some examples the open flux area  169  can be about 17% larger than the area of the aperture  168  and/or the area of the aperture  118 . As described herein, this larger open flux area  169  provided by the side wall  161  can result in a reduced level of flow noise for air or any other fluid passing through the aperture  168  and/or aperture  118 , and can result in a reduced amount noise or distortion associated with an acoustic signal passing through the aperture  168  and aperture  118 . 
     In some examples, the increased open flux area  169  of the support component  150  can decrease fluid flow for the same output sound pressure level, as compared to a support component that has a smaller open flux area, such as an open that is the same size or smaller than an aperture in which it is disposed, such as aperture  118 . In some examples, an acoustic signal played by a speaker  128  of the device  100  and transmitted through the open flux area  169  can have a lower measurable higher order harmonic distortion (such as 12 th  through 15 th  order) and acoustic flow noise, as compared to an acoustic signal played by the speaker  128  and transmitted through a support component having an open flux area the same size as, or smaller than the aperture  118  and/or aperture  168 . For example, the acoustic signal transmitted through the open flux area  169  can have a measurable higher order harmonic distortion and acoustic flow noise that is less than 90%, less than 75%, less than 50%, less than 25%, less than 10%, less than 5%, or even less than 1% or smaller of the measurable higher order harmonic distortion and acoustic flow noise of the same acoustic signal transmitted through a support component having an open flux area that is about the same size as, or smaller than the aperture  118  and/or aperture  168 . 
     The support component  150  can also include a number of additional features. For example, the support component  150  can include a grounding member  172  that can extend from the base  160  and that can provide electrical grounding for the support component  150 . In some examples, the support component  150  can include a baffle  170  disposed in the aperture  168  between portions of the sidewall  161 . In some examples, the baffle  170 , together with the second end portion  164 , can at least partially separate or isolate a region  171  of the open flux area  169 . In some examples, this region  171  can be disposed over an acoustic component such as a microphone, and the baffle  170  can serve to prevent acoustic signals passing through the aperture  168  and open flux area  169  from interfering with incoming acoustic signals that pass through the region  171  where they can be received by the microphone. 
     Any number or variety of electronic device components can include some or all of the structure of the support components described herein. In some examples, a support component or a component including some or all of the features of a support component described herein can provide physical or structural support for any number of additional components, for example, components disposed at, spanning, or otherwise adjacent or near to any aperture or opening of an electronic device. In some examples, components including the features described herein can be formed by any number or combination of additive and/or subtractive manufacturing processes or steps, such as drawing, forming, piercing, and punching. Various examples of support components and other acoustic components, as well as processes for forming the same, are described below with reference to  FIGS. 6A-10B . 
       FIG. 6A  shows an example of a support component  250  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the support components described herein, such as support component  150 . In some examples, the support component  250  can include a base  260  that defines an aperture or opening  268 . In some examples, the aperture  268  can have an elongated shape, for example, having a length that is longer than a width. In some examples, the aperture  268  can have any desired shape, and can be rectangular, ovoid, circular, triangular, combinations thereof, or even irregularly shaped. 
     In some examples, the support component  250  can further include a sidewall or sidewalls  261  extending from the base  260  at a location or locations adjacent to the periphery of the aperture  268 . In some examples, the sidewall  261  can include a portion that extends from the base  260  and surrounds an entire periphery of the aperture  268 . In some other examples, however, the sidewall  261  can include one or more portions that extend from the base  260  along one or more regions or sections of the periphery of the aperture  268 . In some examples, the one or more regions or sections of the periphery of the aperture  268  can be at any variety of locations along the periphery of the aperture  268 , and are not necessarily adjacent to one another. For example, as shown, the sidewall  261  can include a first end portion  262  that extends from the base  260  along a section of the periphery of the aperture  268 , and a second end portion  264  that extends from the base  260  along a section of the periphery of the aperture  268  opposite the location of the first end portion  262 . 
     In some examples, the sidewall  261  can further include one or more protruding members  263 . In some examples, the protruding members  263  can extend from the base  260  or another portion of the sidewall  261  adjacent to the aperture  268 , and at locations between the first end portion  262  and the second end portion  264 . In some examples, the protruding members  263  can extend a same height from the base  260 , and can further extend a same height as the first end portion  262  or the second end portion  264 . Although illustrated as having a rectangular shape or profile, in some examples, the protruding members  263  can have any desired shape or profile, such as a rounded, triangular, or any other polygonal shape. 
       FIG. 6B  shows that the portions of the sidewall  261  can together define one or more notches or gaps in the sidewall  261 . For example, as shown, the first end portion  262 , the protruding members  263 , and the base  260  can define two notches therebetween that can be disposed adjacent to the aperture  268 . In some examples, the base  260  can define an aperture that includes indentations, notches, or gaps positioned at, and corresponding to, the locations of the notches defined by the sidewall  261 . That is, in some examples, the aperture  268  can have a shape that includes a larger open area at locations where the sidewall  261  defines a gap, and these larger open areas can be in communication with the gap or gaps so as to provide an even larger open flux area as defined by the component  250 . 
     Although the present example includes a sidewall  261  defining four equally sized and spaced notches, it will be appreciated that the support component  250  can include a sidewall  261  defining any number of notches having any variety of desired sizes or shapes. As described with respect to  FIG. 5 , the sidewall  261  including the portions defining one or more notches or gaps can define an open flux area  269  in communication with the aperture  268 , such as a regularly shaped aperture  268  as shown, or an aperture including its own notches or gaps positioned to correspond to and be in communication with the notches of the sidewall  261 . The open flux area  269  can be at least 5% larger, at least 10% larger, at least 15% or larger, at least 20% larger, or even larger than the area of the aperture  268 . In some examples, the open flux area  269  can be about 17% larger than the area of the aperture  268 . Further details of a support component for an air permeable or acoustically permeable component of an electronic device are detailed below with reference to  FIGS. 7A-7B . 
       FIG. 7A  shows a top view, and  FIG. 7B  shows a corresponding side view of a support component  350  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the support components described herein, such as support components  150 ,  250 . As with the support components described previously, the support component  350  can include a base  360  that defines an aperture  368 . In some examples, a sidewall  361  can extend from the base  360  along one or more sections or regions of the periphery of the aperture  368 . 
     The sidewall  361  can include a first end portion  362 , and a second portion  364 , and these portions  362 ,  364  can be disposed opposite one another along one or more sides, sections, or edges of the aperture  368 . In some examples, the first end portion  362  and the second end portion  364  can extend substantially an entire height of the sidewall  361 , and can extend around two or more sides or sections of the periphery of the aperture  368  so as to have a curved or non-linear profile. The sidewall  361  can also include a first portion  363  extending from the base  360  along a section of the periphery of the aperture  368 , and can include one or more protruding members  366 A,  366 B that can further extend from the first portion  363 . A second portion  365  of the sidewall  361  can be disposed along a section of the periphery of the aperture  368  opposite the first portion  363  and can include one or protruding members  367 A,  367 B extending therefrom. The aperture  368  and/or an open flux area  369  defined by the sidewall  361  can be divided into one or more regions by a baffle element  370  that can be disposed in the aperture  368  and/or open flux area  369 . The baffle element  370  can, along with portions of the sidewall  361 , such as the second end portion  364 , define a region  371  that can be disposed over an acoustic component such as a microphone, as described above with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     The portions of the sidewall  361 , such as first and second portions  363 ,  365 , the protruding members  366 A,  366 B,  367 A,  367 B, and the first and second end portions  362 ,  364  can define a number of notches therebetween. In the present example, the protruding members  366 A,  366 B,  367 A,  367 B have a substantially rectangular shape including rounded or chamfered corners and transitions between other portions of the sidewall  361 . Accordingly, the notches can have substantially rectangular profiles or shapes including rounded corners and edges corresponding to the shapes of the protruding members  366 A,  366 B,  367 A,  367 B, as shown. The sidewall  361  including those portions that define the notches can define an open flux area  369  that can be larger than the aperture  368 . The larger area of the open flux area as compared to the aperture  368  can reduce a level of flow noise associated with air or acoustic signals passing through the aperture  368  and open flux area, as described herein. 
       FIG. 7C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the support component  350 , taken along line  7 C in  FIG. 7A . As can be seen, the sidewall  361  can extend perpendicularly from the base  360 . In some examples, the sidewall  361  including the protruding members  366 A,  367 A can have a substantially similar depth or thickness as the base  360 . In some examples, this can be because the base  360  and the sidewall  361  can be an integrally formed unitary body. In some examples, one or more portions of the sidewall  361  can define a top or support surface of the support component  350 . This top or support surface can provide structural support to an air permeable component, as described herein. In some examples, the portion of the top surface  381  defined by the protruding member  366 A can have a profile or shape that is not aligned with, or parallel to, the base  360 . For example, as shown, the portion of the surface  381  can be angled, slanted, or nonparallel with respect to a surface of the base  360 . In some examples, the portion of the surface  381  can slant downwardly or away from the open flux area  369 . Similarly, the portion of the surface  382  defined by the protruding member  367 A can be angled, slanted, or nonparallel relative to the base  360 , or a surface thereof, and can angle or slant downwardly away from the open flux area  369  and away from the aperture  368 . In some examples, the top surface, or portions of the top surface such as portions  381 ,  382 , can have a non-planar profile or shape, such as a rounded or curved shape. Further details of an example of a support component  450  are described below with respect to  FIGS. 8A-8B . 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates a top view of a support component  450  that can be substantially similar to, or can include some or all of the features of the support components described herein, such as support components  150 ,  250 ,  350 . The support component  450  can include a base  460  defining an aperture  468  and a sidewall  461  extending from the base  460  along all or just a section or sections of the periphery of the aperture  468 . In some examples, the base  460  and the sidewall  461  can be integrally formed and can include a single unitary body. In some examples, however, the sidewall  461  can include multiple portions, such as a first end portion  462  and a second end portion  464  that can be disposed opposite one another and adjacent to the aperture  468 . 
     In some examples, the sidewall  461  can also include a first portion  463  and a second portion  465  that can extend between the first end portion  462  and the second end portion  464 . In some examples, the first portion  463  and the second portion  465  can be disposed adjacent to the aperture  468 , and opposite one another. Further, in some examples, the first portion  463  and/or second portion  465  do not extend an entire height of the sidewall  461 . That is, in some examples, the first portion  463  and/or the second portion  465  do not extend from the base  460  a same height as the first end portion  462  and/or second end portion  464 . 
     In some examples, the first portion  463  and/or the second portion  465  do not include any protruding members. In some examples, the first and second end portions  462 ,  464  and the first and second portions  463 ,  465  can define one or more notches or gaps. As described herein, these notches can be part of an open flux area  469  defined by the sidewall  461  that is larger than, and is in communication with, the aperture  468 . In some examples, the notch or notches defined by the sidewall  461  can have any desired dimensions, and as illustrated in  FIG. 8B , can extend along an entire section or side of the periphery of the aperture  468 . In some examples, the sidewall  461  does not include the first portion  463  and/or second portion  465 . In these examples, a notch can be defined by portions of the sidewall  461 , such as the first end portion  462 , the second end portion  464 , and a section or region of the base  460  adjacent to the aperture  468 . Further details of an example of a support component  550  as described with respect to  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate top and side views, respectively, of a support component  550  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the support components described herein, such as support components  150 ,  250 ,  350 ,  450 . The support component  550  can include a base  560  defining an aperture  568 , and can further include a sidewall  561  extending from the base  560  adjacent to the aperture  568 . In some examples, the sidewall  461  can include one or more protruding members  566 A,  566 B,  567 A,  567 B that can extend from portions of the sidewall  561 . As shown in  FIG. 9B , in some examples the protruding portions  567 A,  567 B,  567 C can have an approximately triangular shaped profile, and can define, along with other portions of the sidewall  561 , multiple notches having a different shapes. 
     In some examples, the protruding members  566 A,  556 B,  567 A,  567 B having a triangular profile, for example, including rounded top portion as shown, can provide desired levels of physical support to an air permeable component disposed thereover, while also defining notches or gaps having a large open area and defining an open flux area  569  that is larger than the area of the aperture  568 , as described herein. In some examples, in addition to the reduction in flow noise provided by the larger open flux area  569 , the geometry of the protruding members  566 A,  556 B,  567 A,  567 B can affect or influence airflow through the aperture  568  and open flux area  569  in such a way as to further reduce flow noise or acoustic signal disruption. For example, the structure of the sidewall  561  can reduce turbulence, vortices, or other irregularities in the airflow passing through the open flux area  569 . Further details of an example of a support component  650  are described below with reference to  FIGS. 10A-10B . 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate top and side views, respectively, of a support component  650  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the support components described herein, such as support components  150 ,  250 ,  350 ,  450 ,  550 . The support component  650  can include a base  660  defining an aperture  668 , and further includes a sidewall  661  extending from the base adjacent to the aperture  668 . 
     Whereas some examples of support components described herein can include sidewalls that include one or more portions that do not include protruding members extending therefrom, the illustrated sidewall  661  can include a number of protruding members  666 A,  666 B,  666 C,  666 D,  666 E,  666 F,  666 G,  666 H,  666 I,  666 J,  666 K,  666 L,  666 M,  666 N that extend from the sidewall  661  around substantially the entire periphery of the aperture  668 . In some examples, the dimensions of the protruding members  666 A,  666 B,  666 C,  666 D,  666 E,  666 F,  666 G,  666 H,  666 I,  666 J,  666 K,  666 L,  666 M,  666 N and the dimensions of the notches defined by the protruding members  666 A,  666 B,  666 C,  666 D,  666 E,  666 F,  666 G,  666 H,  666 I,  666 J,  666 K,  666 L,  666 M,  666 N can vary at different locations along the sidewall  661 . In some examples, however, the protruding members  666 A,  666 B,  666 C,  666 D,  666 E,  666 F,  666 G,  666 H,  666 I,  666 J,  666 K,  666 L,  666 M,  666 N, and the notches defined by adjacent protruding members  666 , can be substantially evenly or regularly positioned around the periphery of the aperture  668 . In some examples, the protruding members  666 A,  666 B,  666 C,  666 D,  666 E,  666 F,  666 G,  666 H,  666 I,  666 J,  666 K,  666 L,  666 M,  666 N can be any desired combination of sizes and shapes so as to form or define any number of notches having any desired combination of sizes and shapes. For example, the protruding members  666 A,  666 B,  666 C,  666 D,  666 E,  666 F,  666 G,  666 H,  666 I,  666 J,  666 K,  666 L,  666 M,  666 N can be designed and arranged to define a pattern of notches that can further reduce flow noise associated with airflow passing through the open flux area  669 . 
     Any number or variety of electronic device components can include some or all of the structure of the support components described herein. In some examples, a support component or a component including some or all of the features of a support component described herein can provide physical or structural support for any number of additional components, for example, components disposed at, spanning, or otherwise adjacent or near to any aperture or opening of an electronic device. In some examples, components including the features described herein can be formed by any number or combination of additive and/or subtractive manufacturing processes or steps, such as drawing, forming, piercing, and punching. 
     Any number or variety of electronic device components can include some or all of the structure of the support components described herein. In some examples, a support component or a component including some or all of the features of a support component described herein can provide physical or structural support for any number of additional components, for example, components disposed at, spanning, or otherwise adjacent or near to any aperture or opening of an electronic device. In some examples, components including the features described herein can be formed by any number or combination of additive and/or subtractive manufacturing processes or steps, such as drawing, forming, piercing, and punching. Various examples of support components and other acoustic components, as well as processes for forming the same, are described below with reference to  FIGS. 11A-12 . 
       FIGS. 11A-11D  show stages of a process for forming an acoustic component, such as a support component, as described herein.  FIG. 11A  shows a portion or a blank of material  700  that has been formed into a shape defining a recess  710 . In some examples, the material  700  can be formed into a shape defining the recess  710  by any combination of additive or subtractive manufacturing processes. In some examples, the material  700  can be cast or molded into the shape defining the recess  710 . In some examples, material  700  can be a substantially flat or planar piece of material, and can be formed or drawn into a shape defining the recess  710 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11B , multiple apertures or openings  720  can be formed in the portion of the material  700  defining the recess  710 . In some examples, the apertures  720  can be sized and positioned as desired. In some examples, the size and position of the apertures  720  can correspond to a desired size and position of protrusions  766  extending from the sidewall of the support component  750  formed by the processes described herein. The apertures  720  can be formed by any desired process or combination of processes, and in some examples, can be formed by piercing or punching with a tool, by machining, or by combinations thereof. In some examples, the apertures  720  can be formed by removing material, while in some examples, the apertures  720  can be formed by methods that do not result in the removal of material  700 . 
     In  FIG. 11C , the material  700  can be subjected to a forming process to extend the depth of the recess  710 . In some examples, this forming process can include a drawing process. In some examples, the material  700  can be heated to a desired temperature, for example, to increase the malleability or ductility of the material  700  during the forming process. As shown, the portions of material  700  in the recess  710  defining the apertures  720  in  FIG. 11B  can now be at least partially oriented at an angle, such as a right angle, relative to a base portion of the material  700 . 
     In  FIG. 11D , the multiple apertures  720  are combined into a single aperture  768 . In some examples, this can be accomplished by removing material, for example, material defining the recess  710 . In some other examples, however, the single aperture  768  can be formed by any number processes that do not result in the removal of material  700 . As can be seen, portions of material  700  in the recess  710  that defined the apertures  720  now form protrusions  766  that extend from a base portion  760  adjacent to the aperture  768 . Accordingly, the support component  750  can now include a base portion  760  defining an aperture  768 , and further including one or more protruding members  766  that can extend from the base portion  760  around the aperture  768  to form a sidewall that defines an open flux area, as described herein. 
       FIG. 12  shows a process flow diagram for a process  800  of forming an acoustic component. The acoustic component can be a support component for an air permeable component and can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the support components  150 ,  250 ,  350 ,  450 ,  550 ,  650 ,  750  described herein. The process  800  can include forming a material to define a recess at block  810 , removing material to form multiple apertures in the material at block  820 , forming the material to further extend the recess at block  830 , and removing material to combine the multiple apertures into a single aperture at block  840 . 
     At block  810 , a material is formed into a shape that defines a recess. In some examples, this forming process can include any additive or subtractive manufacturing process or combinations thereof. In some examples, the forming process can be substantially similar to the process described with respect to  FIG. 11A  and can include a stamping, casting, or drawing processes as described herein. 
     At block  820 , material is removed from the shape defining the recess to form multiple apertures. In some examples, the material is removed from a portion of the shape that defines the recess so that the multiple apertures can be located in the recess. In some examples, the material can be removed by a punching or piercing process as described with respect to  FIG. 11B . In some examples, however, the multiple apertures can be formed by a method or step that does not include the removal of material, for example, by piercing the material to form an aperture and expanding the aperture by deforming the material, rather than through the removal of material. 
     At block  830 , the material formed into a shape defining a recess and multiple apertures can be subjected to additional forming to extend the depth of the recess. In some examples, the process of block  830  can be substantially similar to the processes or steps described above with respect to  FIG. 11C . As shown in  FIG. 11C , in some examples, block  830  can result in a structure of the material that includes one or more protrusions extending away from a base portion at an angle, such as a right angle. 
     At block  840 , material is removed to form or combine the multiple apertures into a single aperture, for example, as described with respect to  FIG. 11D . In some examples, the resultant structure can include a base portion that can define the single aperture and one or more protruding members extending at an angle from the base portion around the aperture as described herein. In some examples, the protruding members can be portions of the material that at least partially defined the multiple aperture formed in block  820 . Further, in some examples, the multiple apertures can be combined into a single aperture by a method or a step that does not include the removal of material, for example, by expanding one or more of the apertures by deforming the material rather than through the removal of material. 
     Any of the features or aspects of the components discussed herein can be combined or included in any varied combination. For example, the design and shape of the support components described herein are not limited in any way, and can be formed by any number of processes, including those discussed herein. Further, the principles and structure described with respect to a support component can also be used in conjunction with other types of device or components and/or assemblies and are not limited to being applicable to acoustic components. 
     To the extent applicable to the present technology, gathering and use of data available from various sources can be used to improve the delivery to users of invitational content or any other content that can be of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data can include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, TWITTER® ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information. 
     As used herein, the terms exterior, outer, interior, inner, top, and bottom are used for reference purposes only. An exterior or outer portion of a component can form a portion of an exterior surface of the component but may not necessarily form the entire exterior of outer surface thereof. Similarly, the interior or inner portion of a component can form or define an interior or inner portion of the component but can also form or define a portion of an exterior or outer surface of the component. A top portion of a component can be located above a bottom portion in some orientations of the component, but can also be located in line with, below, or in other spatial relationships with the bottom portion depending on the orientation of the component. 
     Various inventions have been described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, they will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions disclosed herein, in that those inventions set forth in the claims below are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the inventions disclosed without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The terms “including:” and “having” come as used in the specification and claims shall have the same meaning as the term “comprising.” 
     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.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200207
Publication Date: 20220201
Grant Date: 20220201
Priority Date: 20190909
Inventors: BARNEY, JADEN A.
RUSSO, BENJAMIN M.
COLLINS-SMOOT, BRANDON R.
FOURNIER, DOUGLAS G.
LIN, HONGSHENG
OSTDIEK, JARED P.
NEEVEL, JASON B.
MALDONADO, JOSEPH F.
Crosby, Justin D.
FISHER, MICHAEL A.
LARSSON, PER K.
SIPILA, TEEMU P.
RIIKONEN, VILLE R.
NI, HENGXIN
HU, TIFFANY
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/288", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/20", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R2499/11", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/288", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04R1/023", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 74833646