PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10572053-B2
Application Number: US-201916391856-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Force-detecting input structure

Abstract:
An input mechanism, such as a crown, detects amounts of applied force. In various examples, an assembly including an input mechanism has an enclosure; a stem coupled to the enclosure such that the stem is rotatable, translatable, and transversely moveable with respect to the enclosure; a sensor, coupled between the stem and the housing, to which force is transferred when the stem moves with respect to the housing; and a processing unit coupled to the sensor. The processing unit is operable to determine a measurement of the force, based on a signal from the sensor.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic watch comprising:
 a housing defining an opening; 
 a touch display configured to display a graphical output and positioned at least partially within the opening of the housing; 
 a crown coupled to the housing and comprising:
 a cap that is configured to receive a force input; and 
 a shaft coupled to the cap; 
 
 a force sensor coupled to the crown and configured to produce an electrical signal in response to the force input; and 
 a processing unit positioned within the housing and operably coupled to the force sensor, the processing unit configured to: 
 detect a change in the electrical signal; and 
 in response to the change in the electrical signal exceeding a threshold, modify the graphical output of the touch display. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein modifying the graphical output comprises selecting an icon displayed on the touch display. 
     
     
       3. The electronic watch of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the threshold is a first threshold; and 
 in response to the change in the electrical signal exceeding a second threshold, the processing unit is configured to execute an application associated with the icon. 
 
     
     
       4. The electronic watch of  claim 3 , wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold. 
     
     
       5. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the force sensor is configured to detect the change in the electrical signal in response to the force input being applied along an axial direction that is substantially parallel with an axis of the shaft. 
     
     
       6. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the force sensor is configured to estimate a direction in which the force input is applied. 
     
     
       7. An electronic watch comprising:
 a housing; 
 a display positioned at least partially within the housing and configured to display a graphical output; 
 a crown coupled to the housing and configured to receive a force input; 
 a force sensor coupled to the crown and configured to produce an electrical signal in response to the force input; and 
 a processing unit positioned within the housing and operably coupled to the force sensor, the processing unit configured to: 
 detect a change in the electrical signal; and 
 in response to the change in the electrical signal exceeding a threshold, modify the graphical output of the display. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic watch of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the crown includes a shaft that extends into an opening defined by the housing; and 
 the crown is configured to rotate an axis of the shaft in response to a rotational input. 
 
     
     
       9. The electronic watch of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the graphical output of the display is responsive to the rotational input and the force input. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic watch of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the force sensor comprises a first conductor and a second conductor that are separated by a dielectric; and 
 the dielectric comprises a compliant material that deforms in response to the force input resulting in the first conductor and the second conductor moving closer together. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic watch of  claim 10 , wherein the electrical signal corresponds to a capacitance between the first conductor and the second conductor. 
     
     
       12. The electronic watch of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the force sensor comprises a strain gauge; 
 the strain gauge is configured to deform in response to the force input; and 
 the electrical signal is a voltage. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic watch of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the force sensor comprises a piezoelectric material that deforms in response to the force input; and 
 the electrical signal is one or more of: a voltage or an electrical charge. 
 
     
     
       14. An electronic watch comprising:
 a housing defining an opening; 
 a display at least partially surrounded by the housing and configured to display a graphical output; 
 a crown coupled to the housing and configured to receive a force input; 
 a force sensor coupled to the crown and configured to produce an electrical signal in response to the force input; and 
 a processing unit positioned within the housing and operably coupled to the force sensor, the processing unit configured to: 
 detect a change in the electrical signal; and 
 in response to the change in the electrical signal, modify the graphical output of the display. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic watch of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 an optical sensor that is operative to detect a rotational movement of the crown; and 
 a translational sensor that is operative to detect a translational movement of the crown. 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic watch of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the translational movement is in a first direction; and 
 the force input is applied in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic watch of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the force sensor includes a first conductor separated from a second conductor; and 
 the change in the electrical signal corresponds to a change in capacitance between the first conductor and the second conductor in response to the force input. 
 
     
     
       18. The electronic watch of  claim 14 , wherein the graphical output is continuously varied in accordance with the change in the electrical signal. 
     
     
       19. The electronic watch of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the display is a touch-sensitive display that is configured to receive a touch input; 
 the crown is configured to rotate in response to a rotational input; and 
 the graphical output is responsive to the touch input and the rotational input. 
 
     
     
       20. The electronic watch of  claim 19 , wherein the electronic watch is configured to estimate a direction in which the force input is applied.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/022,563, filed Jun. 28, 2018, and titled “Force-Detecting Input Structure,” which is a continuation of Ser. No. 15/219,253, filed Jul. 25, 2016 and titled “Force-Detecting Input Structure,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,019,097, issued Jul. 10, 2018, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to input mechanisms such as crowns. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to an input mechanism, such as a crown, that detects the amount of force applied. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many devices, such as wearable electronic devices, use various input mechanisms to receive user input. Many devices, particularly small form factor devices, such as watches, smart watches, wearable devices, and so on, may have a limited number of input mechanisms 
     For example, many watches include a crown or similar input mechanisms. Some crowns can be rotated to wind the watch. Other crowns may be translated into a time-changing position whereupon they may be rotated to change the time of the watch. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to an input mechanism, such as a crown, button, key, surface, or the like, that detects applied force. The input mechanism may be included in an electronic device. A user may provide input by rotating the input mechanism, translating the input mechanism, moving the input mechanism transversely, and so on. The input mechanism may include one or more force sensors that the electronic device may use to determine a non-binary amount of the force applied to the input mechanism. As the electronic device may determine non-binary amounts of force corresponding to different types of movement, the input mechanism may be used to receive a variety of different input. 
     In various embodiments, an electronic device includes a housing, a collar coupled to the housing, and an input structure extending from the collar. The collar includes a moveable conductor, a conductive element, and a separation defined between the moveable conductor and the conductive element. Movement of the input structure changes a capacitance between the moveable conductor and the conductive element. 
     In some examples, the electronic device further includes a processing unit operative to determine an amount of force applied to the input structure based on the change in capacitance. In numerous examples, the electronic device further includes silicone disposed within the separation. 
     In various examples, the conductive element includes a flex circuit that extends through at least part of the collar into the housing. In some examples, the collar includes an inner core to which the conductive element is coupled and a compliant material disposed in the separation that couples the conductive element and the moveable conductor. In numerous examples, the input structure is operable to move without changing the capacitance between the moveable conductor and the conductive element. 
     In some embodiments, an input mechanism assembly includes an enclosure and a stem coupled to the enclosure, such that the stem is rotatable with respect to the enclosure, translatable toward and away from the enclosure, and transversely moveable with respect to the enclosure. The input mechanism assembly further includes a sensor, coupled between the stem and the enclosure, to which force is transferred when the stem moves transversely with respect to the enclosure and a processing unit, coupled to the sensor, operable to determine a measurement of the force, based on a signal from the sensor. The processing unit may also be operative to determine a direction in which the stem moves transversely. 
     In various examples, the sensor is a strain gauge. In other examples, the sensor includes a first conductor, a second conductor, and a dielectric separating the first and second conductors. The dielectric may be a compliant material. 
     In numerous examples, input mechanism assembly further includes a collar coupled to the housing and the sensor couples the stem to the collar. In various examples, input mechanism assembly further includes a wireless transmission mechanism that wirelessly couples the processing unit and the sensor. In some examples, input mechanism assembly further includes an additional sensor coupled between the stem and the processing unit and the processing unit is operable to determine a measurement of a force that translates the stem, based on a signal from the additional sensor. 
     In numerous embodiments, an electronic device, comprising: a body; a coupler positioned at least partially within the body; an input mechanism, connected to the coupler, operable to move with respect to the body; a capacitive sensor, coupled to the input mechanism, to which force is transferred when the input mechanism moves; and a processing unit operable to ascertain an amount of the force based on a change in a capacitance of the capacitive sensor. 
     In various examples, the coupler includes the capacitive sensor. In some examples, the capacitive sensor includes a first capacitive element, a second capacitive element, and a compliant material positioned between the first and second capacitive elements. In some implementations of such examples, the compliant material extends between the coupler and the body and seals the coupler to the body. 
     In some examples, the input mechanism moves transverse with respect to the body. In various examples, a portion of the input mechanism moves closer to the body. In numerous examples, a change in proximity between the first and second conductors is proportional to the amount of the force. 
    
    
     
       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. 
         FIG. 1  depicts an example electronic device including a force-detecting input structure. 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 , taken along A-A of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a first example of the force-detecting input structure. 
         FIG. 2B  depicts the electronic device of  FIG. 2A  while a user is exerting force to move the input structure transversely with respect to a housing of the electronic device. 
         FIG. 2C  depicts the electronic device of  FIG. 2A  while a user is exerting force to translate the input structure towards the housing of the electronic device. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a second example of a force-detecting input structure in accordance with further embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a third example of a force-detecting input structure in accordance with further embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a fourth example of a force-detecting input structure in accordance with further embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a fifth example of a force-detecting input structure in accordance with further embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a sixth example of a force-detecting input structure in accordance with further embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a seventh example of a force-detecting input structure in accordance with further embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  depicts an eighth example of a force-detecting input structure in accordance with further embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a flow chart illustrating an example method for detecting force applied to a crown. This method may be performed by the electronic devices of  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     
    
    
     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. 
     The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein. 
     The following disclosure relates to a crown or other input mechanism or structure, such as a button, key, switch, surface, or the like, that may be included in an electronic device. The input structure may rotate, translate, move transversely, and so on. The input structure may include one or more force sensors positioned in the input structure that may be used to determine an amount of applied force applied. As the electronic device may determine applied force corresponding to different types of movement, the input structure may be used to receive a variety of different inputs. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . 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  depicts an example electronic device  100 , including a force-detecting input structure  101 . The electronic device  100  may be operable to receive input from a user. The electronic device  100  may also be operable to perform various actions in response to input received via the force-detecting input structure  101 . The electronic device  100  may receive different inputs based on rotation of the force-detecting input structure  101 , translation of the force-detecting input structure  101 , transverse movement of the force-detecting input structure  101 , application of force to the force-detecting input structure  101 , and so on. 
     When force is exerted on the force-detecting input structure  101 , the electronic device  100  may ascertain or measure the force. Generally, the electronic device  100  may interpret different amounts of force as different inputs. 
       FIG. 2A  depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1 , taken along A-A of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a first example of a force-detecting input structure  101 . As shown, the input structure  101  is a crown in this example. The input structure  101  includes a stem  203  that is coupled to a housing  204 , body, or other enclosure of the electronic device  100 . The input structure  101  is coupled to the housing  204  via a collar  208  or other coupler, bushing  207 , and one or more gaskets  209 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C , the input mechanism assembly involving the input structure  101  will now be described in more detail. The collar  208  may be positioned an aperture defined by the housing  204  (e.g., a first aperture). A gasket  211  may be compressed between the collar  208  and the housing  204 , coupling the collar  208  to the housing  204 . The gasket  211  may form a seal or other barrier against passage of contaminants. The seal may be a liquid seal. The collar  208  may define an aperture (e.g., a second aperture). A portion of the stem  203  is positioned in the aperture defined by the collar  208 . 
     The collar  208  includes an inner core  225 . Flex circuits  214   a ,  214   b  or other conductors are coupled to the inner core  225 . The collar  208  also includes compliant silicone  213   a ,  213   b  or other compliant dielectric material coupled to the flex circuits  214   a ,  214   b . The compliant silicone  213   a ,  213   b  may be a portion of the gasket  211  that extends at least partially through the collar  208 . The collar  208  further includes moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b  coupled to the compliant silicone  213   a ,  213   b.    
     The stem  203  is slideably coupled at least partially around the collar  208  by one or more bushings  207 . The portion of the stem  203  extending from the collar  208  is further slideably coupled at least partially within the collar  208  by one or more gaskets  209  (such as one or more o-rings). These slideable couplings allows the stem  203  to rotate with respect to the housing  204  and the collar  208 . 
     In some embodiments, the bushing  207  and/or the gasket  209  may be formed from compliant materials such as high molecular weight polyethylene, elastomer, and so on. In various embodiments, the stem  203  and/or the collar  208  may be formed of polished or coated titanium or other suitable materials that further permit the stem  203  to slide within and around the collar  208 . The bushing  207  and the gasket  209  may bear the majority of the stress relating to sliding of the stem  203 . 
     A cap  202 , knob, or similar structure may be coupled to the stem  203 . In some implementations, the stem  203  may snap to fit into the cap  202 . In various implementations, the stem  203  may be bonded or otherwise attached to the cap  202 , such as by an adhesive. 
     Force detection using the input structure  101  will now be described. The collar  208  includes a number of capacitive sensors formed by the flex circuits  214   a ,  214   b , compliant silicone  213   a ,  213   b , and the moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b . A capacitance of these respective capacitive sensors may be dependent on the proximity of the respective capacitive elements (e.g., the moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b  and the flex circuits  214   a ,  214   b ) across separations defined between the respective capacitive elements. Compliant silicone  213   a ,  213   b  is positioned within the separations. The compliant silicone  213   a ,  213   b  deforms under the application of force to allow the moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b  to move closer to and further away from the flex circuits  214   a ,  214   b , altering the capacitance between these respective capacitive elements. 
     The movement of the moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b  with respect to the flex circuits  214   a ,  214   b  may be proportional to the force exerted. Similarly, the changes in capacitance of the capacitive sensors may be proportional to the movement of the moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b  with respect to the flex circuits  214   a ,  214   b . Thus, the changes in capacitance between the capacitive elements may be proportional to the force exerted. 
     A processing unit  223  is electrically coupled to the flex circuits  214   a ,  214   b  or other conductive elements. The processing unit  223  receives signals that indicate changes in capacitance between the respective capacitive elements. The processing unit  223  correlates these changes in capacitance to amounts of force to determine the force applied to the input structure  101 . For example, the processing unit  223  may utilize a lookup table or other data structure stored in a non-transitory storage medium correlating capacitances and force amounts. The processing unit  223  may be able to determine non-binary amounts forces that are applied. 
     Transverse movement of the input structure  101  (e.g., movement in one of the directions  262  shown in  FIG. 2B ) will now be described. Force applied to the input structure  101  is transferred by the stem  203  to the respective moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b , and therefore to the compliant silicone  213   a ,  213   b . This transferred force deforms the compliant silicone  213   a ,  213   b , thereby changing the proximity between the moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b  and the flex circuits  214   a ,  214   b . These changes in proximity may alter capacitance between the moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b  and the flex circuits  214   a ,  214   b.    
       FIG. 2B  depicts the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 2A  while a user  230  is exerting force to transversely move the input structure  101  in one of the directions  261  shown in  FIG. 2B . The stem  203  receives and transfers the exerted force to the collar  208 . This transferred force deforms the compliant silicone  213   a ,  213   b . This shifts the moveable conductor  212   a  closer to the flex circuit  214   a . This also shifts the moveable conductor  212   b  further from the flex circuit  214   b . The change in proximity between the moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b  and the flex circuits  214   a ,  214   b  changes the capacitance of the respective capacitive sensors formed thereby. The processing unit  223  analyzes these changes in capacitance to determine the amount of the force exerted on the input structure  101 . 
     Additionally, the processing unit  223  may analyze changes in capacitance to determine other information. For example, the processing unit  223  may analyze changes in capacitance to determine a direction in which the force is applied, additional forces applied to the input structure  101 , a direction of the transverse movement of the input structure  101 , and so on. For example, force applied in the direction shown in  FIG. 2B  may result in an increase in the capacitance of the capacitive sensor (e.g., force sensor) formed by the moveable conductor  212   a  and the flex circuit  214   a  and a decrease in capacitance of the capacitive sensor formed by the moveable conductor  212   b  and the flex circuit  214   b . The processing unit  223  may compare the changes in capacitance to determine that the force is applied in the direction shown in  FIG. 2B . 
     Translational movement (e.g., movement in one of the directions  262  shown in  FIG. 2C ) of the input structure  101  will now be described. The slideable coupling of the stem  203  with respect to the collar  208  by the bushing  207  and the gasket  209  also allows the stem  203  to move toward the housing  204  and the collar  208  and/or away from the housing  204  and the collar in one of the directions  262  shown in  FIG. 2C . Thus, the stem  203  is translatable. Similarly to rotational movement, the bushing  207  and the gasket  209  may bear the majority of the stress related to the sliding of the stem  203 . 
       FIG. 2C  depicts the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 2A  while a user  230  is exerting force to move the input structure  101  towards the housing  204 . Translation of the input structure  101  towards the housing  204  decreases gaps between the cap  202  and the housing  204  and/or the collar  208 . 
     Although the moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b  are illustrated and described as separate components with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2C , it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b  may be a single, unitary component. For example, in some implementations, the moveable conductors  212   a ,  212   b  may be a ring positioned around the compliant silicone  213   a ,  213   b.    
     In various implementations, the electronic device  100  may include additional components that interact with movement of the input structure  101 . In some embodiments, the electronic device  100  may include one or more components that resist translation of the input structure  101  towards the housing  204  and/or reverse such translation after force is exerted. For example, in some implementations, the electronic device  100  may include a dome switch or similar actuator mechanism connected in various ways to the stem  203 . Translation of the stem  203  may compress the dome switch. Thus, the dome switch may resist translation of the stem  203 . However, sufficient force translating the stem  203  may overcome the resistance and compress the dome switch. After exertion of the force, the dome switch may uncompress. This may reverse the translation of the stem  203 . 
     In various embodiments, compression of the dome switch may also provide a tactile output in response to translation of the stem  203 . In various implementations, the processing unit  223  may receive one or more signals related to compression or activation of the dome switch. By way of example, see the fourth example of a force-detecting input structure of  FIG. 5 . 
     In numerous embodiments, the electronic device  100  may include various mechanisms for detecting rotation, translation, or other movement of the stem  203 . For example, in various implementations, one or more detectable elements may be positioned on the stem  203  and/or other components coupled to the stem  203 . The detectable element may be any mechanism that is detectable by a detector. The detector may detect the detectable element to track translational, rotational, and/or transverse movement of the stem  203 . In some implementations, the detector may be an optical detector, and the detectable element may be a series of coded markings that the optical detector detects to determine position and/or movement of the stem  203  with respect to the detector. 
     The electronic device  100  may include various additional components. For example, a cover glass  224  and/or display, touch display, and so on may be coupled to the housing  204 . Various configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Although  FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate the input structure  101  as having capacitive sensors disposed in the collar  208  that may be used to detect the amount of force applied to transversely move the input structure  101 , it is understood that this is an example. Various configurations of the input structure  101  are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example,  FIG. 3  depicts a second example of a force-detecting input structure  301  in accordance with further embodiments. Similar to the input structure  101  of  FIGS. 2A-2C , the force-detecting input structure  301  includes a stem  303  slideably coupled to the housing  304 , body, or other enclosure via the collar  308  or other coupler. However, in this example, the collar  308  may not include capacitive sensors. Instead, the bushings  307   a ,  307   b  may include capacitive sensors that may be used to detect force applied to the force-detecting input structure  301 . The capacitive sensors may respectively include first conductors  341   a ,  341   b  and second conductors  343   a ,  343   b  separated by compliant material  342   a ,  342   b . The compliant material  342   a ,  342   b  allows movement of the first conductors  341   a ,  341   b  and second conductors  343   a ,  343   b  in response to transverse movement of the stem  303 . The flex circuits  314   a ,  314   b  extend through the collar  308  to the bushings  307   a ,  307   b  to connect the respective capacitive sensors to the processing unit  323 . 
     In this example, the first conductors  341   a ,  341   b  and second conductors  343   a ,  343   b  may be formed of materials that are conductive but still allow sliding of the stem  303  with respect to the collar  308 . For example, compliant capacitive materials such as metal-doped polymers may be used. In other implementations, conductive materials that do not allow sliding may be embedded in material that does allow sliding. 
     In other implementations, the bushings  307   a ,  307   b  may not include such conductive materials but may be compliant to allow movement of the stem  303  and the collar  308 . In such other implementations, portions of the stem  303  and the collar  308  may be the first and second conductors that form the respective capacitive sensors. For example, the entire bushings  307   a ,  307   b  may be formed of such a compliant material, the bushings  307   a ,  307   b  may include compliant material within the bushings  307   a ,  307   b  that allow the movement, and so on. 
     Although the bushings  307   a ,  307   b  are illustrated as including components forming capacitive sensors in the example shown in  FIG. 3 , it is understood that this is an example. In other implementations, capacitive sensors may be formed by elements in other components, such as the gasket  309  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, although the input structures  101  and  301  of  FIGS. 2A-2C and 3  illustrate capacitive sensors that are used to detect amounts of force that move the input structures  101  and  301  transversely, it is understood that these are examples. Input structures in other implementations may be configured to detect amounts of force exerted in other directions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example,  FIG. 4  depicts a third example of a force-detecting input structure  401  in accordance with further embodiments where amounts of force that translate the input structure  401  toward and/or away from the housing  404  may be detected. Similar to the input structure  101  of  FIGS. 2A-2C , the input structure  401  includes compliant material  444   a ,  444   b , moveable portions  412   a , and flex circuits  414   a ,  414   b  or other conductive materials. However, in this example, the moveable portions  412   a ,  412   b  are moveable by translation of the input structure  401 . Thus, capacitive sensors formed by the moveable portions  412   a ,  412   b , the flex circuits  414   a ,  414   b , and the compliant material  444   a ,  444   b  may be used to detect amounts of force that translate the input structure  401 . 
     In still other examples, capacitive sensors may be formed by other components of the input structure  401  and/or electronic devices that include such input structures  401 .  FIG. 5  depicts a fourth example of a force-detecting input structure  501  in accordance with further embodiments where a shear plate  521  positioned between the stem  503  and a dome switch  522  or other actuator includes such a capacitive sensor. 
     In this embodiment, a structure  517  couples the collar  508  to the housing  504 . The dome switch  522  is mounted to the structure  517  so that translation of the stem  503  may compress the dome switch  522 . The shear plate  521  separates the dome switch  522  from the stem  503 . Flex circuit  518  and/or other electrical connections connect the dome switch  522  and the processing unit  523 . 
     In this example, the shear plate  521  includes a capacitive sensor formed by a first conductor  545  separated from a second conductor  547  by a compliant material  546 . The capacitive sensor may be used to detect amounts of force that translate the input structure  501 . 
     Contrasted with the input structure  101  of  FIGS. 2A-2C , this implementation may allow detection of force using the input structure  501  while allowing use of a unitary collar  508 . This implementation may also allow detection of force using the input structure  501  without extending the flex circuit  514  through the collar  508 , gasket  511 , and so on. 
     Although the examples illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-5  directly connect the processing units  223 - 523  to the respective capacitive sensors, it is understood that these are examples. Other configurations are possible and contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in various implementations, wireless connections and/or wireless transmission mechanisms may be used that allow unitary collars  208 - 508  and/or do not extend electrical connections through gaskets  211 - 511  and/or other components. 
     For example,  FIG. 6  depicts a fifth example of a force-detecting input structure  601  in accordance with further embodiments that uses inductive coils  649 ,  650  as a wireless transmission mechanism to electrically connect capacitive sensors with processing unit  623  (via a flex circuit  648  and/or other electrical connection). In this example, inductive coils  649 ,  650  inductively exchange power such that the processing unit  623  receives changes in capacitance of capacitive sensors formed by moveable portions  612   a ,  612   b , compliant material  613   a ,  613   b , flex circuits  614   a ,  614   b  and/or other electrical connection. In this way, the processing unit  623  may determine applied force without extending the flex circuit  648  through the gasket  611 . 
     Although the examples illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-6  detect force applied to the various input structures  101 - 601  using the various respective capacitive sensors, it is understood that these are examples. In various implementations, force detection sensors other than and/or in addition to capacitive sensors may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in various implementations, piezoelectric material that generates a voltage when deformed may be used. In such examples, the voltage may be proportional to the amount of deformation, and thus the force exerted. As such, the voltage generated by the piezoelectric material may be correlated to force amounts to determine the force exerted. 
     By way of another example, strain gauges may be used as force detection sensors in various implementations instead of and/or in addition to capacitive sensors.  FIG. 7  depicts a sixth example of a force-detecting input structure  701  in accordance with further embodiments that utilize strain gauges  751   a ,  751   b  to determine force exerted on the input structure  701 . 
     In this example, the collar  708  may be formed from materials that can be strained by force transferred by the stem  703 . Strain gauges  751   a ,  751   b  are disposed on the collar  708  in areas of the collar  708  that are strained by the transferred force. The processing unit  723  receives signals indicating the strain via flex circuits  714   a ,  714   b  and/or electrical connections and may correlate the strain to force amounts to determine force applied to the input structure  701 . 
     Although  FIG. 7  illustrates a particular configuration of strain gauges  751   a ,  751   b , it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, various components may be strained by force applied to the input structure  701  and strain gauges  751   a ,  751   b  may be disposed on and/or in such components. 
     By way of example,  FIG. 8  depicts a seventh example of a force-detecting input structure  801  in accordance with further embodiments. In this example, a shaft of the stem  803  may be formed from a material that is strained by force exerted on the stem  803  and strain gauges  852   a ,  852   b  may be disposed on the shaft. The processing unit  823  may wirelessly receive strain data from the strain gauges  852   a ,  852   b  via inductive coils  853 ,  854  (to which the processing unit  823  may be coupled via the flex circuit  814  and/or other electrical connections). The processing unit  823  may correlate the strain to force amounts to determine force applied to the input structure  801 . 
     By way of another example,  FIG. 9  depicts an eighth example of a force-detecting input structure  901  in accordance with further embodiments. In this example, arms  955   a ,  955   b  of the stem  903  may be formed from a material that is strained by force exerted on the stem  903  and strain gauges  952   a ,  952   b  may be disposed on the arms  955   a ,  955   b . The processing unit  923  may wirelessly receive strain data via inductive coils  953 ,  954  and the flex circuit  914  and/or other electrical connection and correlate the strain to force amounts. 
     Although  FIGS. 2A-9  illustrate and describe various force sensors that are variously configured and positioned to detect the amount of forces applied to the respective input structures  101 - 901  in various directions, it is understood that these are examples. In various implementations, any kind of force sensors may be located in a variety of different areas to detect the amount of a variety of different forces that may be exerted on the input structures  101 - 901  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Further, although the input structures  101 - 901  are illustrated as crowns with respect to  FIGS. 2A-9 , it is understood that these are examples. In various implementations, the techniques discussed herein may be utilized with a variety of different input mechanisms and/or input mechanism assemblies without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such input mechanisms may be operable to receive translational input, rotational input, input related to transverse movement, and/or a variety of different movement related input. 
     Additionally, although the electronic devices  100  of  FIGS. 1-9  are illustrated as a smart watch, it is understood that these are examples. In various implementations, the techniques illustrated and described herein may be utilized with a variety of different devices without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such devices may include wearable electronic devices, laptop computing devices, cellular telephones, displays, tablet computing devices, mobile computing devices, smart phones, digital media players, desktop computing devices, printers, speakers, input devices, and so on. 
       FIG. 10  depicts a flow chart illustrating an example method  1000  for detecting force applied to a crown or other input structure. This method  1000  may be performed by the electronic devices  100  of  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     At  1010 , an electronic device operates. The flow proceeds to  1020  where the electronic device monitors the capacitance of one or more capacitive sensors associated with force exerted on an input mechanism such as a crown. Next, the flow proceeds to  1030  where the electronic device determines whether or not the capacitance has changed. 
     If the capacitance has not changed, the flow returns to  1010  where the electronic device continues to operate. Otherwise, the flow proceeds to  1040 . 
     At  1040 , after the electronic device determines that the capacitance of one or more capacitive sensors associated with force exerted on an input mechanism such as a crown has changed, the electronic device correlates the capacitance change to an amount of force. The flow then proceeds to  1050  where the electronic device performs one or more actions corresponding to the force amount. 
     For example, the electronic device may interpret the force amount as input indicating to select an icon displayed on a display and/or to execute an application associated with such an icon. In some examples, the electronic device may interpret the force amount as input indicating to select the icon displayed on the display if the force amount exceeds a first force threshold and to execute the application associated with the icon if the force amount exceeds a second, greater threshold. In this way, application of force may be used by a user to signal actions typically triggered by a single mouse click and a double mouse click of the icon without utilization of a mouse as an input device. 
     From 1050, after the electronic device performs the one or more actions corresponding to the amount of force, the flow returns to  1010 . At  1010 , the electronic device continues to operate. 
     Although the example method  1000  is illustrated and described as including particular operations performed in a particular order, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, various orders of the same, similar, and/or different operations may be performed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example, the example method  1000  is illustrated and described as monitoring changes in the capacitance of a capacitive sensor and determining force amounts based on such changes. However, in various implementations, force sensors other than capacitive sensors may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Use of such other force sensors may include monitoring voltages generated by deformation of piezoelectric material, receiving signals from one or more strain gauges, and so on. 
     As described above and illustrated in the accompanying figures, the present disclosure relates to a crown or other input mechanism included in an electronic device, such as a button, key, switch, surface, or the like. The crown may rotate, translate, move transversely, and so on. The crown may include one or more force sensors positioned in the input mechanism that may be used to determine an amount of force applied to the crown. In this way, the crown may be used to receive a variety of different inputs from the user. 
     In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented as sets of instructions or software readable by a device. Further, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are examples of sample approaches. In other embodiments, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. 
     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: 20190423
Publication Date: 20200225
Grant Date: 20200225
Priority Date: 20160725
Inventors: ELY, COLIN M.
DE JONG, ERIK G.
ROTHKOPF, FLETCHER R.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/975", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0346", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/975", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0346", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01D5/2412", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/975", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0346", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/007", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01D5/2412", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01D5/2412", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01D5/2412", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/975", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/975", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0346", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/007", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/007", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/007", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01D5/2412", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04C3/007", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0346", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 59384226