PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8724285-B2
Application Number: US-89559110-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Cosmetic conductive laser etching

Abstract:
Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. Particular arrangements of input devices may provide enhancements in ease of use. Further, cosmetic laser marking of input devices may provide improved visual appearance. Additionally, selectively controlling laser operation parameters during laser marking may provide laser marking that may be substantially electrically conductive, which in turn may be helpful in electrostatic discharge protection.

Claims:
What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An apparatus comprising:
 a consumer electronic product having an outer surface and an input device; 
 an aperture extending inwardly from the outer surface of the consumer electronic product; and 
 a colored marked recessed surface, the color marked recessed surface being at least a portion of an underlying member associated with the input device, wherein the colored marked recessed surface is recessed so as to be at least partially visible through the aperture in the outer surface of the consumer electronic product, and wherein the colored marked recessed surface is substantially electrically conductive and arranged so as to substantially reduce any accumulation of electrical charge. 
 
     
     
       2. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the colored marked recessed surface is darkly colored. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the colored marked recessed surface is substantially brown in color. 
     
     
       4. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the colored marked recessed surface is substantially black in color. 
     
     
       5. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the colored marked recessed surface is laser marked. 
     
     
       6. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the input device is arranged adjacent to the aperture extending inwardly from the outer surface of the consumer electronic product. 
     
     
       7. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1 ,
 wherein the input device includes a plurality of switches associated with a plurality of input functions, each switch being configured to detect at least a respective one, or more, of a plurality of user inputs; and 
 wherein the apparatus further comprises a processor configured to generate a respective one of a plurality of signals associated with performing a respective one of a plurality of tasks in accordance with each of the user inputs. 
 
     
     
       8. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the input device provides a plurality of select functions. 
     
     
       9. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the input device provides a plurality of input functions, wherein the plurality of input functions comprise at least one of Play, Pause, Volume Up, Volume Down, Previous, Rewind, Next, and Fast Forward functions. 
     
     
       10. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1 ,
 wherein the input device associated with a plurality of input functions, and 
 wherein the apparatus further comprises a processor configured to generate a respective one of a plurality of signals associated with performing a respective one of a plurality of tasks in accordance with each of a plurality of user inputs, wherein each the signals is associated with a respective one of a plurality of commands for performing a respective one of the plurality of input functions. 
 
     
     
       11. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the input device provides a plurality of input functions, wherein at least some of the plurality of input functions are associated with top, bottom, left, right and center locations of the input device. 
     
     
       12. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the colored marked recessed surface is coupled with a pivot member arranged adjacent to the aperture. 
     
     
       13. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the input device comprises:
 a central pivot member; and 
 a satellite pivot member, 
 wherein the central pivot member and the satellite pivot member are concentrically arranged, and wherein the colored marked recessed surface is coupled with at least one of the central pivot member and the satellite pivot member. 
 
     
     
       14. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the aperture comprises an annular aperture, and wherein the colored marked recessed surface is recessed so as to be at least partially visible through the annular aperture in the outer surface of the consumer electronic product. 
     
     
       15. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the colored marked recessed surface is coupled with a pivot member having a perimeter, wherein the aperture comprises an annular aperture interposed between the perimeter of the pivot member and a remainder portion of the consumer electronic product, and wherein the colored marked recessed surface is recessed so as to be at least partially visible through the annular aperture in the outer surface of the consumer electronic product. 
     
     
       16. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the input device comprises:
 a central pivot member; and 
 a satellite pivot member, wherein the aperture comprises an annular aperture interposed between the central pivot member and the satellite pivot member, 
 wherein the colored marked recessed surface is recessed so as to be at least partially visible through the annular aperture in the outer surface of the consumer electronic product, and wherein the colored marked recessed surface is coupled with at least one of the central pivot member and the satellite pivot member. 
 
     
     
       17. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the input device comprises a pivot member having a tab extending therefrom, wherein the colored marked recessed surface is coupled with the tab extending from the pivot member. 
     
     
       18. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the input device comprises a pivot member having a perimeter flange, wherein the colored marked recessed surface is coupled with the perimeter flange of the pivot member. 
     
     
       19. An apparatus as recited in  claim 1  wherein the input device comprises a pivot member, wherein the pivot member comprises a metal. 
     
     
       20. An apparatus comprising:
 a consumer electronic product having an outer surface; 
 an annular aperture extending inwardly from the outer surface of the consumer electronic product; 
 an input device provided adjacent the annular aperture, the input device including an underlying member; and 
 a laser marked recessed surface coupled with at least a portion of the underlying member of the input device, wherein the laser marked recessed surface is arranged so as to be substantially visible through the aperture in the outer surface of the consumer electronic product, 
 wherein the laser marked recessed surface is substantially electrically conductive and arranged substantially so as to reduce any accumulation of electrical charge. 
 
     
     
       21. An apparatus as recited in  claim 20  wherein the laser marked recessed surface of is coupled with the underlying member and is darkly colored. 
     
     
       22. A method of interacting with a consumer electronic product comprising:
 providing an aperture extending inwardly from an outer surface of the consumer electronic product; 
 arranging an input device of the consumer electronic product adjacent to the aperture extending inwardly from the outer surface of the consumer electronic product; 
 providing a colored marked recessed surface, the colored marked recessed surface being at least a portion of an underlying member associated with the input device, the colored marked recessed surface being recessed so as to be substantially visible through the aperture in the outer surface of the consumer electronic product, and the colored marked recessed surface is substantially electrically conductive and arranged so as to substantially reduce any accumulation of electrical charge; 
 associating the input device with a plurality of input functions; and 
 activating the input device to select at least one of the plurality of input functions. 
 
     
     
       23. A method as recited in  claim 22  wherein the colored marked recessed surface comprises a laser marked surface. 
     
     
       24. A method as recited in  claim 22 ,
 wherein the input device comprises a pivot member having a perimeter, the aperture comprises an annular aperture interposed between the perimeter of the pivot member and a remainder portion of the consumer electronic product, the colored marked recessed surface is recessed so as to be substantially visible through the annular aperture, and 
 wherein the activating of the input device to select at least one of the plurality of input functions comprises tilting the pivot member. 
 
     
     
       25. A method as recited in  claim 24  wherein the providing the colored marked surface comprises:
 anodizing a tab extending outwardly from the pivot member; 
 electrically conductive color marking and removing anodization from the tab of the pivot member, so as to provide for the tab being colored marked recessed and substantially electrically conductive. 
 
     
     
       26. A method as recited in  claim 25  where the removing the anodization from the tab of the pivot member comprises ablating the anodization from the tab of the pivot member. 
     
     
       27. A method as recited in  claim 25  wherein the electrically conductive color marking comprises laser marking a surface of the tab of the pivot member. 
     
     
       28. A method comprising:
 extending an aperture inwardly from an outer surface of a consumer electronic product, the consumer electronic product including an input device; 
 color marking a surface of an underlying member associated with the input device, so as to provide a colored marked surface of the underlying member; and 
 recessed arranging the colored marked surface of the underlying member so that the colored marked surface is recessed and substantially visible through the aperture extending inwardly from the outer surface of the consumer electronic product, 
 wherein the colored marking comprises laser marking, and 
 wherein the arranging of the colored marked recessed surface comprises arranging the substantially electrically conductive laser marked surface in the consumer electronic product so as to substantially reduce any accumulation of electrical charge at the underlying member. 
 
     
     
       29. A method as recited in  claim 28  wherein:
 the color marking comprises laser marking; and 
 the laser marking comprises selecting laser operating parameters so that the colored marked surface is substantially electrically conductive.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to marking products and, more particularly, to marking of electronic devices with user input devices 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There are various styles of input devices used in consumer electronics. Some input devices include buttons, switches, keyboards, mice, trackballs, touch pads, joy sticks, touch screens, and the like. Each of these devices has advantages and disadvantages that are taken into account when designing the consumer electronic device. 
     Conventional externally accessible arrays buttons and switches may provide limited control with regard to user input, and may be confusing or visually unattractive to users. Further, users may acquire unwanted static electric charge, which may damage consumer electronic devices. In particular, unwary users handling sensitive electronic equipment may transfer static electric charge to input devices. Unwanted static electric charge may accumulate at such input devices, if suitable precautions are not taken. 
     Thus, there is a continuing need for improved approaches to make consumer electronic devices that are not only easy to use, visually appealing and cosmetically attractive, but also provide suitable precautions to avoid unnecessary damage from static discharge. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention is related to apparatus, systems and methods, which may improve ease of use, visual appearance, and/or electrostatic discharge protection for consumer electronic products. Particular arrangements of input devices may provide enhancements in ease of use. Cosmetic laser marking of input devices may provide improved visual appearance. Further, selectively controlling laser operation parameters during laser marking may provide laser marking that may be substantially electrically conductive, which in turn may be helpful in electrostatic discharge protection. 
     The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, or apparatus. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below. 
     As a method of interacting with a consumer electronic product, one embodiment comprises at least the acts of: providing an aperture extending inwardly from an outer surface of the consumer electronic product, and an underlying member having a colored marked surface of the underlying member, which is at least partially visible through the aperture in the outer surface of the consumer electronic product; arranging an input device of the consumer electronic product adjacent to the aperture extending inwardly from the outer surface of the consumer electronic product; associating the input device with a plurality of input functions; and activating the input device to select at least one of the plurality of input functions. 
     As an apparatus, one embodiment comprises at least: a consumer electronic product having an outer surface; an aperture extending inwardly from the outer surface of the consumer electronic product; an underlying member; and a colored marked surface of the underlying member, wherein the colored marked surface of the underlying member is substantially visible through the aperture in the outer surface of the consumer electronic product, and wherein the colored marked surface is substantially electrically conductive and arranged so as to substantially reduce any accumulation of electrical charge at the underlying member. 
     As an apparatus, another embodiment comprises at least: a consumer electronic product having an outer surface; an aperture extending inwardly from the outer surface of the consumer electronic product; an underlying member; and a laser marked surface of the underlying member, wherein the laser marked surface of the underlying member is arranged so as to be substantially visible through the aperture in the outer surface of the consumer electronic product. 
     As a method, another embodiment comprises at least the acts of: extending an aperture inwardly from an outer surface of the consumer electronic product; color marking a surface of an underlying member, so as to provide a colored marked surface of the underlying member; and arranging the colored marked surface of the underlying member so that the colored marked surface of the underlying member is substantially visible through the aperture extending inwardly from the outer surface of the consumer electronic product. 
     As a method, another embodiment comprises at least the acts of: anodizing a pivot member having a tab extending outwardly from the pivot member; removing anodization from the tab of the pivot member, so as to provide for the tab being substantially electrically conductive; and arranging the substantially electrically conductive tab of the pivot member with a consumer electronic product so as to substantially reduce any accumulation of electrical charge at the pivot member. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention 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: 
         FIGS. 1A-1H  show various views of one embodiment of a marked consumer electronic product. 
         FIG. 2A  is an illustration of substrates having surface alterations according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2B  is a diagram of a marking state machine  200  according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a marking process  300  according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  are exploded partial cross-sectional view diagrams illustrating marking of metal structures according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4E  is a table illustrating exemplary laser operation parameters for marking the metal structure according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 4F  is a diagram further illustrating exemplary laser operation parameters for marking the metal structures according to one embodiment. 
         FIGS. 4G-4I  are diagrams of various views representative of two-hundred times magnification photomicrographs of marking the metal structure according to one embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a process of one embodiment for interacting with a consumer electronic product. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating a process of another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to techniques or processes for providing markings for consumer electronic products. In one embodiment, the consumer electronic products may have housings, and the markings may be visible through apertures extending into the consumer electronic products. For example, markings on surfaces of underlying members may be visible through the apertures in the consumer electronics products. The markings are also able to be dark, even on metal surfaces. The marking techniques may be particularly useful for smaller scale portable electronic devices, such as handheld electronic devices. Examples of consumer electronic products include, but are not limited to mobile telephones (e.g., cell phones), Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), portable media players, remote controllers, pointing devices (e.g., computer mouse), game controllers, etc. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. 
       FIGS. 1A-1H  show various views of one embodiment of a marked consumer electronic product  100 .  FIG. 1A  shows a top to bottom exploded isometric view of the marked consumer electronic product  100 .  FIG. 1B  is inverted relative to FIG. A, so as to show a bottom to top exploded isometric view of the consumer electronic product  100 .  FIG. 1C  shows a collapsed isometric view of the marked consumer electronic product  100  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B .  FIG. 1D  shows a detailed view of an aperture  106 A extending into an exterior surface of the marked consumer electronic product  100 .  FIGS. 1E-1H  illustrate a cross-sectional side view, showing operation of a marked input device of the consumer electronic product  100  with respect to a reference line A-A′ shown in  FIG. 1C . 
     As shown in various views of the marked consumer electronic product  100  in  FIGS. 1A-1H , one or more pivot plates  101 ,  102  may comprise an input device  103  of the marked consumer electronic product. The pivot plates may comprise a central pivot plate  101  and a satellite pivot plate  102 . The central pivot plate  101  and the satellite pivot plate  102  may be concentrically arranged. 
     There may be colored marked surfaces  104 A,  1048  of underlying members  105 A,  105 B. Underlying members  105 A  105 B and the colored marked surfaces  104 A,  1048  of the underlying members  105 A,  105 B may comprise a first retention tab  105 A extending from the central pivot plate  101 , and a second retention tab  105 B extending from the satellite pivot plate, wherein each of tabs  105 A,  105 B may have the colored marked surfaces  104 A,  1048 . More particularly, underlying members  105 A  105 B and the colored marked surfaces  104 A,  1048  of the underlying members  105 A,  105 B may comprise a first perimeter retention flange  105 A extending from the central pivot plate  101 , and a second perimeter retention flange  105 B extending from the satellite pivot plate  102 , wherein each of perimeter retention flanges  105 A,  105 B may have the colored marked surfaces  104 A,  104 B. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1H , an aperture  106 A may extend inwardly from an outer surface of the consumer electronic product  100 . The input device  103  may be arranged adjacent to the aperture  106 A. Similarly, another aperture  1068 , particularly shown in  FIGS. 1E-1H , may extend inwardly from an outer surface of the consumer electronic product  100 . 
     The satellite pivot plate  102  may have a perimeter, wherein the aperture  106 A comprises an annular aperture interposed between the perimeter of the satellite pivot plate  102  and a remainder portion of the consumer electronic product  100 . Another aperture  1068  may comprise another annular aperture  1068 , which may be interposed between the central pivot plate  101  and the satellite pivot plate  102 . 
     The colored marked surfaces  104 A,  104 B of the underlying members  105 A,  105 B may be substantially visible through the apertures  106 A,  1068  in the outer surface of the consumer electronic product. Further the colored marked surfaces  104 A,  1048  may be substantially electrically conductive and arranged so as to substantially reduce any accumulation of electrical charge at the underlying member  105 A,  105 B. 
     The colored marked surfaces  104 A,  1048  of the underlying members  105 A,  105 B may be darkly colored. For example, the colored marked surfaces  104 A,  1048  of the underlying members  105 A,  105 B may be substantially brown in color. Similarly, the colored marked surfaces  104 A,  1048  of the underlying members  105 A,  105 B may be substantially black in color. As will be discussed in greater detail subsequently herein, the colored marked surfaces may be laser marked. The substantially brown color may correspond to a relatively lower laser power than black marking, and the substantially black color may correspond to a relatively higher laser power than brown marking. 
     In light of the foregoing, it should be understood that the laser marked surfaces  104 A,  1048  of the underlying members  105 A,  105 B may be substantially visible through the apertures  106 A,  1068  in the outer surface of the consumer electronic product. Further laser marked surfaces  104 A,  1048  may be substantially electrically conductive and arranged so as to substantially reduce any accumulation of electrical charge at the underlying member  105 A,  105 B. 
     The central pivot plate  101  and/or the satellite pivot plate  102  and/or housing  107  may comprise a metal, or more particularly may comprise an anodized metal. The metal may comprise aluminum, or more may comprise anodized aluminum. In addition to, or in place of aluminum, the metal may comprise titanium, niobium or tantalum. 
     The input device  103  may further comprise a circuit assembly  111  hosting a plurality of switches  115  operatively coupled with processor  117 . For example five mechanical switches  115  are shown in the figures, which implement five resilient hemisphere membranes covering five push buttons. The processor  117  (e.g., CPU or microprocessor) may be configured to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with the input device  103 . Processor  117  can be a single-chip processor or can be implemented with multiple components. In addition to input functions, which are discussed in detail herein, processor  117  may also be configured to provide functionalities of a media player, and/or mobile telephones and/or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), and or remote controller, and/or pointing device (e.g., computer mouse), and/or game controllers, etc. For the sake of simplicity of illustration of the figures, any additional components needed for such embodiments of consumer electronic products are not explicitly shown. 
     The plurality of switches  115  associated with a plurality of input functions, each switch  115  being configured to detect at least a respective one, or more, of a plurality of user inputs. For example, using instructions retrieved from memory, the processor  117  may control the reception and manipulation of input and output data. Processor  117  may be configured to receive input from switches  115 . In most cases, processor  117  can execute instruction under the control of an operating system or other software. 
     Processor  117 , which may be configured to generate a respective one of a plurality of signals associated with performing a respective one of a plurality of tasks in accordance with each of the user inputs. In particular, the processor  117  may be configured to generate a respective one of a plurality of signals associated with performing a respective one of a plurality of tasks in accordance with each of a plurality of user inputs, wherein each the signals may be associated with a respective one of a plurality of commands for performing a respective one of the plurality of input functions. 
     The input device  103  may be associated with a plurality of select functions. In particular, the input device  103  may be associated with a plurality of input functions, wherein the plurality of input functions comprise at least one of Play, Pause, Volume Up, Volume Down, Previous, Rewind, Next, and Fast Forward functions. At least some of the plurality of input functions may be associated with top, bottom, left, right and center locations of the input device  103 . For example, a top location of the satellite pivot plate  102  may show indicia of a symbol “+” and may be associated with a Volume up function. A bottom location of the satellite pivot plate  102  may show indicia of a symbol “−” and may be associated with a Volume down function. A left location of the satellite pivot plate  102  may show indicia of a symbol “|&lt;&lt;” and may be associated with Previous and Rewind functions. A right location of the satellite pivot plate  102  may show indicia of a symbol “&gt;&gt;|” and may be associated with a Next and Fast Forward functions. A center location of the central pivot plate may show indicia of a symbol “∥&lt;” and may be associated with Pause and Play functions. 
     The input device  103  may be activated to select at least one of the plurality of input functions. Activating the input device  103  to select at least one of the plurality of input functions may comprise tilting one or more of the pivot plates  101 ,  103  as particularly shown in  FIGS. 1G and 1H . 
     The pivot plates  101 ,  102  may lie on top of resilient membranes of the switches  115 . The switches  115  may function as movement detectors, which may be activated by movement of pivot plates  101 ,  102 . For example, as shown in the figures, switches  115  may be positioned around or on pivot plates  101 ,  102  and can be activated by the tilt or other desired movement of the pivot plates  101 ,  102 . For example, as particularly shown in  FIG. 1F , central pivot plate  101  may be depressed, and such depression movement of the central pivot plate  101  may detected by resilient membrane deformation and corresponding activation of adjacent switch  115 . 
     As shown in the figures, a user may press the pivot plates  101 ,  102  in the location of the desired function. For example if the user presses on top, bottom, right or left locations of the satellite pivot plate, the central pivot plate  101  and the satellite pivot plate  102  may tilt together and thus cause the resilient membrane of the corresponding adjacent switch to deform, which may in turn cause the switch  115  to be activated, which in turn may cause the corresponding function to be selected. 
     In accordance with the arrangement of retention tabs or flanges of underlying members  105 A,  105 B shown in the figures, central pivot plate  101  and satellite pivot plate  102  may be allowed to float, so as to provide for flexible selection movements, and yet still may be retained within consumer electronic product  100 . As particularly shown in  FIG. 1E , resilient membranes of the switches  115  can be formed in hemisphere or bubble shape that can provide a spring force to push the central pivot plate  101  into mechanical mating engagement with the satellite pivot plate  102  by way of underlying member  105 A (which may be retention tab  105 A or retention flange  105 A extending from central pivot plate  101 ); and to push the satellite pivot plate  102  into mechanical mating engagement with housing  107  by way of underlying member  105 B (which may be retention tab  105 B or retention flange  105   b  extending from satellite pivot plate  101 ); For the sake of simplicity of illustration, housing  107  is shown in partial view in  FIGS. 1E-1H . 
     Further, electrically conductive marking  104 A,  1048 ,  104 C,  104 D shown in  FIG. 1E  may provide for electrically conductive mating, in addition to the foregoing mechanical mating. As particularly shown in  FIG. 1E , resilient membranes of the switches  115  can be formed in the hemisphere or bubble shape that can provide the spring force to push the central pivot plate  101  into electrically conductive mating engagement with the satellite pivot plate  102  by way of electrically contacting conductive markings  104 A,  104 C; and to push the satellite pivot plate  102  into electrically conductive mating engagement with housing  107 , by way of electrically contacting conductive markings  1048 ,  104 D. Accordingly, in light of the foregoing, it should be understood that conductive markings  104 A,  1048 ,  104 C,  104 D may be arranged so as to substantially reduce any accumulation of electrical charge at the underlying members  105 A,  105 B. 
       FIG. 2A  is an illustration of substrates  201 ,  202 ,  207  having surface alterations  204 A,  204 B,  204 C,  204 D according to one embodiment.  FIG. 2A  illustrates base metal structures of substrates  201 ,  202 ,  207 . The surface alterations  204 A,  204 B,  204 C,  204 D may provide markings on the substrates  201 ,  202 ,  207 . Further, the surface alterations  204 A,  204 B,  204 C,  204 D may be substantially electrically conductive. 
     One or more protective surfaces  209  can be formed or applied to at least one surface of the substrates  201 ,  202 ,  207 . The protective surface  209  can be used to protect the surface of the substrate. For example, the protective surface  209  can be a more durable surface than that of the surface. The protective surface  209  may be substantially electrically insulative. 
       FIG. 2B  is a diagram of a marking state machine  200  according to one embodiment. The marking state machine  200  reflects three (3) basic states associated with marking a consumer electronic product, for example a portable electronic device. 
     The marking state machine  200  includes a substrate formation state  220 . At the substrate formation state  220 , a substrate can be obtained or produced. For example, the substrate can represent an underlying member of the consumer electronic product. Next, the marking state machine  200  can transition to a protective surface state  230 . At the protective surface state  230 , a protective surface can be formed or applied to at least one surface of the substrate. The protective surface can be used to protect the surface of the substrate. For example, the protective surface can be a more durable surface than that of the surface. Next, the marking state machine  200  can transition to a surface marking state  240 . At the surface marking state  240 , marking can be produced on a surface of the substrate. 
       FIG. 3  is a flow diagram of a marking process  300  according to one embodiment. The marking process  300  is, for example, suitable laser marking surfaces of underlying members, which may be substantially visible through the apertures in outer surfaces of consumer electronic products. The marking process  300  may be performed on a consumer electronic product that is to be marked, or more particularly, may be performed on an input device of a consumer electronic product. However, the marking may be placed in various different positions, surfaces or structures of the consumer electronic product. 
     The marking process  300  may provide  302  a metal structure for an article to be marked. The metal structure may pertain to one or more underlying members, or pertain to one or more input devices of a consumer electronic product, for example a portable electronic device, to be marked. The metal structure can be formed of one metal layer. The metal structure can also be formed of multiple layers of different materials, where at least one of the multiple layers is a metal layer. The metal layer may, for example, be or include aluminum, titanium, niobium or tantalum. 
     After the metal structure has been provided  302 , a surface of the metal structure may be anodized  304 . Anodization may provide some electrical insulation and/or passivation and/or protection for the metal structure. Typically, the surface of the metal structure to be anodized  304  may be an outer or exposed metal surface of the metal structure. The outer or exposed surface typically may represent an exterior surface of one or more of the underlying members or the consumer electronic product. In particular, the outer or exposed surface may comprise a pivot plate of the input device of the consumer electronic product. The pivot plate may a tab or flange extending outwardly from the pivot plate. Accordingly, the pivot plate having the tab or flange extending outwardly from the pivot plate may be anodized. 
     Thereafter, a portion of the anodized surface may be stripped  305  of anodization to expose an unanodized surface. For example, a portion of the anodized surface may be removed from one or more of the underlying members, so as to provide for some electrical conductivity through the unanodized surface. Laser ablation or an application of an acid solution may be used. A mixed solution of 0.2 Molar chromic acid and 0.4 Molar phosphoric acid. In case of emersion in the acid solution, photosensitive polyimide may be used for selectively masking a remainder of the anodized surface, so as to inhibit substantially any removal of the remainder of the anodized surface (i.e. the remainder that is not intended to be stripped.) 
     In particular, at least some anodization may be removed from the tab or flange of the pivot plate, so as to provide for the tab or flange being substantially electrically conductive. Removing the anodization from the tab or flange of the pivot plate may comprise laser ablating the anodization from the tab or flange of the pivot plate. Alternatively, the acid solution may be use to remove the anodization from the tab or flange of the pivot plate. 
     Thereafter, surface characteristics of selected portions of the inner unanodized surface of the metal structure may be altered  306 , which may provide color marking one or more of the underlying members or the consumer electronic product. The color marking may comprise laser marking. 
     In particular, the color marking may comprise color marking of the surface (for example the unanodized surface) of the tab or flange of the pivot plate. The color marking may comprise laser marking the surface (for example the unanodized surface) of the tab of the pivot plate. 
     The resulting color marking or laser marking may be substantially electrically conductive. The altered surface, or altered structures of the surface, resulting from the color marking or laser marking may have a relative metal content that is substantially higher than relative metal content of the anodized surface (which may be substantially electrically insulating.) For example, in the case of a metal structure comprising aluminum, and anodic aluminum oxide, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) suggests that relative metal content of the resulting color marking (or laser marking) may be as high as approximately 44% aluminum, which may be substantially higher than relative metal content of the anodic aluminum oxide. 
     Electrical conductivity of the resulting color marking or laser marking may be used to substantially reduce any accumulation of electrical charge at one or more underlying members. In particular, electrical conductivity of the resulting color marking or laser marking may be used to substantially reduce any accumulation of electrical charge at the tab or flange of the pivot plate, which may be substantially electrically conductive. The substantially electrically conductive tab of the pivot plate may be arranged with the consumer electronic product so as to substantially reduce any accumulation of electrical charge at the pivot plate. 
     Various lasers may be used for the laser marking. The surface characteristics may be altered  306  using a laser, such as an infrared wavelength laser (e.g., picosecond pulsewidth infrared laser or nanosecond pulsewidth infrared laser). For example, one specific suitable laser is a six (6) Watt infrared wavelength picosecond pulsewidth laser at 1000 KHz with a scan speed of 50 mm/sec. While such picosecond pulsewidth laser may provide many advantages, it may be more expensive than an alternative nanosecond pulsewidth laser. Accordingly, an example of a suitable alternative laser is a ten (10) Watt infrared wavelength nanosecond pulsewidth lasers at 40 KHz with a scan speed of 20 mm/sec. 
     For marking, fluence of pulses of the laser may be selected so as to be approximately less than an ablation threshold fluence that characterizes the metal. Selection of the laser fluence may be for substantially avoiding ablation of the metal during marking. Further, for marking, fluence of pulses of the laser may be selected so as to be greater than a damage fluence that characterizes the metal, so as to provide for altering surface characteristics of the selected portions of the unanodized surface of the metal structure. Following the block  306 , the marking process  300  can end. 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  are exploded partial cross-sectional view diagrams illustrating marking of metal structures according to one embodiment.  FIG. 4A  illustrates base metal structures  401 ,  402 ,  407 . As examples, the base metal structure structures  401 ,  402 ,  407  may be formed of, or may comprise, aluminum, titanium, niobium or tantalum. One or more of the base metal structures may comprise underlying members, for use in consumer electronic products, as discussed previously herein. The base metal structures may comprise a central pivot plate  401 , a satellite pivot plate  402 , and a housing  407  (wherein the housing  407  is shown in partial view, for purposes of simplicity of illustration in  FIGS. 4A-4D .) The base metal structures may be machined, molded or otherwise formed, as shown for example in  FIG. 4A . Retention tabs (or flanges)  405 A,  405 B may be formed to extend outwardly from pivot plates  401 ,  402 , as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates the base metal structures  401 ,  402 ,  407  after surfaces have been anodized to form anodized surfaces  409 . The thickness of the anodized surface  409  may, for example, be about five (5) to twenty (20) microns. After the anodized surfaces  409  have been formed on the base metal structures  401 ,  402 ,  407 , 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates the base metal structures  401 ,  402 ,  407  after portions of the anodized surface have been stripped of anodization to expose unanodized surfaces  408 . Various ways for selectively removing anodization from the anodized surface may be used. For example, as discussed previously herein, laser ablation or an application of an acid solution may be used. If acid emersion is used, a remainder of the anodized surface  409  may be selectively masked, so as to inhibit substantially any removal of the remainder of the anodized surface  409  (i.e. the remainder  409  that is not intended to be stripped.) In any case, remainder of the anodized surface is shown in  FIGS. 4C and 4D . 
     In particular, at least some anodization may be removed from the tabs or flanges  405 A,  405 B of the pivot plates  401 ,  402 , so as to provide for the tabs or flanges  405 A,  405 B being substantially electrically conductive. Removing the anodization from the tabs or flanges  405 A,  405 B of the pivot plates  401 ,  402  may comprise laser ablating the anodization from the tabs or flanges  405 A,  405 B of the pivot plates  401 ,  402 . Alternatively, the acid solution may be use to remove the anodization from the tab or flange of the pivot plate. 
     As yet another alternative, selective removal of anodization from the anodized surface may be avoided by using masking techniques, or otherwise selectively inhibiting anodization of predetermined locations, such as selectively inhibiting anodization of the tabs or flanges  405 A,  405 B of the pivot plates  401 ,  402 , while selectively anodizing remainder portions of the base metal structures. 
       FIG. 4D  illustrates altered surfaces  404 A,  404 B,  404 C,  404 D that were selectively formed on the unanodized surfaces, which were just discussed with respect to  FIG. 4C . The altered structures  404 A,  404 B,  404 C,  404 D are formed by optical energy  408  produced by a laser  410  (e.g., infrared wavelength laser). The altered surfaces  404 A,  404 B,  404 C,  404 D combine to provide marking of the metal structures. For example, the altered surfaces  404 A,  404 B,  404 C,  404 D may appear to be black and thus when selectively formed can provide marking. 
     Fluence of the optical energy may be above the damage threshold fluence for the base metal structures, for forming the altered structures  404 A,  404 B,  404 C,  404 D. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, it should be understood that fluence of the optical energy that forms the altered structures  404 A,  404 B,  404 C,  404 D on the altered surfaces of the base metal structure may be selected to be approximately below the ablation threshold fluence for the base metal structure. Fluence of the optical energy that forms the altered structures on the altered surfaces of the base metal structurea may be selected so that non-ablative laser-material interactions such as heating, surface melting, surface vaporization and/or plasma formation predominate over any ablation. In other words, by exercising due care in selection of the fluence of the optical energy that forms the altered structures on the altered surfaces of the base metal structures; ablation, which may be characterized by direct evaporation the metal, in an explosive boiling that forms a mixture of energetic gases comprising atoms, molecules, ions and electrons, may not predominate over non-ablative laser-material interactions, such as heating, surface melting, surface vaporization and/or plasma formation. 
     The laser  410  may include a galvanometer mirror or other arrangement for raster scanning a spot of the optical energy over the unanodized surface, so as to form the altered structures into a rasterized depiction of the marking. Suitable pitch between raster scan lines of the scanning spot may be selected. For example, a suitable pitch may be a fine pitch of about thirteen (13) microns. The laser may further include optics for contracting or expanding size of the spot of the optical energy, by focusing or defocusing the spot. Expanding size of the spot, by defocusing the spot may be used to select fluence of the optical energy. In particular, expanding size of the spot may select fluence of the optical energy to be approximately below the ablation threshold fluence for the base metal structure. Spot size of the optical energy for the nanosecond class laser mentioned previously herein may be within a range from approximately fifty (50) microns to approximately one hundred (100) microns; and spot size may be about seventy (70) microns. 
       FIG. 4E  is a table illustrating exemplary laser operation parameters for marking the metal structure according to one embodiment. In particular, the table of  FIG. 4E  shows examples of various suitable laser models which may be used for marking the metal structure. The FOBA DP20GS is a Diode Pumped Solid State Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Orthovanadate (DPSS YVO4) type laser, which is available from FOBA Technology and Services GmbH, having offices at 159 Swanson Road, Boxborough, Mass. The SPI 12W/SM AND SPI 20W/SM are fiber type lasers, which are available from SPI Lasers UK, having offices at 4000 Burton Drive, Santa Clara, Calif. The Lumera is a picosecond type laser, which is available from LUMERA LASER GmbH, having an office at Opelstr. 10, 67661 Kaiserslautern Germany. It should be understood that the table of  FIG. 4E  shows approximate exemplary laser operating parameters, and that various other laser operating parameters may be selected to provide the fluence of the optical energy that forms the altered structures of the base metal structure, wherein the fluence may be selected to be approximately below the ablation threshold fluence for the base metal structures. 
       FIG. 4F  is a diagram further illustrating exemplary laser operation parameters for marking the metal structures according to one embodiment. In the diagram of  FIG. 4F , irradiance of Laser Light Intensity in Watts per square centimeter is shown along a vertical axis, while Interaction Time of each pulse of the laser light (optical energy) with the metal structures is shown in fractions of a second along a horizontal axis. For illustrative reference purposes, diagonal lines of constant fluence of approximately ten (10) milli-Joules per square centimeter and of approximately one (1) Joule per square centimeter are shown in  FIG. 4F . For substantially avoiding ablation of the metal structures during marking, excessively high laser light intensity may be avoided, so that a temperature “T” of the metal structure may not substantially exceed a critical temperature for ablation of the metal structures. For example, a stippled region of exemplary excessively high laser light intensity is shown in  FIG. 4F , along with a descriptive legend T&gt;T critical for ablation.  FIG. 4F  further shows a cross hatched region of suggested approximate laser operation parameters, which may form the altered structures. 
       FIGS. 4G-4I  are diagrams of various views representative of two-hundred times magnification photomicrographs of marking the metal structure according to one embodiment. In  FIG. 4G , the anodized surface  409  is shown exploded away from an inner unanodized surface  408  of the base metal structure  400  in isometric view, so as to show clearly the inner unanodized surface  408  of the base metal structure  400 . Also shown is adjacent altered structures  404 A,  404 B,  404 C,  404 D (which are particularly highlighted using cross hatching.) The anodized surface  409 , the altered structures  404  and the inner unanodized surface  408  of the base metal structure  400  are shown in a collapsed isometric view in  FIG. 4H , and in a top view in  FIG. 4I . The anodized surface  409  may appear substantially optically transparent in  FIGS. 4G through 4I , however slight curved island surface features of the anodized surface  409  may be seen under the two-hundred times magnification. 
       FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating a process  500  of one embodiment for interacting with a consumer electronic product. The process may begin with providing  502  an aperture extending inwardly from the outer surface of the consumer electronic product, and an underlying member having a colored marked surface of the underlying member, which is substantially visible through the aperture in the outer surface of the consumer electronic product. The colored marked surface of the underlying member, which is substantially visible through the aperture, may comprises a laser marked surface. The process  500  may continue with arranging  504  an input device of the consumer electronic product adjacent to the aperture extending inwardly from the outer surface of the consumer electronic product. The process  500  may continue with  506  associating the input device with a plurality of input functions. The process  500  may continue with  508  activating the input device to select at least one of the plurality of input functions. The input device may comprises a pivot plate having a perimeter, and the aperture may comprise an annular aperture interposed between the perimeter of the pivot plate and a remainder portion of the consumer electronic product. Activating the input device to select at least one of the plurality of input functions may comprise tilting the pivot plate. Once the input device has been activated to select at least one of the plurality of input functions, the process  500  can end. 
       FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating a process  600  of another embodiment. The process  600  may begin with extending  602  an aperture inwardly from an outer surface of the consumer electronic product. The process  600  may continue with color marking  604  a surface of an underlying member, so as to provide a colored marked surface of the underlying member. The color marking may comprise laser marking. Laser marking may comprise selecting laser operating parameters so that the colored marked surface is substantially electrically conductive, as discussed in detail previously herein. The process  600  may continue with arranging  606  the colored marked surface of the underlying member so that the colored marked surface of the underlying member is substantially visible through the aperture extending inwardly from the outer surface of the consumer electronic product. The arranging of the colored marked surface may comprise arranging the substantially electrically conductive laser marked surface in the consumer electronic product so as to substantially reduce any accumulation of electrical charge at the underlying member. Once the colored marked surface of the underlying member has been arranged, the process  600  can end. 
     Additional information on product marking as well as other manufacturing techniques and systems for electronic devices are contained in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/059,789, filed Jun. 8, 2008, and entitled “Methods and Systems for Manufacturing an Electronic Device,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     This application is also references: (i) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/121,491, filed Dec. 10, 2008, and entitled “Techniques for Marking Product Housings,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/358,647, filed Jan. 23, 2009, and entitled “Method and Apparatus for Forming a Layered Metal Structure with an Anodized Surface,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/475,597, filed May 31, 2009, and entitled “Techniques for Marking Product Housings,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (iv) U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/252,623, filed Oct. 16, 2009 and entitled “SUB-SURFACE MARKING OF PRODUCT HOUSINGS,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     The various aspects, features, embodiments or implementations of the invention described above can be used alone or in various combinations. 
     Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may, but need not, yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage may be that ease of use of consumer electronic products may be improved. Particular arrangements of input devices may provide enhancements in ease of use. Another advantage may be that cosmetic laser marking, for example cosmetic laser marking of input devices, may provide improved visual appearance of the consumer electronic products. Another advantage may be that selectively controlling laser operation parameters during laser marking may provide laser marking that may be substantially electrically conductive. This in turn may be helpful in electrostatic discharge protection. 
     The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100930
Publication Date: 20140513
Grant Date: 20140513
Priority Date: 20100930
Inventors: YEATES KYLE H.
NASHNER MICHAEL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "C25D11/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C25D11/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C25D11/24", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C25D11/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C25D11/26", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C25D11/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C25D11/26", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "C25D11/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 45889644