PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11755128-B2
Application Number: US-202117461711-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Stylus with compressive force sensor

Abstract:
A stylus input device can allow a user to interface with an external electronic device. The stylus can provide an additional or alternative input to the external electronic device in response to a user applying a compressive force to the device housing. The stylus can include multiple sensors to provide a signal in response to the compressive force applied to the stylus.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A stylus comprising:
 an elongate device housing defining a first end and a second end, and having a continuous outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is configured to contact an external electronic device; and 
 multiple sensors, including first sensors and second sensors, coupled to the device housing between the first and second end, wherein each of the first sensors and second sensors is configured to detect a compressive force applied to a respective one of first segments and second segments of the continuous outer surface to provide a signal in response to the compressive force applied to the respective one of first segments and second segments, wherein the first segments are of a different size than the second segments, and a density of the first segments along the continuous outer surface is higher than a density of the second segments. 
 
     
     
       2. The stylus of  claim 1 , wherein the continuous outer surface comprises a first segment disposed adjacent to the first end and a second segment disposed adjacent to the second end, wherein the second segment is larger than the first segment. 
     
     
       3. The stylus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a guide tube disposed within the device housing, wherein each sensor is configured to provide the signal in response to the respective segment of the continuous outer surface deflecting relative to the guide tube. 
 
     
     
       4. The stylus of  claim 3 , wherein the sensors are configured to deflect with the continuous outer surface. 
     
     
       5. The stylus of  claim 3 , wherein the sensors comprise multiple capacitance sensors and each capacitance sensor is configured to provide a capacitance signal in response to the respective segment of the continuous outer surface deflecting relative to the guide tube. 
     
     
       6. The stylus of  claim 3 , further comprising a compliant material disposed between the guide tube and the device housing. 
     
     
       7. The stylus of  claim 6 , wherein the compliant material comprises foam or a metal spring. 
     
     
       8. A stylus, comprising:
 an elongate device housing defining a first end and a second end, and having a continuous outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the continuous outer surface is configured to deflect in response to a compressive force and the first end is configured to contact an external electronic device; 
 an array of strain sensors coupled to the device housing between the first and second end, wherein the array of strain sensors is configured to provide a signal to the external electronic device in response to deflection of the continuous outer surface; 
 a sensor substrate disposed within the device housing, wherein pairs of the strain sensors are disposed, respectively, on inner and outer surfaces of the sensor substrate. 
 
     
     
       9. The stylus of  claim 8 , wherein at least some of the array of strain sensors are disposed circumferentially about the sensor substrate. 
     
     
       10. The stylus of  claim 8 , wherein the array of strain sensors are disposed in a bridge arrangement. 
     
     
       11. The stylus of  claim 8 , wherein the array of strain sensors are disposed in a strip extending between the first end and the second end. 
     
     
       12. The stylus of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a guide tube disposed within the device housing, wherein the array of strain sensors are coupled to the guide tube. 
 
     
     
       13. The stylus of  claim 8 , further comprising strain-amplifying features disposed within the sensor substrate, each of the strain-amplifying features being positioned between a corresponding one of the pairs of the strain sensors.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/083,786, entitled “STYLUS WITH COMPRESSIVE FORCE SENSOR,” filed Sep. 25, 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present description relates generally to input devices, and, more particularly, to an input device that control an external electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A variety of handheld input devices exist for detecting input from a user during use. For example, a stylus can be utilized to provide input by contacting a touch panel of an electronic device. The touch panel may include a touch sensitive surface that, in response to detecting a touch event, generates a signal that can be processed and utilized by other components of the electronic device. A display component of the electronic device may display textual and/or graphical display elements representing selectable virtual buttons or icons, and the touch sensitive surface may allow a user to navigate the content displayed on the display screen. Typically, a user can move one or more input devices, such as a stylus, across the touch panel in a pattern that the device translates into an input command. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the subject technology are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a schematic view of a stylus being used with an external electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a side elevation view of a stylus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stylus of  FIG.  2    along section line  3 - 3 . 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stylus of  FIG.  3    along section line  4 - 4 . 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stylus of  FIG.  2    along section line  3 - 3 . 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a side elevation view of a stylus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stylus of  FIG.  6    along section line  6 - 6 . 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a stylus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a stylus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a detail of the cross-sectional view of the stylus of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  11    illustrates a side elevation view of a stylus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates a side elevation view of a stylus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a side elevation view of a stylus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stylus of  FIG.  13    along section line  13 - 13 . 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a side elevation view of a stylus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stylus of  FIG.  13    along section line  14 - 14 . 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a side elevation view of a stylus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    illustrates a side elevation view of a stylus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  19    illustrates a side elevation view of a stylus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  20    illustrates a side elevation view of a stylus, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. 
     Embodiments described herein provide an input device, such as a stylus that can be used with electronic devices, such as computers, tablet computing devices, and/or gaming devices. The stylus can allow the user to interface with the electronic device across a touch panel in a pattern that the device translates into an input command. The stylus can include one or more sensors to provide additional input capabilities. For example, the stylus can include one or more sensors to detect a squeezing or compressive force against the body of the stylus. The sensors can be capacitance sensors, strain gauges, force resistive sensors, magnetic/inductive sensors, pneumatic sensors, piezo sensors, and/or optical sensors. The sensors can be configured to detect a compressive or squeezing force through an unbroken or continuous outer surface of the stylus, allowing for user comfort. 
     The additional input provided by detecting squeezing or compressive force can allow the stylus to provide improved usability and on screen/off screen interaction with the electronic device. For example, the squeezing input can provide context sensitive actions, program switching, tool switching, confirmation of actions, etc. The user can squeeze or compress the stylus at a natural grip position or other positions to provide different inputs to the electronic device. 
     A stylus input device can allow a user to interface with an external electronic device. The stylus can provide an additional or alternative input to the external electronic device in response to a user applying a compressive force to the device housing. The stylus can include multiple sensors to provide a signal in response to the compressive force applied to the stylus. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 19   . 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. 
     For example,  FIG.  1    illustrates a system  1  including a stylus  100  and an external device  90  having a surface  50 , according to some embodiments of the subject technology. The stylus  100  can be held by a user  10  and operate as a touch-based input device for use with the external device  90 . The surface  50  can include a display surface and/or a touch panel for interacting with the stylus  100  when contacted thereby. For example, the stylus  100  can include a tip  190  for contacting the surface  50 . Such contact can be detected by the external device  90  and/or the stylus  100 . For example, the stylus  100  can include one or more sensors that detect when the tip  190  contacts the surface  50 . Such sensors can include one or more contact sensors, capacitance sensors, touch sensors, cameras, piezoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, photodiodes, and/or other sensors operable to detect contact with the surface  50 . 
     As described herein, the user  10  can use alternative input methods, such as squeezing, deflecting, or compressing the stylus  100  to provide an alternative or additional input to the external device  90 . In some embodiments, the stylus  100  can receive inputs from the user  10  at a location of the user&#39;s grip by the user compressing or squeezing the stylus  100 . Optionally, the stylus  100  can receive inputs from the user  10  at another location spaced apart from the user&#39;s natural grip of the stylus  100 . The stylus  100  can include one or more sensors to detect squeezing, deflecting, or compressing of the stylus  100 . 
     During operation, the squeezing, deflecting, or compressing input received by the stylus  100  can allow the user to control on screen or off screen operations of the external device  90 . For example, by squeezing portions of the stylus  100 , the external device  90  can provide context sensitive actions, program switching, tool switching, confirmation of actions, etc. In some embodiments, the squeezing, deflecting, or compressing input received by the stylus  100  can be used in conjunction with the position of the stylus  100  and/or the tip  190  relative to the external device  90  to control the operation of the external device  90 . 
     While some embodiments of touch-based input devices disclosed herein relate to styluses, it will be appreciated that the subject technology can encompass and be applied to other input devices. For example, an input device in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein can include a phone, a tablet computing device, a mobile computing device, a watch, a laptop computing device, a mouse, a game controller, a remote control, a digital media player, and/or any other electronic device. Further, the external device can be any device that interacts with a touch-based input device. For example, an external device in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein can include a tablet, a phone, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a wearable device, a mobile computing device, a tablet computing device, a display, a television, a phone, a digital media player, and/or any other electronic device. 
     According to some embodiments, for example as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the stylus  100  can include a housing  110  that provides an outermost cover along at least a portion of the length of the stylus  100 . The housing  110  can have a generally elongate cylindrical or otherwise pen-like shape to allow a user to comfortably grasp the stylus  100 . In some embodiments, the housing  110  can define a continuous outer surface  112  along at least a portion of the length of the stylus  100 . The continuous outer surface  112  can form an unbroken surface or otherwise a surface free of voids, cavities, or openings. Advantageously, by providing a housing  110  having a continuous outer surface  112 , a user more comfortably grasp the stylus  100  and interact with the stylus  100  in a more intuitive or natural manner. 
     A user can grip the stylus  100  at a user grip region  104  during use of the stylus  100 . The user grip region  104  can be located at a natural grip location, so that the user can provide inputs at the same location that is grasped during normal use of the stylus  100 . For example, the user grip region  104  can be located an outer surface  112  of the housing  110 . The user grip region  104  can be near a first end or the tip  190  of the stylus  100 . For example, the location of the user grip region  104  can be a distance from the tip  190  that is less than a half, a third, or a quarter of the total length of the stylus  100 . It will be understood that a user grip region can be along any portion(s) of the stylus  100 , optionally up and including an entire length of the stylus  100 . 
     According to some embodiments, a marker can be provided on the outer surface  112  as an indicator for the location of the user grip region  104 . The marker can be flush with neighboring portions of the outer surface  112 , such that it can be seen but provide the same features as other portions of the housing  110 . Alternatively or in combination, the marker can provide a protrusion, recess, or texture that provides surface features that are different from adjacent portions of the housing  110 . 
     As can be appreciated, the user can grasp or otherwise interact with other portions of the stylus  100 , such as the barrel region  106 . The barrel region  106  can be defined as the portion extending from the user grip region  104  toward the second end, opposite to the tip  190  of the stylus  100 . In some applications, the user can provide additional inputs by interacting with the barrel region  106 . Similar to the user grip region  104 , the barrel region  106  can be disposed on the outer surface  112  of the housing  110 . The barrel region  106  can be more than a quarter, a third, or a half of the total length of the stylus  100 . 
     As described herein, the stylus  100  can include components to receive input from the user as the user grasps the stylus  100 . For example, the stylus  100  can include sensors  120  to receive an input as the user applies compressive force or otherwise squeezes the housing  110 . In some embodiments, the sensors  120  can be configured to detect a compressive force applied to the user grip region  104  and/or the barrel region  106 . Optionally, the sensors  120  can detect the amount of compressive force the user is applying as a gradient of values. 
     In some embodiments, the sensors  120  are configured to omnidirectionally detect the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . Optionally, the sensors  120  can be configured to detect the positioning of where the user is applying the compressive force along the housing  110 , permitting unidirectional detection of the compressive force. 
     In the depicted example, the sensors  120  can detect a compressive force along various segments  122 ,  124  of the housing  110  to detect the positioning of the compressive force relative to the stylus  100 . The sensors  120  can be coupled to, or otherwise associated with various portions or segments  122 ,  124  of the housing  110  to discretely detect the compressive force applied to a particular segment  122 ,  124 . During operation, the position of the applied compressive force can be determined by identifying the segments  122 ,  124  where the user applied the compressive force. 
     Segments  122 ,  124  of the housing  110  can be various portions of the continuous outer surface  112  where a compressive force can be discretely detected by the sensors  120 . The segments  122 ,  124  can be any suitable shape and may be interconnected or otherwise adjacent to other segments  122 ,  124 . 
     In the depicted example, the segments  122 ,  124  can vary in size and shape. In some embodiments, the segments  122 ,  124  can vary in longitudinal length and/or circumferential segment length. For example, the segments  122  located in the user grip region  104  can be smaller in size than the segments  124  located in the barrel region  106 . Further, various portions of the stylus  100  can include different quantities of segments  122 ,  124 . For example, the user grip region  104  can include a greater number of segments  122  compared to the number of segments  124  included in the barrel region  106 . As can be appreciated, areas where a high level of resolution or detail regarding the position of the compressive force is desired can include a higher density of smaller segments  122 ,  124 . A high density of segments  122 ,  124  may be desired in regions where a user may frequently squeeze or compress the housing  110  to allow the sensors  120  to discern fine differences in the positioning of the compressive force. For example, the user grip region  104  can include a higher density of segments  122  compared to the density of segments  124  within the barrel region  106 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the sensors  120  can utilize capacitive gap sensing to determine the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . In the depicted example, the stylus  100  includes one or more capacitance sensors  130  disposed in a capacitance layer along or around the housing  110 . Advantageously, the use of capacitance sensors  130  allows for the measurement of compressive force applied to the housing  110  while allowing the continuous outer surface  112  to remain unbroken. 
     In the depicted example, the capacitance sensor  130  measures the change in capacitance as the housing  110  is deflected relative to a rigid guide tube  150  in response to a compressive force applied to the housing  110 . As illustrated, the capacitance sensor  130  is coupled to the housing  110  and disposed between the housing  110  and the guide tube  150 . In some embodiments, the capacitance sensor  130  can deflect with the housing  110 . During operation, as the housing  110  is deflected toward the guide tube  150  in response to a compressive force, the change in capacitance between the housing  110  and the guide tube  150  can be measured by the capacitance sensor  130 . As can be appreciated, the change in capacitance measured by the capacitance sensor  130  can be related to the deflection of the housing  110  and the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . 
     Optionally, the stylus  100  can include compliant material  140  to reduce the deflection of the housing  110  relative to the guide tube  150  in response to a compressive force applied to the housing  110 . As illustrated, the compliant material  140  can be disposed between the housing  110  and the guide tube  150 . During operation, the compliant material  140  can compress as the housing  110  is deflected, reducing the deflection of the housing  110  in response to a compressive force. Further, the compliant material  140  can resiliently expand after compression to urge the housing  110  toward a natural state. The compliant material  140  can be formed from a resilient foam or a spring member. For example, the compliant material  140  can include a foam of open cells and/or closed cells. It will be understood that open cell foam structures can allow air to pass between different cells, thereby allowing deformation and restoration to a rest shape by the movement of air between cells. In contrast, closed cell foam structures can form cells that are isolated from each other, such that deformation and restoration is achieved without movement of air from one cell to another. It will be further be understood that open cell foams can provide a greater degree of compliance, whereas closed cell foams can provided a greater degree of resilience. Other structures can similarly be provided with pockets of air, such as materials that are extruded to form pockets, tubes, or other chambers containing air. As can be appreciated, the thickness and materials of the housing  110  and/or the compliant material  140  can be adjusted for an expected range of compressive forces and/or a desired range of deflection of the housing  110 . 
     In the depicted example, the stylus  100  can include multiple capacitance sensors  130  disposed in a capacitance sensor layer to detect a compressive force applied to various segments  122 ,  124  of the housing  110  to detect the position of the compressive force relative to the stylus  100 . The capacitance sensors  130  can be coupled to, or otherwise associated with various portions or segments  122 ,  124  of the housing  110  to discretely detect the compressive force applied to a particular segment  122 ,  124 . 
     In the depicted example, a capacitance sensor  130  can be coupled to a segment  122 ,  124  of the housing  110  between the housing  110  and the guide tube  150 , such that the capacitance sensor  130  deflects with the respective segment  122 ,  124 . During operation, as a segment  122 ,  124  is deflected toward the guide tube  150  in response to a compressive force, the change in capacitance between the segment  122 ,  124  and the guide tube  150  can be measured by the capacitance sensor  130 . As can be appreciated, the change in capacitance measured by the capacitance sensor  130  can be related to the deflection of the segment  122 ,  124  and the compressive force applied to the segment  122 ,  124 . Accordingly, the position of the applied compressive force can be determined by identifying the segments  122 ,  124  where the user applied the compressive force. 
     Additionally or alternatively, a stylus can include both a capacitance sensor for touch inputs and a capacitance sensor for compressive force (e.g., squeeze) inputs. As shown in  FIG.  5   , the stylus can include a touch input sensor  180 , which can be used to detect a tap and/or sliding gesture by the user. For example, as a user applies a finger at the housing  110 , the stylus  100  can detect the resulting capacitance that is induced in the touch input sensor  180 . The user can subsequently lift the finger, and the stylus  100  can detect the resulting capacitance or change in capacitance that is induced in the touch input sensor  180 . The user can subsequently return the finger to the grip region  104 , and the stylus  100  can detect the resulting capacitance or change in capacitance that is induced in the touch input sensor  180 . The sequence of inputs within a span of time can be interpreted by the stylus  100  as a user&#39;s tap gesture. Multiple touch input sensing elements of the touch input sensor  180  along the stylus  100  can be used in concert to detect sliding gestures. For example, as a user applies a finger at a first part of the grip region, the touch input sensor  180  of the stylus  100  can detect the resulting capacitance that is induced in a corresponding first touch input sensing element of the touch input sensor  180 . The user can subsequently move the finger to a second part of the housing  110 , and the touch input sensor  180  of the stylus  100  can detect the resulting capacitance that is induced in the corresponding second touch input sensing element of the touch input sensor  180 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , touch input sensor  180  can be positioned about the capacitance sensor  130 , which can be used to detect squeezing, deflecting, and/or compressing of the stylus  100  as described herein with respect to  FIGS.  3  and  4   . The touch input sensor  180  can be positioned radially between a guide tube  150  and the housing  110  of the stylus  100 . The capacitance sensor  130  can also be positioned radially between a guide tube  150  and the housing  110  of the stylus  100 . In particular, the capacitance sensor  130  can be positioned radially between the touch input sensor  180  and the guide tube  150 , and the touch input sensor  180  can be positioned radially between the capacitance sensor  130  and the housing  110 . 
     As further shown in  FIG.  5   , the touch input sensor  180  can include one or more touch input sensing elements  184 . The touch input sensing elements  184  can include a metal (e.g., copper) or another conductive material. The one or more touch input sensing elements  184  can be surrounded on either radial side by a coverlay  182  and/or an insulating layer  186  (e.g., polyimide or other polymer). The one or more touch input sensing elements  184  can be connected to a routing layer  170  (e.g., with vias extending through the insulating layer  186 ) to operably connect the touch input sensing elements  184  to a controller. 
     As further shown in  FIG.  5   , the capacitance sensor  130  can include one or more force input sensing elements  134 . The force input sensing elements  134  can include a metal (e.g., copper) or another conductive material. The one or more force input sensing elements  134  can be surrounded on either radial side by a coverlay  132  and/or an insulating layer  136  (e.g., polyimide or other polymer). The capacitance sensor  130  can be coupled to the routing layer  170  and/or the touch input sensor  180  with an adhesive  160 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the stylus  200  can utilize strain sensors  220  to determine the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . As illustrated, the stylus  200  includes one or more strain gauges  232  disposed along or around the housing  110 . 
     In the depicted example, the strain gauges  232  provide a signal in response to the deflection of the housing  110  caused by a compressive force applied to the housing  110 . The strain gauges  232  can be disposed or otherwise associated with various portions of the housing  110 . For example, the strain gauges  232  can be associated with the user grip region  104  and/or the barrel region  106  of the housing  110 . In some embodiments, the strain gauges  232  are disposed on or otherwise attached to a sensor substrate  230  that is coupled to the housing  110 . The sensor substrate  230  is disposed between the housing  110  and the guide tube  150 . Optionally, the strain gauges  232  and/or the sensor substrate  230  can be coupled to the guide tube  150 . 
     In the depicted example, the sensor substrate  230  can deflect with the housing  110 . The stylus  200  can include an air gap  240  between the sensor substrate  230  and the guide tube  150  to allow the housing  110  and the sensor substrate  230  to deflect inward. Therefore, during operation, as the housing  110  is deflected by a compressive force exerted by the user  10 , the deflection of the sensor substrate  230  is measured by the strain gauges  232 . As can be appreciated, the deflection of the sensor substrate  230  can be related to the deflection of the housing  110  and the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . Optionally, the sensor substrate  230  can deflect with the guide tube  150  to detect the deflection of the guide tube  150 . 
     As illustrated, the stylus  200  include multiple strain gauges  232  coupled to the sensor substrate  230  arranged in a strain gauge array. Advantageously, the use of multiple strain gauges  232  in a strain gauge array can increase the signal to noise ratio of the strain signal and reject thermal effects that may reduce accuracy of the force measurements. The strain gauges  232  can be arranged in a bridge arrangement, such as a full bridge arrangement, a half bridge arrangement, and/or a quarter bridge arrangement. 
     With reference to  FIG.  8   , in some embodiments, the strain gauges  232  can be disposed circumferentially about the housing  110 . As illustrated, the strain gauges  232  can disposed circumferentially about the sensor substrate  230  coupled to the housing  110 . Optionally, the strain gauges  232  are arranged around the inner diameter or surface of the sensor substrate  230 . Advantageously, by disposing strain gauges  232  circumferentially about the housing  110  and/or the sensor substrate  230 , the stylus  200  can receive unidirectional compressive force inputs. 
     With reference to  FIG.  9   , the strain gauges  232  can be disposed along on outer diameter or surface of the sensor substrate  230 . In some embodiments, the strain gauges  232  are disposed along the inner diameter or surface of the housing  110 . As illustrated, the strain gauges  232  are disposed between the outer surface of the sensor substrate  230  and the inner surface of the housing  110 . 
     Further, in some embodiments, the stylus  200  can include strain gauges  232  that are also disposed or arranged around the inner diameter or surface of the sensor substrate  230 . The strain gauges  232  disposed on the outer surface of the sensor substrate  230  can be radially aligned or otherwise opposite to the strain gauges  232  that are disposed on the inner surface of the sensor substrate  230 . Advantageously, the use of complimentary or radially-aligned strain gauges  232  can allow the stylus  200  to reject temperature effects and to increase the useful signal provided by the strain gauges  232 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the sensor substrate  230  can include strain-amplifying features  234  to increase the useful signal provided by the strain gauges  232 . In the depicted example, the strain-amplifying features  234  can increase the amount of deflection of the sensor substrate  230  to allow the strain gauges  232  to provide a stronger signal for a given deflection or compressive force. 
     As illustrated, the strain-amplifying features  234  are areas of the sensor substrate  230  with reduced material or radial thickness. Accordingly, the areas of the sensor substrate  230  near or adjacent to the strain-amplifying features  234  can have a lower local modulus or higher deflection in response to a compressive force compared to other areas of the sensor substrate  230 . As shown, the strain-amplifying features  234  can be disposed adjacent to strain gauges  232 , amplifying the deflection or strain detected by the strain gauges  232  and increasing the signal provided by the strain gauges  232 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  11   , the strain gauges  232  can be disposed or otherwise associated with various portions of the housing  110 . As illustrated, strain gauges  232  can extend along the length of the housing  110 . In some embodiments, the strain gauges  232  can be disposed along the length of the barrel region  106 . 
     Optionally, the stylus  200  can include multiple strain gauges  232  arranged in multiple arrays to detect strain or deflection along the length of the housing  110  or portions of the housing  110 . The arrays of strain gauges  232  can be a bridge arrangement, such as a full bridge arrangement, a half bridge arrangement, and/or a quarter bridge arrangement. As can be appreciated, different groups or arrays of strain gauges  232  can be arranged in different arrangements. 
     With reference to  FIG.  12   , the stylus  200  can include strain gauges  232  that are formed as elongate strips. The elongate strain gauges  232  can extend along the length of the housing  110 , or portions of the housing  110 , such as the length of the barrel region  106  and/or the user grip region  104 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  13  and  14   , the stylus  300  can utilize resistance measurements to determine the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . In the depicted example, the stylus  300  includes one or more force-sensitive resistors  320  disposed around an outer or exterior surface of the housing  110 . Advantageously, the use of force-sensitive resistors  320  allows for the measurement of compressive force applied to the housing  110  while also providing a conforming surface for the user to grasp. 
     In the depicted example, the force-sensitive resistor  320  provides a varying and proportional resistance value as the user applies a compressive force to the force-sensitive resistor  320  and the housing  110 . As illustrated, the force-sensitive resistor  320  is coupled to an outer surface of the housing  110 . In some embodiments, the force-sensitive resistor  320  deflects in response to a compressive force. During operation, as the force-sensitive resistor  320  is deflected by a compressive force exerted by the user, the resistance value of the force-sensitive resistor  320  changes. As can be appreciated, the resistance value provided by the force-sensitive resistor  320  can be related to the compressive force applied to the force-sensitive resistor  320 . 
     In some embodiments, the stylus  300  can include an elongated force-sensitive resistor  320  strip disposed along the surface to detect a compressive force applied to various portions of the housing  110 . As illustrated, the stylus  300  can include multiple force-sensitive resistors  320  disposed along the surface to detect the axial position of the compressive force relative to the stylus  300 . Each force-sensitive resistor  320  can extend for a portion of the length of the housing  110  (e.g. user grip region  104  and/or barrel region  106 ) to allow the stylus to discretely detect the compressive force applied to a particular portion of the housing  110 . 
     In addition to providing compressive force input to the stylus  300 , the force-sensitive resistors  320  can provide a conforming surface for the user to grasp. In the depicted example, the force-sensitive resistors  320  can be formed from a material that has a lower modulus than the material of the housing  110 . Optionally, the force-sensitive resistors  320  can be formed from silicon. Advantageously, the conforming surface of the force-sensitive resistors  320  can be utilized in a gripping surface, for example in the user grip region  104  to reduce user fatigue and increase user comfort. Further, the force-sensitive resistors  320  can provide a visual indication of various portions of the stylus  300 , such as the user grip region  104 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  15  and  16   , the stylus  400  can utilize inductive sensing to determine the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . In the depicted example, the stylus  400  includes one or more inductive sensors  420  disposed along the housing  110 . 
     In the depicted example, the inductive sensor  420  measures the change in inductance as the ferrite lining  440  is deflected relative to a coil  430  in response to a compressive force applied to the housing  110 . As illustrated, the ferrite lining  440  is coupled to the housing  110 . The ferrite lining  440  can be disposed on the outer surface of the housing  110  or the inner surface of the housing  110 . Optionally, the ferrite lining  440  can be integrated into the housing  110 . In some embodiments, the ferrite lining  440  deflects with the housing  110 . During operation, as the housing  110  and the ferrite lining  440  is deflected in response to a compressive force, the change in inductance between the ferrite lining  440  and the coil  430  can be measured. As can be appreciated, the change in inductance measured by the coil  430  can be related to the deflection of the housing  110  and the compressive force applied to the housing. 
     With reference to  FIG.  17   , the stylus  500  can sense changes in air pressure to determine the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . In the depicted example, the stylus  500  includes one or more pneumatic sensors  520  disposed along the housing. 
     In the depicted example, the pneumatic sensor  520  measures the rate of air pressure change within the housing  110  as the housing  110  is deflected in response to a compressive force applied to the housing. The rate of air pressure change can be related to the deflection of the housing  110  and the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  18   , the stylus  600  can utilize piezo sensors  620  to determine the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . As illustrated, the stylus  600  can include one or more piezo sensors  620  disposed along or around the housing. 
     In the depicted example, the piezo sensors  620  provide a signal in response to the deflection of the housing  110  caused by a compressive force applied to the housing  110 . The piezo sensors  620  can be disposed or otherwise associated with various portions of the housing  110 . For example, the piezo sensors  620  can be associated with the user grip region  104  and/or the barrel region  106  of the housing  110 . Optionally, the piezo sensors  620  can be formed from a flexible material to allow the piezo sensors  620  to be wrapped around a portion of the housing  110 . In some embodiments, the piezo sensors  620  are formed from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) or polymer thick film (PTF) piezoelectric materials. 
     In the depicted example, the piezo sensor  620  can deflect with the housing  110 . Therefore, during operation, as the housing  110  is deflected by a compressive force exerted by the user, the piezo sensor  620  provides a signal corresponding to the deflection of the housing  110 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  19   , the stylus  700  can utilize a mechanical switch to determine the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . In the depicted example, the stylus  700  includes one or more force-sensitive switches  720  disposed along the housing. 
     In the depicted example, the force-sensitive switch  720  can be actuated by the deflection of the housing  110  as the housing  110  is deflected in response to a compressive force applied to the housing  110 . The deflection of the force-sensitive switch  720  can be related to the deflection of the housing  110  and the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  20   , the stylus  800  can visually detect the deflection of the housing  110  to determine the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . In the depicted example, the stylus  800  includes one or more optical sensors  820  disposed within the housing  110 . 
     In the depicted example, the optical sensor  820  can measure the deflection of the housing  110  as the housing  110  is deflected in response to a compressive force applied to the housing  110 . The deflection of the housing  110  can be related to the compressive force applied to the housing  110 . 
     The stylus can be provided with components that facilitate the operation thereof, including use with an external device. According to some embodiments, the stylus can include a controller and a non-transitory storage media. The non-transitory storage media can include, for example, a magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium, magneto-optical storage medium, read-only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable memory, flash memory, or combinations thereof. According to some embodiments, the controller can execute one or more instructions stored in the non-transitory storage medium to perform one or more functions. For example, the non-transitory storage medium can store one or more measurement or signal to determine the compressive force applied to the stylus. 
     According to some embodiments, the stylus can include a communication component for communicating with the external device and/or another device. The communication component can include one or more wired or wireless components, WiFi components, near field communication components, Bluetooth components, and/or other communication components. The communication component can include one or more transmission elements, such as one or more antennas. Alternatively or in combination, the communication component can include an interface for a wired connection to the external device and/or another device. 
     According to some embodiments, the stylus can include a power source, such as one or more batteries and/or power management units. The 100 can include components for charging the power source. 
     According to some embodiments, the stylus can include other components including, for example, orientation detectors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, biometric readers, displays, sensors, switches (e.g., dome switches), buttons, voice coils, and/or other components. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stylus input device can allow a user to interface with an external electronic device. The stylus can provide an additional or alternative input to the external electronic device in response to a user applying a compressive force to the device housing. The stylus can include multiple sensors to provide a signal in response to the compressive force applied to the stylus. Various examples of aspects of the disclosure are described below as clauses for convenience. These are provided as examples, and do not limit the subject technology. 
     Clause A: a stylus comprising: an elongate device housing defining a first end and a second end, and having a continuous outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is configured to contact an external electronic device; and multiple sensors coupled to the device housing between the first and second end, wherein each sensor is configured to detect a compressive force applied to a respective segment of the continuous outer surface to provide a signal in response to the compressive force applied to the respective segment of the continuous outer surface, and at least two sensors are configured to detect the compressive force applied to segments of the continuous outer surface of different sizes. 
     Clause B: a stylus comprising: an elongate device housing defining a first end and a second end, and having a continuous outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the continuous outer surface is configured to deflect in response to a compressive force and the first end is configured to contact an external electronic device; and an array of strain sensors coupled to the device housing between the first and second end, wherein the array of strain sensors is configured to provide a signal to the external electronic device in response to deflection of the continuous outer surface. 
     Clause C: a stylus comprising: an elongate device housing comprising an exterior portion and defining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to contact an external electronic device; and a force sensitive resistor disposed circumferentially around the exterior portion of the device housing, wherein the force sensitive resistor is configured to provide a signal to the external electronic device in response to a compressive force applied to the force sensitive resistor. 
     One or more of the above clauses can include one or more of the features described below. It is noted that any of the following clauses may be combined in any combination with each other, and placed into a respective independent clause, e.g., clause A, B, or C. 
     Clause 1: the continuous outer surface comprises a first segment disposed adjacent to the first end and a second segment disposed adjacent to the second end, wherein the second segment is larger than the first segment. 
     Clause 2: further including a guide tube disposed within the device housing, wherein each sensor is configured to provide the signal in response to the respective segment of the continuous outer surface deflecting relative to the guide tube. 
     Clause 3: the sensors are configured to deflect with the continuous outer surface. 
     Clause 4: the sensors comprise multiple capacitance sensors and each capacitance sensor is configured to provide a capacitance signal in response to the respective segment of the continuous outer surface deflecting relative to the guide tube. 
     Clause 5: further including a compliant material disposed between the guide tube and the device housing. 
     Clause 6: the compliant material comprises foam or a metal spring. 
     Clause 7: further including a sensor substrate disposed within the device housing, wherein the array of strain sensors are coupled to the sensor substrate. 
     Clause 8: the array of strain sensors are disposed on an inner surface of the sensor substrate. 
     Clause 9: at least a portion of the array of strain sensors are disposed between an outer surface of the sensor substrate and the device housing. 
     Clause 10: the array of strain sensors are disposed circumferentially about the sensor substrate. 
     Clause 11: the array of strain sensors are disposed in a bridge arrangement. 
     Clause 12: the array of strain sensors are disposed in a strip extending between the first end and the second end. 
     Clause 13: further including a guide tube disposed within the device housing, wherein the array of strain sensors are coupled to the guide tube. 
     Clause 14: the force sensitive resistor extends between the first end and the second end of the device housing. 
     Clause 15: the force sensitive resistor comprises a strip that extends between the first end and the second end of the device housing. 
     Clause 16: further including a second force sensitive resistor disposed along the exterior portion of the device housing. 
     Clause 17: the force sensitive resistor has a modulus lower than the device housing. 
     Various functions described above can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, in computer software, firmware or hardware. The techniques can be implemented using one or more computer program products. Programmable processors and computers can be included in or packaged as mobile devices. The processes and logic flows can be performed by one or more programmable processors and by one or more programmable logic circuitry. General and special purpose computing devices and storage devices can be interconnected through communication networks. 
     Some implementations include electronic components, such as microprocessors, storage and memory that store computer program instructions in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (alternatively referred to as computer-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Some examples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, read-only compact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R), rewritable compact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs (e.g., DVD-ROM, dual-layer DVD-ROM), a variety of recordable/rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SD cards, micro-SD cards, etc.), magnetic and/or solid state hard drives, ultra density optical discs, any other optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. The computer-readable media can store a computer program that is executable by at least one processing unit and includes sets of instructions for performing various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code include machine code, such as is produced by a compiler, and files including higher-level code that are executed by a computer, an electronic component, or a microprocessor using an interpreter. 
     While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessor or multi-core processors that execute software, some implementations are performed by one or more integrated circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions that are stored on the circuit itself. 
     As used in this specification and any claims of this application, the terms “computer”, “processor”, and “memory” all refer to electronic or other technological devices. These terms exclude people or groups of people. For the purposes of the specification, the terms “display” or “displaying” means displaying on an electronic device. As used in this specification and any claims of this application, the terms “computer readable medium” and “computer readable media” are entirely restricted to tangible, physical objects that store information in a form that is readable by a computer. These terms exclude any wireless signals, wired download signals, and any other ephemeral signals. 
     To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device as described herein for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, such as a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. 
     Many of the above-described features and applications are implemented as software processes that are specified as a set of instructions recorded on a computer readable storage medium (also referred to as computer readable medium). When these instructions are executed by one or more processing unit(s) (e.g., one or more processors, cores of processors, or other processing units), they cause the processing unit(s) to perform the actions indicated in the instructions. Examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to, CD-ROMs, flash drives, RAM chips, hard drives, EPROMs, etc. The computer readable media does not include carrier waves and electronic signals passing wirelessly or over wired connections. 
     In this specification, the term “software” is meant to include firmware residing in read-only memory or applications stored in magnetic storage, which can be read into memory for processing by a processor. Also, in some implementations, multiple software aspects of the subject disclosure can be implemented as sub-parts of a larger program while remaining distinct software aspects of the subject disclosure. In some implementations, multiple software aspects can also be implemented as separate programs. Finally, any combination of separate programs that together implement a software aspect described here is within the scope of the subject disclosure. In some implementations, the software programs, when installed to operate on one or more electronic systems, define one or more specific machine implementations that execute and perform the operations of the software programs. 
     A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network. 
     It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes may be rearranged, or that all illustrated blocks be performed. Some of the blocks may be performed simultaneously. For example, in certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. 
     It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users. 
     A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean one and only one unless specifically so stated, but rather one or more. For example, “a” module may refer to one or more modules. An element proceeded by “a,” “an,” “the,” or “said” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional same elements. 
     Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the term include, have, or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. 
     Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases. 
     A phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, each of the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 
     It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in different order. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps, operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed in serial, linearly, in parallel or in different order. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software/hardware product or packaged into multiple software/hardware products. 
     In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled. 
     Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. 
     The disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for”. 
     The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 
     The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20210830
Publication Date: 20230912
Grant Date: 20230912
Priority Date: 20200925
Inventors: LEHMANN, Alex J.
XU, QILIANG
MARSHALL, BLAKE R.
PARNELL, Nathaniel M.
ZUBER, Wesley W.
TSAO, HENRY N.
NIU, XIAOFAN
GUPTA, PAVAN
HARJEE, Nahid
WANG, PAUL X.
BAUGH, BRENTON A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04162", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/0339", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0442", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03545", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0442", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 80791419