PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10983600-B2
Application Number: US-201916539754-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Electronic devices with fabric buttons

Abstract:
An electronic device such as a fabric item or other item may have control circuitry. Buttons such as fabric-based buttons may be mounted within the device. A user may depress the buttons when it is desired to control operation of the device. Each button may have sensor circuitry such as capacitive sensor circuitry or resistive sensor circuitry. A control circuit can monitor conductive structures in the button to detect changes in electrical button characteristics such as capacitance and resistance and thereby gather information on button press events. Fabric buttons may have fabric movable button structures that are coupled to fabric support structures by fabric biasing structures. The fabric biasing structures may contain strands of material that are configured to form bistable fabric springs and/or hinges. The biasing structures and other fabric structures in a fabric button may be formed from knit fabric or other intertwined strands of material.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A button, comprising:
 a support structure; 
 a movable button structure; and 
 fabric-based biasing structures that are coupled between the movable button structure and the support structure and that include fabric configured to provide bistable force feedback to the movable button structure as the movable button structure is pressed and moves relative to the support structure. 
 
     
     
       2. The button defined in  claim 1  wherein the fabric-based biasing structures comprise knit fabric, wherein the movable button structure has a periphery, wherein the fabric-based biasing structures surround the periphery and span a gap between the support structure and the movable button structure, and wherein the button comprises conductive sensor structures. 
     
     
       3. The button defined in  claim 1  wherein the support structure comprises fabric. 
     
     
       4. The button defined in  claim 1  wherein the movable button structure comprises fabric. 
     
     
       5. The button defined in  claim 1  wherein movable button structure has peripheral edges and wherein the fabric-based biasing structure runs along at least two of the peripheral edges. 
     
     
       6. The button defined in  claim 5  wherein the movable button structure has a rectangular periphery. 
     
     
       7. The button defined in  claim 1  wherein the fabric-based biasing structures comprise knit fabric. 
     
     
       8. The button defined in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 conductive structures, wherein the conductive structures comprise conductive strands of material in the fabric-based biasing structures. 
 
     
     
       9. The button defined in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 conductive structures, wherein the support structure comprises fabric and wherein the conductive structures form part of the fabric. 
 
     
     
       10. The button defined in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 conductive structures, wherein the movable button structure comprises fabric and wherein the conductive structures form part of the fabric. 
 
     
     
       11. The button defined in  claim 1 , wherein the movable button structure comprises fabric that forms a first capacitive sensor electrode, wherein the button support structure comprises fabric that forms a second capacitive sensor electrode, and wherein a capacitance between the first and second capacitive sensor electrodes changes when the button receives a button press input. 
     
     
       12. The button defined in  claim 1 , wherein a resistance in strands of material in the fabric-based biasing structures changes when the button receives a button press input. 
     
     
       13. The button defined in  claim 1  wherein the fabric-based biasing structures allow motion of the movable button structure along a path that is parallel to a surface normal of the movable button structure. 
     
     
       14. The button defined in  claim 13  wherein the fabric-based biasing structures comprise first and second hinges with first and second movable portions that move respectively along first and second axes that are orthogonal to each other when the movable button structure is depressed along the path that is parallel to the surface normal. 
     
     
       15. The button defined in  claim 1  wherein the movable button structure comprises a first terminal, wherein the support structure comprises a second terminal, and wherein a resistance between the first and second terminals changes when the button receives a button press input. 
     
     
       16. The button defined in  claim 1  further comprising a haptic actuator coupled to the movable button structure. 
     
     
       17. The button defined in  claim 1  wherein the fabric-based biasing structures comprise:
 a movable portion that configured to move along a direction as the movable button structure is pressed; 
 a first portion coupled between the movable portion and the movable button structure; and 
 a second portion coupled between the movable portion and the support structure, wherein the first and second portions each have strands of material that are angled at a non-zero angle with respect to the direction to promote movement of the movable portion along the direction as the movable button structure is pressed. 
 
     
     
       18. The button defined in  claim 1  wherein the fabric-based biasing structures are configured to form an air bladder with an opening. 
     
     
       19. The button defined in  claim 1  wherein the fabric-based biasing structures are configured to form a springy rectangular ring that supports the movable button structure. 
     
     
       20. The button defined in  claim 1  wherein the fabric-based biasing structures contain multiple layers. 
     
     
       21. The button defined in  claim 1  wherein the fabric-based biasing structures include optical fibers. 
     
     
       22. The button defined in  claim 21  further comprising a light-emitting device that supplies light to the optical fibers to provide illumination for the movable button structure. 
     
     
       23. A button, comprising:
 a button support structure; 
 a movable button structure; and 
 intertwined strands of material that form a bistable spring that is coupled between the movable button structure and the button support structure. 
 
     
     
       24. A fabric button, comprising:
 a movable button structure formed of fabric; 
 a support structure formed of fabric; and 
 a bistable biasing structure formed from fabric that is coupled between the movable button member and the support structure and that allows motion of the movable button structure along a path that is parallel to a surface normal of the movable button structure. 
 
     
     
       25. An item, comprising:
 a movable button member; 
 a support structure; and 
 fabric that serves as a biasing structure that allows the movable button member to move back and forth relative to the support structure between undepressed and depressed states.

Description:
FIELD 
     This relates generally to electronic devices, and, more particularly, to electronic devices with fabric input-output components such as fabric buttons. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Buttons are used as input devices on electronic devices with keyboards and other electronic equipment. When a user desires to provide input, the user may press on the surface of a button. Depression of a button may change the state of a switch associated with the button. Control circuitry may monitor the switch to determine whether the switch is in an open state or closed state. In response to detecting a change in state of the switch, the control circuitry can take appropriate action. 
     If care is not taken, the input-output devices of an electronic device such as buttons may be formed from materials that are bulky, are uncomfortable to the touch, are unsightly, or have other properties that detract from using these input-output in the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     An electronic device such as a fabric item or other item may have control circuitry. Buttons such as fabric-based buttons may be formed in the device. A user may depress the buttons when it is desired to control operation of the device using finger press input. Electronic devices with fabric buttons may include wristwatch bands, keyboards, enclosures, portable electronic devices such as cellular telephones or laptop computers, wearable items, or other items. 
     Each button may have sensor circuitry such as capacitive sensor circuitry or resistive sensor circuitry. A control circuit can monitor conductive structures in the button to detect changes in electrical button characteristics such as capacitance and resistance changes and thereby gather information on button press events. For example, a fabric button may have strands of conductive material or other conductive structures that form resistive paths, capacitive sensor electrodes, and other conductive structures that can be monitored by control circuitry. 
     Fabric buttons may have fabric movable button structures that are coupled to fabric support structures by fabric biasing structures. The fabric biasing structures may contain strands of material that are configured to form bistable fabric springs. The biasing structures and other fabric structures in a fabric button may be formed from knit fabric or other intertwined strands of material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an illustrative electronic device in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portion of an illustrative electronic device with buttons in accordance with an embodiment in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of illustrative fabric in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative strand of material in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 5, 6, and 7  are cross-sectional side views of an illustrative button during use in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a graph of force-versus-displacement for an illustrative button with a bistable biasing structure such as a bistable fabric spring in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device having a button in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of an illustrative button in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of an illustrative button in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative button with a fabric spring in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative button during a button press event in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of an illustrative set of conductive strands in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of the illustrative set of conductive strands during compression of the strands in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative multifilament strand in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative button with hinge structures that help the button depress vertically without rotation or other non-parallel motion in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of an illustrative button of the type shown in  FIG. 17  in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional side view of an electronic device with one or more buttons in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional side view of a button with biasing structures configured to form a hinge that resists twisting motion and that serves as a bistable spring in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an illustrative button with fabric in an uncompressed state in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the illustrative button of  FIG. 21  in a compressed state in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional side view of illustrative fabric layers for a button in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional side view of a button with a fabric biasing structure in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional side view of a button having an air bladder with an opening in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An electronic device may be provided with input-output devices. The input-output devices may include buttons. The buttons may have movable portions that are depressed by a user. During operation, a user may press a finger against a button to supply button press input to an electronic device. 
     Any suitable item may be provided with buttons. To facilitate incorporation of buttons into a variety of different items, the buttons may be fabric buttons that are formed from intertwined strands of material. The strands of material may, for example, be intertwined to form fabric using braiding, weaving, knitting, or other strand intertwining process. In addition to forming all or part of a button, the fabric can be used in forming a housing for an item, a band for a wristwatch, an item of clothing, a cover, a wearable structure, or other fabric-based structure. Items with fabric buttons and other circuitry may sometimes be referred to herein as electronic devices. 
     An illustrative electronic device is shown in  FIG. 1 . Electronic device  10  may be a computing device such as a laptop computer, a computer monitor containing an embedded computer (e.g., a desktop computer formed from a display with a desktop stand that has computer components embedded in the same housing as the display), a tablet computer, a cellular telephone, a media player, or other handheld or portable electronic device, a smaller device such as a wrist-watch device, a pendant device, a headphone or earpiece device, a device embedded in eyeglasses or other equipment worn on a user&#39;s head, or other wearable or miniature device, a television, a computer display that does not contain an embedded computer, a gaming device, a navigation device, a tower computer, an item of furniture, an embedded system such as a system in which electronic equipment is mounted in a kiosk or automobile, equipment that implements the functionality of two or more of these devices, or other electronic equipment. If desired, device  10  may be a removable external case for electronic equipment, may be a strap, may be a wristband or headband, may be a removable cover for a device, may be a case or bag that has straps or that has other structures to receive and carry electronic equipment and other items, may be a necklace or arm band, may be a wallet, sleeve, pocket, or other structure into which electronic equipment or other items may be inserted, may be part of a chair, sofa, or other seating (e.g., cushions or other seating structures), may be part of an item of clothing or other wearable item (e.g., a hat, belt, wrist band, headband, sock, glove, shirt, pants, etc.), or may be any other suitable item. If desired, device  10  may include fabric (e.g., device  10  may be a fabric-based item, device  10  may have a housing structure that includes fabric, device  10  may be an item of clothing or other wearable item formed form fabric, may be a strap formed from fabric, a keyboard, case or other device formed from fabric, etc.). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , electronic device  10  may have control circuitry  16 . Control circuitry  16  may include storage and processing circuitry for supporting the operation of device  10 . The storage and processing circuitry may include storage such as hard disk drive storage, nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory or other electrically-programmable-read-only memory configured to form a solid state drive), volatile memory (e.g., static or dynamic random-access-memory), etc. Processing circuitry in control circuitry  16  may be used to control the operation of device  10 . The processing circuitry may be based on one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, baseband processors, power management units, audio chips, application specific integrated circuits, etc. Control circuitry  16  may include wired and/or wireless communications circuitry (e.g., antennas and associated radio-frequency transceiver circuitry such as cellular telephone communications circuitry, wireless local area network communications circuitry, etc.). The communications circuitry of control circuitry  16  may allow device  10  to communicate with keyboards, computer mice, remote controls, speakers, accessory displays, accessory cameras, and/or other electronic devices that serve as accessories for device  10 . 
     Input-output circuitry in device  10  such as input-output devices  12  may be used to allow data to be supplied to device  10  and to allow data to be provided from device  10  to external devices. Input-output devices  12  may include input devices that gather user input and other input and may include output devices that supply visual output, audible output, or other output. These devices may include buttons, joysticks, scrolling wheels, touch pads, devices with force and/or touch sensor input devices, key pads, keyboards, microphones, speakers, tone generators, vibrators and other haptic output devices, light-emitting diodes and other status indicators, optical sensors, data ports, etc. 
     Input-output devices  12  may include one or more displays such as display  14 . Devices  12  may, for example, include an organic light-emitting diode display, a liquid crystal display, a projector display (e.g., a projector based on a micromechanical systems device such as a digital micromirror device or other projector components), a display having an array of pixels formed from respective light-emitting diodes (e.g., a pixel array having pixels with crystalline light-emitting diodes formed from respective light-emitting diode dies such as micro-light-emitting diode dies), and/or other displays. Display  14  may be a touch screen display that includes a touch sensor for gathering touch input from a user or display  14  may be a touch insensitive display that is not sensitive to touch. A touch sensor for display  14  may be based on an array of capacitive touch sensor electrodes, acoustic touch sensor structures, resistive touch components, force-based touch sensor structures, a light-based touch sensor, or other suitable touch sensor arrangements. If desired, display  14  may have a force sensor for gathering force input (e.g., a two-dimensional force sensor may be used in gathering force input on display  14 ). In some configurations, edge lit light-guide layers or other light-emitting components may be used to produce illumination for device  10  and can replace one or more displays  14  and/or portions of displays  14  in device  10 . Configurations in which display  14  is omitted from input-output devices  12  may also be used. In general, any suitable light-emitting devices (displays, light-emitting diodes, lasers, lamps, etc.) may be used in emitting light in device  10 , if desired. 
     Input-output devices  12  may include sensors  18 . Sensors  18  may include force sensors (e.g., strain gauges, capacitive force sensors, resistive force sensors, etc.), audio sensors such as microphones, touch and/or proximity sensors such as capacitive sensors (e.g., a two-dimensional capacitive touch sensor integrated into display  14 , a two-dimensional capacitive touch sensor and/or a two-dimensional force sensor overlapping display  14 , and/or a touch sensor or force sensor that forms a button, trackpad, or other input device not associated with a display), and other sensors. If desired, sensors  18  may include optical sensors such as optical sensors that emit and detect light, ultrasonic sensors, optical touch sensors, optical proximity sensors, and/or other touch sensors and/or proximity sensors, monochromatic and color ambient light sensors, image sensors, fingerprint sensors, temperature sensors, sensors for measuring three-dimensional non-contact gestures (“air gestures”), pressure sensors, sensors for detecting position, orientation, and/or motion (e.g., accelerometers, magnetic sensors such as compass sensors, gyroscopes, and/or inertial measurement units that contain some or all of these sensors), health sensors, radio-frequency sensors (e.g., sensors that gather position information, three-dimensional radio-frequency images, and/or other information using radar principals or other radio-frequency sensing), depth sensors (e.g., structured light sensors and/or depth sensors based on stereo imaging devices), optical sensors such as self-mixing sensors and light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors that gather time-of-flight measurements, humidity sensors, moisture sensors, gaze tracking sensors, three-dimensional sensors (e.g., time-of-flight image sensors, pairs of two-dimensional image sensors that gather three-dimensional images using binocular vision, three-dimensional structured light sensors that emit an array of infrared light beams or other structured light using arrays of lasers or other light emitters and associated optical components and that capture images of the spots created as the beams illuminate target objects, and/or other three-dimensional image sensors), facial recognition sensors based on three-dimensional image sensors, and/or other sensors. In some arrangements, device  10  may use sensors  18  and/or other input-output devices to gather user input (e.g., buttons may be used to gather button press input, touch and/or force sensors overlapping displays can be used for gathering user touch screen input and/or force input, touch pads and/or force sensor may be used in gathering touch and/or force input, microphones may be used for gathering audio input, etc.). 
     If desired, electronic device  10  may include additional components (e.g., other devices in input-output devices  12 ). The additional components may include haptic output devices, audio output devices such as speakers, light sources such as light-emitting diodes (e.g., crystalline semiconductor light-emitting diodes for status indicators and/or displays) or lasers (e.g., vertical cavity surface emitting lasers and/or other laser diodes), other optical output devices, and/or other circuitry for gathering input and/or providing output. If desired, light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes, lasers, or other light-emitting devices in input-output devices  12 ) may emit light into strands of transparent material (e.g., optical fibers in fabric or other optical fibers in device  10 ). Haptic output devices may include electromagnetic actuator, piezoelectric actuators, or other actuators, controlled by control circuitry  16 . Device  10  may also include an optional battery or other energy storage device, connector ports for supporting wired communications with ancillary equipment and for receiving wired power, and other circuitry. Systems that include device  10  may also include wired and/or wireless accessories (e.g., keyboards, computer mice, remote controls, trackpads, etc.). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , device  10  may include buttons  20 . Buttons  20  may include switches (e.g., on-off switches) and/or sensing circuitry that can detect when the buttons are pressed and when the buttons are not pressed. As an example, buttons  20  may include dome switches that have one state (e.g., closed or open) when pressed and an opposite state (open or closed, respectively) when not pressed. Buttons switches serve as force sensors that detect button press activity. If desired, strain gauge force sensors, force sensors such as capacitive or resistive force sensors, touch sensors, optical sensors, radio-frequency sensors, and/or other sensors can be used in detecting button press activity (e.g., by detecting finger press force on buttons  20 ). 
     A portion of electronic device  10  that includes buttons  20  is shown in  FIG. 2 . Buttons  20  may be used in isolation (e.g., one or two buttons or other small number of buttons  20  may be used in device  10 ) and/or buttons  20  may be used in arrays (e.g., to form keypads and/or keyboards such as QWERTY keyboards). Buttons  20  may be formed partially or entirely form fabric. In the example of  FIG. 2 , device  10  includes housing  22 . Housing  22 , which may sometimes be referred to as an enclosure or case, may form supporting structures in device  10 . For example, in a configuration in which device  10  is a keyboard, housing  22  may form keyboard housing walls. Portions of housing  22  may, in some configurations, form support structures for buttons  20 . In a configuration in which device  10  is a wearable item, housing  22  may be a wearable structure such as a strap, hat, glove, shirt, etc. 
     Housing  22  may be formed from fabric (e.g., housing  22  and buttons  20  may contain integrally formed fabric structures) and/or may be formed from other materials (e.g., flexible and/or rigid structures formed from metal, polymer, natural materials such as cotton, ceramic, crystalline materials such as sapphire, glass, carbon fiber materials and other fiber composite materials, other materials, and/or combination of these materials). Components  24  (e.g., integrated circuits, sensors, and other components such as control circuitry  16  and/or input-output devices  12  of  FIG. 1 ) may be mounted within an interior region in housing  22  and/or may be coupled to exterior surfaces or other portions of housing  22 . For example, housing  22  may have an interior that encloses a battery, control circuitry, and input-output devices and may have portions that support buttons  20 . 
     Buttons  20  may have portions that are accessible from the exterior of device  10 . For example, buttons  20  may be formed on the outer surface of housing  22 . In this position, a user may press a finger such as finger  26  or other external object against selected buttons  20 . Button input (which may sometimes be referred to as finger press input or button press input) may be used in controlling device  10 . For example, control circuitry  16  may change the content that is displayed on display  14  and/or may otherwise control the operation of device  10  based on user input provided by pressing on buttons  20 . 
     Any desired portions of buttons  20  may be formed from fabric. For example, biasing structures within buttons  20  (e.g., bistable elements such as bistable springs and/or hinges that provide bistable force feedback during button press events, etc.) may be formed from fabric, movable button structures and support structures may be formed from fabric, etc. If desired, exterior touchable surfaces of buttons  20  (sometimes referred to as key caps, button members, button press surface structures, etc.) may be formed from fabric to provide a user of buttons  20  with a desired tactile experience when interacting with buttons  20 . If desired, exterior touchable surfaces of buttons  20  may be formed partially or fully from rigid members of polymer, metal, glass, and/or other materials. In arrangements in which the strands of material in fabric  30 , button  20 , or other structures in device  10  are formed from transparent material, the strands may serve as optical fibers and can receive illumination from a light-emitting diode, laser, or other light-emitting device. The light that is provided into these strands may be conveyed along the lengths of the strands in accordance with the principal of total internal reflection. Light-scattering features in the fibers (e.g., rough surface structures, light-scattering particles, etc.) can locally defeat total internal reflection and thereby cause the light guided within the optical fibers (e.g., the strands of material in fabric  30 , in button  20 , etc.) to scatter outwardly for viewing by a user. 
     Optical fibers such as transparent strands of material in fabric  30  may be used to provide illumination for button  20  or other components of device  10 . For example, illuminated optical fibers in fabric  30  may be used to illuminate trim in fabric  30 , to illuminate patches of fabric  30  (or all of fabric  30 ), and/or to create alphanumeric labels or other patterned areas that are illuminated. If desired, the entire exposed surface of a button press input surface on a movable fabric button member may be illuminated (e.g., by incorporating illuminated optical fibers in the fabric forming the button press input surface). 
     In configurations in which a patch or global region of fabric  30  is provided with illumination using transparent strands of material that receive light from light-emitting devices, opaque ink or other masking structures (e.g., patterned opaque layers of metal, polymer, fabric, etc. with desired light-transparent openings or windows) may be formed on top of the transparent strands of material. In this way, the masking structures can define alphanumeric characters or other labels, or other patterns for emitted light from optical fibers in fabric  30 . For example, buttons  20  may have illuminated labels (e.g., alphanumeric characters) that use optical fibers in fabric  30  or other structures to output light. To backlight buttons  20 , buttons  20  (e.g., fabric  30  forming some or all of buttons  20 ) may be configured to overlap light-emitting structures. The light-emitting structures may include light-emitting devices, light guide layers (e.g., plates and/or films of clear polymer that are edge illuminated by light-emitting devices and that contain light extraction features for locally defeating total internal reflection so that light from the light guide layer travels vertically through buttons  20 , or light-emitting fabric formed from transparent strands of material receiving light from light-emitting devices. 
     Buttons  20  may be depressed during use. To allow buttons  20  to move and flex during operation, buttons  20  may include springs or other biasing structures. When a given button  20  is depressed by a user, a spring or other biasing structure in the button may compress. When the button is released, the spring or other biasing structure may help restore the button to its original configuration. Springs and other biasing structures may, in some configurations, allow a button to exhibit non-linear force versus displacement characteristic and may provide the button with features such as detents, bistability, and other desired tactile attributes (e.g., a desired click feel). Springs may be formed from intertwined strands of material such as fabric (e.g., elastomeric fabric, fabric constructed to serve as a biasing member, etc.) and/or may be formed from spring metal, polymer spring structures, or other spring mechanisms. 
     The strands of material that form a fabric button (e.g., a button  20  that is formed partially or fully from fabric) may be intertwined using weaving, knitting, braiding, and/or other strand intertwining techniques. 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of illustrative knit fabric  30  for use in device  10 . In the illustrative configuration of  FIG. 3 , fabric  30  has a single layer of knit strands  32  that form horizontally extending rows of interlocking loops (courses  34 ) and vertically extending wales  36 . Other types of knit fabric may be used in item  10 , if desired. 
     Some or all of buttons  20  and structural portions of device (item)  10  such as housing structures, wristbands, headbands, other wearable components, housing walls that serve as covering layers, and other portions of device  10  may be formed from fabric  30 . The fabric structures of device  10  may be soft (e.g., device  10  may have a fabric surface that yields to a light touch), may have a rigid feel (e.g., the surface of device  10  may be formed from a stiff fabric), may be coarse, may be smooth, may have ribs or other patterned textures, and/or may be formed as part of a device that has portions formed from non-fabric structures of plastic, metal, glass, crystalline materials, ceramics, or other materials. 
     The strands of material in fabric  30  such as strands  32  may be single-filament strands (sometimes referred to as fibers or monofilaments), may be yarns or other strands that have been formed by intertwining multiple filaments (multiple monofilaments) of material together, or may be other types of strands (e.g., tubing). The strands may include extruded strands such as extruded monofilaments and yarn formed from multiple extruded monofilaments. Monofilaments for fabric  30  may include polymer monofilaments and/or other insulating monofilaments and/or may include bare wires and/or insulated wires. Monofilaments formed from polymer cores with metal coatings and monofilaments formed from three or more layers (cores, intermediate layers, and one or more outer layers each of which may be insulating and/or conductive) may also be used. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , fabric  30  may include one or more portions with polymer or other binder  38  to hold strands such as strands  32  in fabric  30  together. The binder may be, for example compliant material such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, polyurethane, or other elastomeric polymers (as examples). If desired, polymers such as these may be molded over rigid frames and other support structures in addition to or instead of incorporating this material into fabric  30 . Magnetic particles (e.g., particles of iron, ferrite, etc.) or other magnetic filler material, conductive particles (e.g., metal particles, carbon particles, etc.), pigment and/or dye, and/or other materials may be incorporated into binder  38 , if desired. In some arrangements, strands  32  may be fused together by application of heat and/or pressure. Adhesive or other attachment mechanisms may be used to attach fabric  30  to support structures such as frame members, housing structures (e.g., an electronic device housing), and other mechanical structures. In this way fabric-based buttons, fabric housing structures, and other structures for device  10  may be formed using fabric  30 . If desired, fabric  30  may be formed by weaving (e.g., fabric  30  may include woven fabric), may be formed from braiding (e.g., fabric  30  may include braided fabric), and/or may be formed using other strand intertwining techniques. The use of knitting to form fabric  30  of  FIG. 3  is illustrative. If desired, portions of fabric  30  may be supported by and/or replaced by molded polymer structures in device  10 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative strand for fabric  30 . Strands such a strand  40  of  FIG. 4  may be used in forming strands such as strands  32  of  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , strands  40  may contain one or more layers  42  (e.g., a core layer, a first coating layer on the core, a second coating layer on the first coating layer, etc.). Each of layers  42  in the strands in fabric  30  may be formed from polymer, metal, glass, graphite, ceramic, natural materials as cotton or bamboo, or other organic and/or inorganic materials and/or combinations of these materials. Conductive coatings such as metal coatings may be formed on non-conductive material. For example, plastic yarns and monofilaments in fabric  30  may be coated with metal to make them conductive. Optional insulating coatings may be formed on conductive coatings. Yarns may be formed from a bundle of bare metal wires, insulated metal wires, or metal wire intertwined with insulating monofilaments (as examples). In some arrangements, magnetic material (e.g., iron, ferrite, or other magnetic material) may be used in forming one or more layers  42  in strands  40 . 
     Strands of material may be intertwined to form fabric  30  using intertwining equipment such as weaving equipment, knitting equipment, or braiding equipment. Intertwined strands may, for example, form woven fabric, knit fabric, braided fabric, etc. Conductive strands and insulating strands may be woven, knit, braided, or otherwise intertwined to form sensor components such as capacitive sensor electrodes and/or may be intertwined to form other conductive structures such as contact pads that can be electrically coupled to the contact pads of an electrical component (e.g., using solder, conductive adhesive, welds, crimped connections, etc.). 
     Conductive and insulating strands may be woven, knit, or otherwise intertwined to form conductive paths. The conductive paths may be used in forming signal paths (e.g., signal buses, power lines, spiral shapes, circular coils, springs, etc.), may be used in forming part of a button sensor (e.g., a capacitive sensor or resistive sensor that response to the touch and force input associated with button press input), a capacitive touch sensor electrode, a resistive touch sensor electrode, a haptic output device, or other input-output device, or may be used in forming other patterned conductive structures. Conductive structures in fabric  30  may be used in carrying power signals, digital signals, analog signals, sensor signals, control signals, data, input signals, output signals, or other suitable electrical signals. Magnetic structures in fabric  30  may be used in forming magnets and/or structures that attract magnets. 
     Circuitry such as control circuitry  16  and input-output devices  12  of  FIG. 1  may be included in device  10  and used in gathering button press input from fabric-based buttons  20 . This circuitry may include electrical components that are coupled to buttons  20  that include fabric  30 , electrical components that are housed within an interior region of an enclosure formed by fabric, electrical components that are attached to fabric using welds, solder joints, adhesive bonds (e.g., conductive adhesive bonds such as anisotropic conductive adhesive bonds or other conductive adhesive bonds), crimped connections, or other electrical and/or mechanical bonds. Signal lines formed from conductive strands and/or metal traces on printed circuits may be used to electrically couple control circuitry  16  and input-output devices  12  such as buttons  20 . The circuitry for device  10  may include metal structures for carrying current, electrical components such as integrated circuits, light-emitting diodes, sensors, controller circuitry for applying currents and/or magnetic fields to materials, electrically controlled devices for illuminating tubing and/or applying control signals to tubing or other strands, and other electrical devices. Control circuitry  16  may be used to control the operation of device  10  by monitoring buttons  20  for button press input and controlling electrically controllable (electrically adjustable) components in device  10  in response to button press input and other input. 
       FIG. 5  shows illustrative structures that may be used in device  10  to form a fabric-based button. In the example of  FIG. 5 , fabric-based button  20  includes biasing structure  44 . Structure  44  and/or other portions of button  20  such as movable button structure  48  and support structure  46  may be formed from knit fabric and/or other fabric  30  (e.g., structures in button  20  may be formed from strands  32 ). Configurations in which some or all of these structures are formed from non-fabric structures (e.g., molded polymer structures, rigid polymer structures with soft elastomeric coatings, flexible polymer structures, structures formed from flexible and/or rigid polymer, metal, etc.) may also be used. Strands  32  in button  20  may include individual strands and/or intertwined strands such as strands that have been woven, knit, and/or braided to form biasing structures  44 . These strands may extend both through portions of housing  22  and portions of button  20  and/or separate strands or sets of strands may be used for button  20  and housing  22 . Strands  32  may include illuminated optical fibers for providing button  20  with illumination. For example, a layer of fabric  30  with illuminated strands of transparent material (e.g., strands of material with light-scattering structures) may be used to create an illuminated fibrous layer that serves as the outer layer of button  20  and/or as a backlight layer. If desired, illumination for fabric  30  or other structures in movable button structure  48  may also be provided by backlighting structure  48  with light-emitting diodes or other light-emitting devices. Patterned masks may be used to create desired light output patterns (e.g., button labels such as alphanumeric characters, icons, etc.). 
     Biasing structures  44  for buttons  20  may be configured to serve as bistable springs and/or hinges (e.g., hinges that exhibit bistability) and these structures may be configured to help ensure that button  20  exhibits desired click feel and motion during button press events (e.g., to exhibit bistability for click feel while reducing twisting, wobbling, and other non-parallel motion). In some configurations, portions of biasing structures  44 , support structures  46 , and/or movable button structures  48  may be formed from materials other than fabric (e.g., polymer, glass, or metal members). Arrangements in which button  20  is formed from fabric are sometimes described herein as an example. Fabric for biasing structures  44  and/or other fabric structures in button  20  may be single layer fabric, dual-layer fabric, or fabric formed using more than three layers of fabric. A multilayer fabric may be formed by weaving, knitting, etc. and/or may be formed by laminating together sheets of single-layer fabric. 
     Support structure  46  may form part of a device housing, a strap or other wearable item, or other portion of device  10 . As a user presses inwardly on movable button structure  48 , button structure  48  moves in the −Z direction relative to support structure  46  (e.g., button  20  is depressed). This button press activity may be detected using capacitive sensing, resistive sensing, strain sensing, optical sensing, contact-switch sensing, or other sensing technique that is sensitive to changes in force, touch, movement, etc. Capacitive and resistive sensing arrangements may sometimes be described herein as examples. Capacitive sensor electrodes, resistive sensor structures, or other structures for sensing movement of button  20  may be formed using conductive strands and/or other conductive signal paths in device  10  (e.g., conductive strands in structures  48  and/or structures  46 , metal traces formed from thin-film coatings, conductive polymer, and/or other conductive material, etc.). 
     Biasing structure  44  may be configured to produce a non-linear force versus displacement characteristic. As an example, consider an illustrative button  20  when in an undepressed configuration of the type shown in  FIG. 5 . In this arrangement, a relatively large amount of force is needed to overcome the mechanical resistance provided by biasing structures (springs)  44 , because these springs are angled toward finger  26 . After this initial resistance is overcome, structures  44  may buckle and offer less resistance (see, e.g.,  FIG. 6 ). Additional downward (inward) pressure on button structures  48  will cause biasing structures  44  to take on the configuration of  FIG. 7 , where force feedback again increases when structures  44  become fully extended in the downward direction and the travel on button  20  ends. When button  20  is released (e.g., when finger  26  is removed from the button press input surface  50 ), biasing structures  44  may exhibit a restoring force that returns button  20  to its original (undepressed) state of  FIG. 5 . 
     A graph showing how button  20  of  FIGS. 5, 6, and 7  may be characterized by a non-linear curve (curve  52 ) of feedback force F versus displacement in the −Z direction is shown in  FIG. 8 . There are two minimum points for the force F versus distance −Z with curve  52 , so this type of response may sometimes be referred to as a bistable response. The initial high resistance associated with curve peak  52 P of curve  52  followed by the drop in resistance after peak  52 P has been passed helps provide button  20  with a desired tactile response—sometimes referred to as click feel—during button press events. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an illustrative fabric-based button. In the example of  FIG. 9 , button press input surface  50  of movable button structure  48  has a rectangular outline (e.g., to serve as an alphanumeric key). Other button shapes may be used, if desired. Movable button structure  48  serves as a depressible button portion for button  20  and is depressed in the −Z direction when a user&#39;s finger exerts force on button press input surface  50 . Biasing structure  44  may span a gap between the periphery of structure  48  and adjacent portions of support structure  46  (which may be, if desired, integral with a fabric housing in device  10  or other support structures) and may couple movable button structure  48  to button support structure  46 . Support structure  46  may be formed as part of housing  22  (e.g., support structure  46  and housing  22  may share common strands  32 ) and/or support structure  46  may be mounted to housing  22 . During button press events, support structure  46  may serve as a static portion of button  20 . Biasing structure  44  may be characterized by a bistable force-feedback versus displacement curve of the type shown in  FIG. 8  or may exhibit other suitable tactile responses during button press events. 
     In the example of  FIG. 9 , biasing structures  44  surround movable button structure  48  and run along each of the four edges of button structure  48 . In the example of  FIG. 10 , there are two separate strips of biasing structures  44  in button  20  each of which is coupled between a respective button support structure  46  and a corresponding left or right edge of movable button structure  48 . Biasing structures  44  of  FIG. 10  may be configured to exhibit bistability or other desired force-versus-displacement characteristics (e.g., characteristics of the type shown by curve  52  of  FIG. 8 ).  FIG. 10  also shows how button  20  may include a component such as component  54  (e.g., a domes switch or other mechanical switch, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, and/or other sensor for detecting movement, touch, force, and/or other attributes associated with a button press event as a user&#39;s finger presses downward on surface  50 ). 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of another illustrative fabric button. In the illustrative configuration of  FIG. 11 , movable button structure  48  is coupled to static support structure  46  by hinge structure  48 H. Hinge structure  48 H, movable button structure  48 , biasing structure  44  (e.g., a strand-based spring such as a bistable spring), and/or support structure  46  may be formed fully or partially from fabric  30 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 11 , button  20  rotates about a hinge axis aligned with hinge  48 H.  FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional side view of button  20  in an illustrative configuration in which biasing structure  44  (e.g., a fabric spring, etc.) may be used not only to laterally couple movable button member  48  to laterally adjacent portions of support structure  46  but also to serve as vertical biasing structures. In particular, biasing structure  44  may include knit fabric or other intertwined strands of material in region  60  between movable button member  48  and overlapped portions of support structure  46 . The biasing structure in region  60  may serve as a button spring that helps restore button  20  to its desired undepressed state after a finger or other external object is released following a button press event on surface  50 . Biasing structure  44  of  FIG. 12  may exhibit bistability and/or other button press characteristics. 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional side view of button  20  in an illustrative configuration in which button  20  includes sensing circuitry. As shown in  FIG. 13 , upper button surface  50  may be flat (e.g., in position  50 F) in its undepressed state. When a user&#39;s finger  26  or other external object presses inwardly on button  20 , surface  50  will deflect inwardly as shown in  FIG. 13 . Portions of movable button structure  48  of  FIG. 13  may form biasing members  44  and/or separate biasing structures  44  may be used to provide button  20  with a desired force-versus-displacement characteristic. Conductive structures (e.g., conductive strands, metal traces, electrodes formed from patches of conductive fabric and/or other conductive structures) may be used to form sensors. Terminals such as terminals  62  may be coupled to these conductive structures and can be monitored by control circuitry  16 . 
     During button actuation, physical attributes associated with button  20  such as resistance and capacitance attributes change due to the stretching and movement of the conductive structures (e.g., stretching of signal paths formed from fabric, movement of a conductive fabric upper electrode or other upper electrode in structure  48  towards an opposing conductive fabric lower electrode or other lower electrode formed in an overlapped portion of support structure  46 , compression of conductive structures against each other, etc.). These changes in the electrical characteristics of button  20  are measured in real time by control circuitry  16  (e.g., by measuring capacitance, voltage, current, resistance, or other characteristics at two or more terminals  62 ). As an example, a first electrode  62  may be coupled to a capacitor electrode formed from conductive structures in fabric forming movable structure  48  and a second electrode  62  may be coupled to a capacitor electrode formed from conductive structures in fabric within support structure  46 . In this illustrative configuration, capacitive sensor circuitry in control circuitry  16  can detect button presses by monitoring changes in the capacitance between the first and second electrodes  62 . Resistance sensing arrangements may be used in configurations in which the resistance between laterally separated terminals  62  changes as fabric in structure  48  is stretched and/or when the resistance between upper and lower terminals  62  changes due to contact and electrical shorting between conductive upper and lower electrodes in button  20 . 
     Another illustrative button press sensor arrangement involves the use of parallel conductive strands  32  in button  20 . Compression of adjacent strands  32  presses these strands together, which affects measureable electrical characteristics such as capacitance and/or resistance. Consider, as an example, the bundle of metal strands or other conductive strands  32  of  FIGS. 14 and 15 . These strands may be included in structure  48 , structure  46 , structure  44 , and/or other button structures. Initially, in an undepressed state, strands  32  may be uncompressed (see, e.g.,  FIG. 14 ). When force is applied to button  20  by finger  26 , strands  32  may be compressed together as shown in  FIG. 15 . Control circuitry  16  can measure the capacitance and/or resistance between respective strands  32  to detect button press input. 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative strand formed from a bundle of multiple conductive strands  32  within hollow cylindrical sheath  64  (e.g., a polymer tube). When pressed together, the capacitance and/or resistance between respective strands  32  of the strand of  FIG. 16  may change. By incorporating strands of the type shown in  FIG. 16  into the fabric of button  20 , button press input can be detected by control circuitry  16 . 
     It may be desirable to incorporate structures into button  20  that help restrict undesired button movements. Consider, as an example, button  20  of  FIG. 17 , which is actuated when a user presses downwardly in the −Z direction on button surface  50  of movable button structure  48 . The Z direction (and −Z direction) are parallel to the surface normal of button surface  50 . Wobbling, twisting, and other movement that is not parallel to the Z axis of  FIG. 17  may produce undesired tactile feedback. To ensure that movable button structure  48  (e.g., a fabric button member or other movable button member) moves parallel to the Z axis of  FIG. 17 , button  20  may be provided with multiple hinges. Each hinge may have a movable structure of fabric or other material such as movable button structure  48 M that is sandwiched between two angled sets of biasing structures  44  (e.g., first and second biasing structure portions that each have strands of material that are oriented at a non-zero angle with respect to the direction along which structure  48 M moves). 
     When button  20  is depressed, biasing structures  44  of  FIG. 17  (which forms a first hinge for button  20 ) will tend to collapse and move structure  48 M to the right in the X direction. Structures  44  may form slat-shaped structures for the first hinge that extend into the page of  FIG. 17  and thereby prevent twisting motion within the X-Y plane. The first hinge prevent twisting motion, but may permit some motion along the X direction. To prevent X-direction motion and thereby ensure that motion of structure  48  follows the Z axis, a second hinge may be oriented along the Y direction of  FIG. 17 , orthogonal to the X-axis orientation of the first hinge. With this arrangement, the first and second hinges extend respectively along first and second axes that are orthogonal to each other and have respective first and second movable portions that move respectively along the first and second axes when the movable button structure is depressed along the path that is parallel to the surface normal. 
     As this example, demonstrates, parallel movement can be obtained (and twisting and/or wobbling can be reduced) by providing two or more sets of biasing structures  44  around the periphery of button structure  48  that extend along at least two non-parallel directions. As shown in the top view of button  20  of  FIG. 18 , for example, biasing structure  44  for button  20  may have a first portion  44 - 1  and first movable button structure  48 M- 1  that form a hinge that can move only in direction Y and a second portion  44 - 2  and second movable button structure  48 M- 2  that form a hinge that can move only in direction X. When button  20  is pressed inwardly in the −Z direction, first portion  44 - 1  and structure  48 M- 1  will allow button  20  to collapse along the −Z direction, but will resist motion of button structure  48  in the X direction, whereas second portion  44 - 2  and structure  48 M- 2  will allow button  20  to collapse along the −Z direction, but will resist motion of button structure  48  in the Y direction. Button structure  48  will therefore tend not to twist or wobble due to the movement constraints imposed by orthogonally oriented biasing structure portions  44 - 1  and  44 - 2 . 
     If desired, additional hinge structures to help ensure parallel motion may be included in button  20  (e.g., in regions such as regions  66  and/or  68 ). Structures  44  and  48  (e.g., illustrative portions  44 - 1  and  44 - 2 , and/or portions  48 M- 1  and  48 M- 2 ) may be formed from fabric or other suitable materials (e.g., as integral portions of support structure  46  and/or other portions of button  20 . If desired, biasing structure  44  may be configured to exhibit bistability (e.g., to implement a desired force-versus-displacement characteristic, sometimes referred to as “click feel”) and/or additional components such as magnets M 1  and M 2  of  FIG. 18  may be included in button  20 . Magnets M 1  and M 2  may, for example, be configured to attract each other and provide an initial resistance (e.g., button press resistance due to magnetic attraction which opposes movement of structure  48 M- 1  in the Y direction while structure  48 M- 2  is moving in the X direction). Once this initial resistance is overcome by sufficient separation between magnets M 1  and M 2 , magnets M 1  and M 2  will no longer attract each other strongly (e.g., button resistance to applied force will reduce until button  20  reaches the end of its travel as shown, for example, in connection with curve  52  of  FIG. 8 ). 
     In the example of  FIG. 19 , movable button structure  48 M of button  20  is coupled to associated movable structure  48 ′ of bistable button biasing structure  20 B. Button  20  may have hinge structures formed from diagonally oriented biasing structures  44  to help ensure parallel button motion as described in connection with  18 . Bistable structure  20 B may provide a force-versus-displacement response of the type shown by curve  52  of  FIG. 8  and described in connection with  FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 . By coupling structure  20 B to button  20 , button  20  may be provided with a desired click feel. Optional haptic device  70  (e.g., an electromagnetic or piezoelectric haptic actuator) may be coupled to one or more buttons  20  and may be used to provide haptic output to a user touching a button (e.g., device  70  may be used to enhance click responses and provide other haptic feedback as buttons  20  are depressed). 
     Another illustrative configuration for button  20  is shown in  FIG. 20 . In the example of  FIG. 20 , button portions  20 P have biasing structures that are configured to serve as a hinge. Multiple orthogonally oriented hinges may be included in button  20  to enhance parallel motion. Bistability portions  20 B of button  20  help provide a desired click feel for button  20  (e.g., a force-versus-displacement characteristic such as curve  52  of  FIG. 8 ). As shown in this illustrative arrangement, portion  20 B may have biasing structures  44  that, at least initially, hinder the type of motion promoted by biasing structures  44  of button portions  20 P. For example, when button portions  20 P are compressed in the example of  FIG. 20 , member  48 M will be pushed in the −X direction. As described in connection with the arrangement of  FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 , the structures of bistability portion  20 B will initially resist this −X motion. After structures  44  of portion  20 B buckle, portion  20 B will exhibit reduced resistance to motion in the −X direction. When structures  44  of portion  20 B reach their limit, resistance will again increase. The configuration of  FIG. 20  therefor can provide both parallel motion and bistability in a structure with integral fabric portions. 
     If desired, button  20  may have a ring of fabric that serves as a supporting web. As shown in  FIG. 21 , button  20  may have a moving button member such as member  50  (e.g., a keycap labeled with an alphanumeric character) that is formed from rigid material (e.g., polymer, metal, and/or other materials). Biasing structure  44  may be formed from a rectangular ring of fabric that surrounds and supports button member  50  within support structure  46 , as described in connection with  FIG. 9 . As shown in  FIG. 22 , when a user presses a finger or other object against the surface of member  50 , the fabric of biasing structure  44  expands and translates, allowing member  50  to be depressed. When member  50  is released, biasing structure  44  serves as a spring that restores member  50  to its original undepressed position. As shown in the cross-sectional side view of  FIG. 24 , the structures of button  20  may have a dual layer configuration (e.g., with dual layers of fabric/structures  44 ) to help ensure that button member  50  exhibits parallel motion when depressed and released. The structures of button  20  of  FIG. 23  may be coupled together and to supporting structures using fabric (e.g., portions of structures  44 ), elastomeric material, adhesive, foam, other flexible coupling structures, etc. 
     In the illustrative configuration of  FIG. 24 , button  20  has a spring formed from a rectangular ring of fabric. Button member  50  may be formed from a rigid member (e.g., polymer, metal, glass, other materials, combinations of these materials, etc.). Fabric for biasing structure  44  may form a rectangular ring with walls for supporting member  50  at a desired position above support structure  46 . When depressed downward, button member  50  travels from undepressed position  50 T to the position shown in  FIG. 24 . The springiness of the fabric of biasing structure  44  allows the fabric of  FIG. 24  to serve as a spring for button  20  that restores button member  50  to position  50 T when released. 
     In the example of  FIG. 25 , button  20  has an air bladder that serves as a button member biasing structure. As shown in  FIG. 25 , button member  50  may be configured to travel upwards and downwards along support structure  46  (e.g., using guide structures in support structures  46  such as protrusions on button member  50  that are mated with guiding rails in support structures  46 , etc.). Fabric or other material (e.g., flexible polymer) may form an air bladder that serves as biasing structure  44  for button member  50 . Opening  125  in the air bladder and/or openings in porous fabric bladder walls may allow air to escape from bladder interior  127  when button member  50  is pressed and the air bladder is compressed. When pressure is released from button member  50 , air bladder will tend to restore itself to its original shape, drawing air back into interior  127 . By tuning the size of opening  125  and the materials used to form the air bladder, the characteristics of button  20  may be adjusted (e.g., to provide a desired haptic response, to tune key return speed, to control button compressibility, etc.). 
     Buttons  20  such as the illustrative buttons of  FIGS. 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25  may include switches, capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, and/or other sensors  18  for detecting movement of button member  50  and thereby detecting button press input from a user. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of information such as information from input-output devices. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, data may be gathered that includes personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, username, password, biometric information, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness, or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the United States, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide certain types of user data. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time user-specific data is maintained. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an application (“app”) that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of information that may include personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. 
     The foregoing is merely illustrative and various modifications can be made to the described embodiments. The foregoing embodiments may be implemented individually or in any combination.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190813
Publication Date: 20210420
Grant Date: 20210420
Priority Date: 20190813
Inventors: WANG, PAUL X.
Guy, Ian A.
BIR, KARAN
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02B6/001", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/96079", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2017/9755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/96078", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/975", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/96062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2017/9602", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/96076", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/965", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/96062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/96076", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/016", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B6/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/96062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/96079", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 74567306