PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10295562-B1
Application Number: US-201816017226-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Electronic watch with obscured sensor for detecting an applied force

Abstract:
An electronic watch is described. The watch has one or more sensors, including a sensor that may be used to detect a force applied to a cover of the watch. The sensor may variously include a capacitive sensor assembly configured to detect a deflected position of the cover; a sensor having electrical components that move toward one another in response to an input applied to the cover; or a deformable component that is configured to compress in response to a press input, thereby allowing first and second electrical traces to move toward one another. Portions or all of the various sensors may be obscured by an ink layer on an underside of the cover.

Claims:
We claim: 
     
       1. An electronic watch, comprising:
 a housing having an opening; 
 a button positioned along a side of the housing to receive user input to the electronic watch; 
 a cover disposed over the opening and defining an exterior face of the electronic watch; 
 a display disposed at least partially within the opening and visible through the cover; 
 an ink layer disposed around a perimeter of an underside of the cover; and 
 a capacitive sensor assembly positioned within the housing and visually obscured by the ink layer; wherein, 
 the display comprises a touch sensor; 
 the capacitive sensor assembly is configured to detect a deflected position of the cover when the exterior face is pressed inward toward the housing; and 
 the display is responsive to user input received via the button, the touch sensor, or the cover. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the capacitive sensor assembly comprises an electrical trace; and 
 the electrical trace is positioned at least partially within the ink layer. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic watch of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the capacitive sensor assembly further comprises a deformable component disposed within the housing below the cover; and 
 the electrical trace is configured to move when the exterior face is pressed inward. 
 
     
     
       4. The electronic watch of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the housing comprises an electrically conductive region; and 
 the capacitive sensor assembly is configured to detect a change in capacitance between the electrical trace and the electrically conductive region. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic watch of  claim 3 , wherein the deformable component comprises:
 a first portion defined by a flex layer; and 
 a second portion defined by a silicone layer. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the ink layer is disposed around an interactive area of the display. 
     
     
       7. The electronic watch of  claim 6 , wherein the cover comprises a sapphire material. 
     
     
       8. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the display is configured to depict a graphical output of the electronic watch, which graphical output changes in response to the deflected positioned of the cover. 
     
     
       9. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the capacitive sensor assembly is in electrical communication with the display. 
     
     
       10. An electronic watch, comprising:
 a housing defining a watch body; 
 a button along a side of the housing; 
 a first sensor in electrical communication with internal components of the electronic watch and configured to detect a first input received at the button; 
 a transparent cover disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to receive a second input; 
 an opaque layer disposed on a surface of the transparent cover within the housing; and 
 a second sensor at least partially obscured by the opaque layer and having electrical components that move toward one another in response to the second input. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic watch of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the electronic watch further comprises a touch-sensitive display; and 
 the transparent cover forms an exterior surface of the touch-sensitive display. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic watch of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the touch-sensitive display is configured to depict a graphical output of the electronic watch; and 
 the graphical output is configured to change:
 in a first manner in response to the first input; and 
 in a second manner in response to the second input. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic watch of  claim 10 , wherein the first sensor comprises a tactile switch. 
     
     
       14. The electronic watch of  claim 10 , wherein the second sensor comprises a capacitive sensor assembly comprising a deformable component. 
     
     
       15. The electronic watch of  claim 14 , wherein the deformable component separates a first of the electrical components and a second of the electrical components within the housing. 
     
     
       16. The electronic watch of  claim 10 , wherein:
 one of the electrical components is within the opaque layer, a deformable component, or an adhesive layer. 
 
     
     
       17. An electronic watch, comprising:
 a housing having:
 an internal volume; and 
 an opening along an exterior surface and extending into the internal volume; 
 
 a cover positioned over the opening; 
 an ink layer defining an opaque region about a perimeter of the cover; 
 a first electrical trace positioned along the ink layer and within the internal volume; 
 a deformable component within the internal volume; and 
 a second electrical trace connected to the deformable component and capacitively coupled to the first electrical trace, wherein 
 the deformable component is configured to compress in response to a press input received at the cover, thereby moving the first electrical trace and the second electrical trace toward one another within the internal volume. 
 
     
     
       18. The electronic watch of  claim 17 , wherein the first electrical trace is positioned at least partially within the ink layer. 
     
     
       19. The electronic watch of  claim 17 , further comprising a processing unit positioned within the housing and configured to control a function of the electronic watch in response to the movement of the first electrical trace and the second electrical trace within the internal volume. 
     
     
       20. The electronic watch of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 a display positioned below the cover, within the housing; 
 wherein the display is configured to depict a graphical output of the electronic watch, which graphical output changes in response to a deflected positioned of the cover.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/641,150, filed Mar. 6, 2015, and entitled “Capacitive Sensors for Electronic Devices and Methods of Forming the Same,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to electronic sensors, and more particularly to capacitive sensor assemblies for electronic devices, and methods of forming the capacitive sensor assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional electronic devices typically include a variety of distinct input devices formed from a plurality of components. For example, conventional electronic devices typically include a touch display to allow a user to interact with the device. Touch displays typically include a plurality of sensor assemblies that may be positioned inside the casing of the electronic device. The sensor assemblies may be used to detect when a user touches an external surface of the electronic device with the desire to interact with the device. When the sensor assemblies detect a user&#39;s touch, the sensor assemblies may send an electrical input signal to distinct portions of the electronic device. 
     Conventional sensor assemblies include a plurality of layers and/or components to detect the user&#39;s touch or interaction with the electronic device. However, as the number of layers and/or components increase in the sensor assemblies, so does the required space for housing the assembly within the electronic device. That is, as the number of layers and/or components increase in the sensor assemblies, the over height and/or z-space of the sensor assemblies also increases. 
     Additionally, a bond must be formed between all layers and/or components of the conventional sensor assemblies. With an increase in the layers and/or components, the likelihood of a bonding of the assembly to come undone or uncoupled increases. Where two layers or components of the sensor assembly come uncoupled, the sensor assembly may have reduced operational function, or may become inoperable. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, embodiments discussed herein are related to electronic sensors, and more particularly to capacitive sensor assemblies for electronic devices, and methods of forming the capacitive sensor assemblies. The capacitive sensor assemblies discussed herein may reduce the number of layers and/or components forming the assembly by utilizing a silicone layer positioned between electrical traces, and/or forming the electrical traces within or out of pre-existing layers of the electronic device. By utilizing a silicone layer within the capacitive sensor assembly, a strong bond may be formed between the silicone layer and the distinct layers and/or components of the capacitive sensor assembly and/or components of the electronic device. Additionally, by forming the electrical traces of the capacitive sensor assembly within or out of pre-existing layers of the electronic device, the number of layers or components of the capacitive sensor assembly may be reduced, and the height or z-space of the capacitive sensor assembly may be reduced. As a result of the reduce number of layers or components, the risk of operational fault or failure may be reduced or eliminated. Additionally, as a result of the reduced height of the capacitive sensor assembly, the overall height and size of the electronic device implementing the capacitive sensor assembly may also be reduced. 
     One embodiment may take the form of a method of manufacturing a capacitive sensory assembly in an electronic device. The method may comprise coupling a silicone layer to a bottom portion of a housing of the electronic device, positioning a first electrical trace within a flex layer, the flex layer positioned on the silicone layer, opposite the bottom portion of the housing, and curing the silicone layer to the flex layer including the first electrical trace. The method may also comprise applying an adhesive to the flex layer including the first electrical trace, opposite the silicone layer, and coupling a cover of the electronic device to the flex layer using the applied adhesive. 
     An additional embodiment may take the form of a method of manufacturing a capacitive sensory assembly in an electronic device. The method may comprise coupling an intermediate layer on a at least a portion of an inner surface of a cover of the electronic device, etching a portion of the intermediate layer to form a first electrical trace in the etched portion, positioning a silicone layer between the intermediate layer and a bottom portion of a housing of the electronic device, and curing the silicone layer to the intermediate layer including the first electrical trace. 
     Another embodiment may take the form of an electronic device comprising a housing having a top portion, and a bottom portion coupled to the top portion. The electronic device may also comprise a capacitive sensor assembly positioned within the housing. The capacitive sensor comprises a silicone layer positioned between the top portion and the bottom portion of the housing, a flex layer coupled to the silicone layer, and a first electrical trace positioned within the flex layer. 
     A further embodiment may take the form of an electronic device comprising a housing, a cover glass coupled to the housing, an intermediate layer formed on an inner surface of the cover glass, and a capacitive sensor assembly positioned between the housing and the cover glass. The capacitive sensor comprising a silicone layer coupled to the intermediate layer formed on the inner surface of the cover glass, and a first electrical trace positioned within the intermediate layer, adjacent the silicone layer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts an illustrative perspective view of a portion of a wearable electronic device, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an illustrative cross-section side view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  including a capacitive sensor assembly, taken along line CS-CS, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a flow chart of an example process for forming a capacitive sensor assembly for an electronic device, according to embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  depict illustrative cross-section side views of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  and various components of a capacitive sensor assembly undergoing the process depicted in  FIG. 3 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  depicts an illustrative cross-section side view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  including a capacitive sensor assembly, taken along line CS-CS, according to additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a flow chart of another example process for forming a capacitive sensor assembly for an electronic device, according to additional embodiments. 
         FIGS. 7A-7D  depict illustrative cross-section side views of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  and various components of a capacitive sensor assembly undergoing the process depicted in  FIG. 6 , according to additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  depicts an illustrative cross-section side view of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  including a capacitive sensor assembly, taken along line CS-CS, according to further embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a flow chart of an additional example process for forming a capacitive sensor assembly for an electronic device, according to further embodiments. 
         FIGS. 10A-10C  depict illustrative cross-section side views of a portion of the electronic device of  FIG. 1  and various components of a capacitive sensor assembly undergoing the process depicted in  FIG. 9 , according to further embodiments. 
     
    
    
     It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates generally to electronic sensors, and more particularly to capacitive sensor assemblies for electronic devices, and methods of forming the capacitive sensor assemblies. 
     The capacitive sensor assemblies discussed herein may reduce the number of layers and/or components forming the assembly by utilizing a silicone layer positioned between electrical traces, and/or forming the electrical traces within or out of pre-existing layers of the electronic device. By utilizing a silicone layer within the capacitive sensor assembly, a strong bond may be formed between the silicone layer and the distinct layers and/or components of the capacitive sensor assembly and/or components of the electronic device. Additionally, by forming the electrical traces of the capacitive sensor assembly within or out of pre-existing layers of the electronic device, the number of layers or components of the capacitive sensor assembly may be reduced, and the height or z-space of the capacitive sensor assembly may be reduced. As a result of the reduce number of layers or components, the risk of operational fault or failure may be reduced or eliminated. Additionally, as a result of the reduced height of the capacitive sensor assembly, the overall height and size of the electronic device implementing the capacitive sensor assembly may also be reduced. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-10C . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  shows an illustrative perspective view of a portable or wearable electronic device  100  (hereafter, “electronic device”), according to embodiments. Electronic device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , may be configured to provide health-related information or data such as but not limited heart rate data, blood pressure data, temperature data, oxygen level data, diet/nutrition information, medical reminders, health-related tips or information, or other health-related data. The electronic device may optionally convey the health-related information to a separate electronic device such as a tablet computing device, phone, personal digital assistant, computer, and so on. In addition, electronic device  100  may provide additional information, such as but not limited to, time, date, health, statuses or externally connected or communicating devices and/or software executing on such devices, messages, video, operating commands, and so forth (and may receive any of the foregoing from an external device), in addition to communications. 
     Electronic device  100  may include a housing  102  at least partially surrounding a display  104  and one or more buttons  106  or input devices. The housing  102  may form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of electronic device  100 , and may at least partially surround the display  104 . The housing  102  may be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, the housing  102  may be formed of a single piece operably connected to the display  104 . Housing  102  may formed from a plurality of distinct materials including, but not limited to: corundum, commonly referred to as sapphire, glass or plastic. As discussed herein, and in another example, housing  102  may be formed from an electrically conductive material, or a material having electrically conductive properties. 
     Display  104  may be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, a multi-touch sensing touchscreen that uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. 
     Button  106  may include any conventional input/output (I/O) device for electronic device  100 . Specifically, button  106  may include an actuation component in electronic and/or mechanical communication with the internal components of electronic device  100 , to provide user input and/or allow the user to interact with the various functions of electronic device  100 . In an embodiment button  106  may be configured as a single component surrounded by housing  102 . Alternatively, button  106  may include a plurality of components, including an actuation component, in mechanical/electrical communication with one another and/or internal component of electronic device  100 . Button  106  may likewise include a sensor, such as a biometric sensor, touch sensor, or the like. 
     Housing  102  may also have recesses  108  formed on opposite ends to connect a wearable band  110  (partially shown in  FIG. 1 ) to electronic device  100 . Wearable band  110  may be used to secure wearable electronic device  100  to a user, or any other object capable of receiving electronic device  100 . In a non-limiting example where electronic device  100  is a smart watch, wearable band  110  may secure the watch to a user&#39;s wrist. In other non-limiting examples, electronic device  100  may secure to or within another part of a user&#39;s body. 
     A cover  112  may be positioned above the touchscreen of display  104 . That is, and as discussed herein, cover  112  may be positioned above the touchscreen of display  104  and may be at least partially positioned within an opening of housing  102  and coupled to housing  102 . Cover  112  may protect display  104  from containments, without obstructing a user&#39;s view and/or ability to interact with display  104  and/or electronic device  100 . As such, cover  112  may be transparent or translucent, fully or partially, in certain embodiments. As discussed herein, cover  112  may be formed corundum, commonly referred to as sapphire. However, it is understood that cover  112  may be formed from any suitable transparent material and/or combination of suitable transparent material including, but not limited to, ceramics, alumina, chemically strengthened glass, and reinforced plastic. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an enlarged cross-section front view of a portion of electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  taken along line CS-CS, according to an embodiment. With respect to this particular embodiment,  FIG. 2  shows a cross-section front view of a portion of housing  102  and cover  112  of electronic device  100 . Electronic device  100  may also include an intermediate layer  118  formed on at least a portion inner surface  120  of cover  112 . Intermediate layer  118  formed on cover  112  may be positioned within an opening  122  formed between cover  112  and housing  102 , and may not be exposed in electronic device  100 . Intermediate layer  118  may be optically dense and/or substantially translucent or opaque, such that a user of electronic device  100  may not be able to see through the portion of cover  112  positioned above intermediate layer  118 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , and as a result of the optical properties, intermediate layer  118  may be positioned around a perimeter of cover  112  to define an interactive area of electronic device  100 , adjacent the intermediate layer  118 . The interactive area of electronic device  100  may include the touch screen of display  104  (see,  FIG. 1 ), as discussed herein. 
     Intermediate layer  118  may be formed from a variety of materials. In a non-limiting example, intermediate layer  118  may be formed from an ink material. The ink material may be deposited on inner surface  120  of cover  112  using any suitable deposition technique or process including, but not limited to, painting, spraying, mask-and-ink submersion and the like. In another non-limiting example, intermediate layer  118  may be formed as a substantially solid material layer. In the non-limiting example, the substantially solid material layer may be formed as a plastic layer that may be coupled to inner surface  120  of cover  112 . The plastic layer may be coupled to the inner surface  120  using any suitable coupling technique or process (e.g., bonding, welding, melting, and so on). 
     Electronic device  100  may also include a capacitive sensor assembly  124  positioned within housing  102 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , capacitive sensor assembly  124  may be substantially positioned between cover  112  and a bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . As discussed herein, bottom portion or component  126  may be formed from distinct material and/or a distinct component than the remainder of housing  102 . Capacitive sensor assembly  124  may be in electrical communication with display  104  and/or additional components of electronic device  100 , and may be configured to detect input provide to electronic device  100  via cover  112 . That is, when a force is applied to outer surface  128  of cover  112  to interact with display  104  (see,  FIG. 1 ) and/or other components of electronic device  100 , cover  112  may substantially deflect and/or flex toward bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . As a result, capacitive sensor assembly  124  may sense or detect the deflection of cover  112  to provide an input to electronic device  100 . 
     Capacitive sensor assembly  124  may include a silicone layer  130  positioned within opening  122  of electronic device  100 . Silicone layer  130  may be positioned between intermediate layer  118  formed on inner surface  120  of cover  112  and housing  102 , and in the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , silicone layer  130  may be coupled directly to bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . As discussed herein, silicone layer  130  may be coupled to bottom portion or component  126  using any suitable coupling technique including, but not limited to, injection molded, cured, adhered or the like. In certain embodiments, the silicone layer  130  may mechanically couple adjacent layers to one another, such as the adjacent layers shown in  FIG. 2  and subsequent figures, such as bottom component  126  and flex layer  132 . 
     Silicone layer  130  may also be substantially compliant, flexible and/or elastic. As a result, when a force is applied to cover  112 , silicone layer  130  may substantially deform to allow electrical traces of capacitive sensor assembly  124  to move toward each other to vary a capacitance between the traces, and ultimately generate an electrical signal to be sent to electronic device  100  based on the applied force, as discussed herein. Additionally, the physical properties compliance and/or elasticity of silicone layer  130  may allow portions of capacitive sensor assembly  124  (e.g., electrical traces) to return to a neutral state (e.g., “spring-back” to an uncompressed position) relatively rapidly, thereby permitting the detection of a consecutively-applied forces being applied to cover  112  of electronic device  100 . Further, and as discussed herein, silicone layer  130  may be positioned between two electrical traces of capacitive sensor assembly  124  to separate the traces in order to detect the force applied to cover  112 . 
     Capacitive sensor assembly  124  may also include a flex layer  132 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , flex layer  132  may be positioned between silicone layer  130  and intermediate layer  118 . As discussed herein, flex layer  132  may be bonded and/or coupled to silicone layer  130  of capacitive sensor assembly  124  using a variety of coupling or bonding techniques (e.g., adhesive, curing, and so on). Additionally, an adhesive  134  may be used to couple flex layer  132  to intermediate layer  118  of electronic device  100 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , adhesive  134  may be a pressure sensitive adhesive that may completely cover flex layer  132  and may be positioned between flex layer  132  and intermediate layer  118  to couple or bond flex layer  132  to cover  112  via intermediate layer  118 . The use of adhesive  134  to bond flex layer  132  to intermediate layer  118  and/or cover  112 , as well as the other connections, couplings and/or bonds formed between the various layers or components of capacitive sensor assembly  124 , may result in a hermetic seal being formed within electronic device  100 . 
     Similar to silicone layer  130  of capacitive sensor assembly  124 , flex layer  132  may include substantially compliant, flexible and/or elastic properties. In a non-limiting example, flex layer may be formed from an elastomeric material. As a result, and as discussed herein with respect to silicone layer  130 , when a force is applied to cover  112 , flex layer  132  may also deform and/or flex toward bottom portion or component  126 . Additionally, when the force on cover  112  is removed or discontinued, flex layer  132  may return or “spring-back” to a neutral state (e.g., uncompressed position). 
     A first electrical trace  136  may be positioned or formed within flex layer  132  of capacitive sensor assembly  124 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , first electrical trace  136  may be positioned within flex layer  132  coupled to silicone layer  130 , such that first electrical trace  136  may be positioned between silicone layer  130 , and intermediate layer  118  and/or cover  112  of electronic device  100 . First electrical trace  136  may have capacitive characteristics and/or first electrical trace  136  may be formed from an electrically conductive material, for example copper. Although only a single first electrical trace  136  is shown in  FIG. 2 , it is understood that capacitive sensor assembly  124  may include a group of electrical traces forming first electrical trace(s)  136 . 
     In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , and as discussed herein, first electrical trace  136  may be a driven capacitive trace that may cooperate with an additional electrical trace of capacitive sensor assembly  124  to detect a force applied to cover  112  of electronic device  100  by measuring changes in capacitance between the cooperating electrical traces of capacitive sensor assembly  124 . By measuring the changes in capacitance, capacitive sensor assembly  124  may detect the force applied to cover  112  and may subsequently provide an electrical signal to display  104  and/or additional components of electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. 
     As discussed herein, bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102  may be formed from a distinct component or material from the remainder of housing  102  of electronic device  100 . Where capacitive sensor assembly  124  includes only a single electrical trace (e.g., first electrical trace  136 ) formed between cover  112  and bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 , bottom portion or component  126  may form a cooperating electrical trace for first electrical trace  136 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 2 , bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102  may be formed from an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper) and may provide a cooperating electrical trace structure for first electrical trace  136 . Where first electrical trace  136  forms a driven capacitive trace, bottom portion or component  126  may form a sense capacitive trace that may cooperate with first electrical trace  136 . 
     First capacitive sensor assembly  124  may detect a force applied to cover  112  by measuring the change in capacitance between first electrical trace  136  and the cooperating electrical trace formed by bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . In a non-limiting example, a continuous charge or current may be provided to both first electrical trace  136  and bottom portion or component  126 . The charge or current may provide a predetermined steady-state or uncompressed, measurable capacitance between first electrical trace  136  and bottom portion or component  126 . When a force is applied to cover  112  of electronic device  100 , cover  112 , flex layer  132  and/or silicone  130  may deflect and/or may flex toward bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 , as discussed herein. This may also cause first electrical trace  136  to deflect toward bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 , resulting in the distance and the capacitance between first electrical trace  136  and bottom portion or component  126  to change. When the capacitance between first electrical trace  136  and bottom portion or component  126  changes, capacitive sensor assembly  124  may detect that a force has been applied to cover  112 , and may subsequently send an electrical signal to display  104  and/or distinct components of electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts an example process for forming a capacitive sensor assembly for an electronic device. Specifically,  FIG. 3  is a flowchart depicting one example process  200  for forming a capacitive sensor assembly having cooperating electrical traces formed from a first electrical trace and an electrically conductive housing. In some cases, process  200  may be used to form one or more capacitive sensor assemblies, as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     In operation  202 , a silicone layer is coupled or bonded to a bottom portion or component of a housing. In operation  204 , a first electrical trace may be positioned within a flex layer positioned on the silicone layer. In operation  206 , the silicone layer may be cured or bonded to the flex layer including the first electrical trace. In operation  208 , an adhesive may be applied to the flex layer including the first electrical trace. In operation  210 , a cover or top portion or component of the housing may be adhered to the flex layer using the applied adhesive. 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  show capacitive sensor assembly  124  for electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 4D ) undergoing various operations that may be performed in accordance with process  200  of  FIG. 3 . It is understood that similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4A , silicone layer  130  may be coupled or bonded to a portion of bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . Silicone layer  130  may be coupled or bonded to bottom portion or component  126  using a variety of bonding techniques. In a non-limiting example, silicone material forming silicone layer  130  may be injection molded onto bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . In another non-limiting example, silicone layer may be die-cut to shape and subsequently installed or positioned on bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . The die-cut silicone layer  130  may be positioned on bottom portion or component  126  in a uncured state. Silicone layer  130  may be subsequently cured to bottom portion or component  126  immediately after being positioned on housing  102 , or during a subsequent curing process involving silicone layer  130  and distinct layers of capacitive sensor assembly  124 , as discussed herein. The coupling or bonding of silicone layer  130  to bottom portion or component  126  shown in  FIG. 4A  may correspond to operation  202  in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4B  shows first electrical trace  136  positioned within flex layer  132  positioned over silicone layer  130 . First electrical trace  136  may be positioned within flex layer  132  using a variety of techniques. In a non-limiting example, a portion of the material forming flex layer  132  may be deposited over silicone layer  130  using any suitable material deposition technique, and first electrical trace may be positioned over the portion of flex layer  132  deposited on silicone layer  130 . Subsequent to positioning first electrical trace  136  on the deposited portion of the material forming flex layer  132 , the remaining material used to form flex layer  132  may be deposited over first electrical trace  136 . In another non-limiting example, flex layer  132  may be formed over silicone layer  130 , and a trench may be formed in a portion of flex layer  132  to receive first electrical trace  136 . In the non-limiting example, first electrical trace  136  may be positioned within the trench, and additional material used to form flex layer  132  may fill in the remaining portion of the trench. The positioning of first electrical trace  136  within flex layer  132  shown in  FIG. 4B  may correspond to operation  204  in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4B  may also show silicone layer  130  cured to flex layer  132  including first electrical trace  136 . In a non-limiting example, housing  102 , silicone layer  130  and flex layer  132  including first electrical trace  136  may undergo a curing process to cure or bond silicone layer  130  to flex layer  132 . Additionally, and as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 4A , silicone layer  130  may undergo the curing process to cure or bond silicone layer  130  to bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . The curing of silicone layer  130  to flex layer  132  including first electrical trace  136  shown in  FIG. 4B  may correspond to operation  206  in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4C  shows an adhesive  134  applied to flex layer  132 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 4C , adhesive  134  may be applied to the entire exposed surface of flex layer  132  to ensure a desired bond is achieved between flex layer  132  and subsequent components of electronic device  100  (e.g., cover  112 ). As discussed herein, adhesive  134  may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. Additionally, adhesive  134  may take the form of any medium associated with adhesives including, but not limited to, tape, spray and paste. The applying of adhesive  134  to flex layer  132  shown in  FIG. 4C  may correspond to operation  208  in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4D  shows cover  112  adhered to flex layer  132  using adhesive  134 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 4D , intermediate layer  118  formed on inner surface  120  of cover  112  may be coupled directly to adhesive  134  to couple cover  112  to flex layer  132 . Where adhesive  134  is formed as a pressure sensitive adhesive, cover  112  may be pressed into adhesive  134  to form the bond and/or to adhere cover  112  to flex layer  132 . By adhering cover  112  to flex layer  132  using adhesive  134 , a hermetic seal may be formed within electronic device  100  between cover  112 , housing  102  and the various layers and components of capacitive sensor assembly  124 . The hermetic seal may prevent debris, such as dust or water, from entering electronic device  100  and causing damage to the internal components of electronic device  100 . The adhering of the cover  112  to flex layer  132  using adhesive  134  shown in  FIG. 4D  may correspond to operation  210  in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts an enlarged cross-section front view of a portion of electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  taken along line CS-CS, according to another embodiment. Electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 5  includes a capacitive sensor assembly  324  having a distinct configuration from capacitive sensor assembly  124  discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 2-4D . It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components of electronic device  100  and capacitive sensor assembly  324  may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , and as similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 , first electrical trace  336  may be positioned or formed within flex layer  332 . However, distinct from first electrical trace  136  of  FIG. 2 , first electrical trace  336 , and flex layer  332 , may be positioned between silicone layer  330  and bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . As shown in the non-limiting example of  FIG. 5 , flex layer  332  may be coupled to bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102  using adhesive  334 . Additionally, flex layer  332  including first electrical trace  336  may be coupled or cured to silicone layer  330  of capacitive sensor assembly  324 . As a result of the position of flex layer  332  in capacitive sensor assembly  324 , and distinct from capacitive sensor assembly  124  of  FIG. 2 , silicone layer  330  may be directly coupled to or cured to intermediate layer  118  formed on inner surface  120  of cover  112 . 
     Also distinct from capacitive sensor assembly  124  of  FIG. 2 , capacitive sensor assembly  324  may include a second electrical trace  338 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 5 , second electrical trace  338  may be positioned within intermediate layer  118  formed on inner surface  120  of cover  112 . Additionally, second electrical trace  338  may be positioned between silicone layer  330  and cover  112 , and may also be positioned adjacent silicone layer  330 , opposite first electrical trace  336  positioned within flex layer  332 . Similar to first electrical trace  336 , second electrical trace  338  may have capacitive characteristics and/or second electrical trace  338  may be formed from an electrically conductive material, for example copper. Although only a single first electrical trace  336  and second electrical trace  338  are shown in  FIG. 5 , it is understood that one or both of the electrical traces of capacitive sensor assembly  324  may include a group of electrical traces forming first electrical trace(s)  336  and/or second electrical trace(s)  338 . 
     As discussed herein, second electrical trace  338  may be positioned or formed within intermediate layer  118  using any suitable laser etching processes. In a non-limiting example, and discussed in detail herein, a laser etching process used to form second electrical trace  338  may include a laser direct structuring (LDS) process. As a result of using an LDS process, intermediate layer  118  may be formed from a thermoplastic material that may be doped with metal-plastic additives. 
     Second electrical trace  338  of capacitive sensor assembly  324  may be a driven capacitive trace that may cooperate with first electrical trace  336  to detect a force applied to cover  112  by measuring changes in capacitance between the first electrical trace  336  and second electrical trace  338 , as discussed herein. In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 5 , where second electrical trace  338  is a driven capacitive trace, first electrical trace  336  may be a sense capacitive trace that may cooperate with second electrical trace  338 . As similarly discussed herein with respect to first electrical trace  136  and bottom portion or component  126  in  FIG. 2 , first electrical trace  336  and second electrical trace  338  of capacitive sensor assembly  324  may be utilized within electronic device  100  to detect a force applied to cover  112  by measuring a change in capacitance between the respective electrical traces  336 ,  338 . 
     As a result of capacitive sensor assembly  324  including second electrical trace  338 , bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102  may not be required to cooperate with first electrical trace  336  in order to measure a change in capacitance. As such, housing  102 , and specifically, bottom portion or component  126  may be formed from any suitable material for electronic device, and may not necessarily be formed from a material having electrically conductive properties. 
       FIG. 6  depicts an example process for forming a capacitive sensor assembly for an electronic device. Specifically,  FIG. 6  is a flowchart depicting one example process  400  for forming a capacitive sensor assembly having cooperating electrical traces formed from a first electrical trace and a second electrical trace. In some cases, process  400  may be used to form one or more capacitive sensor assemblies, as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 5 . 
     In operation  402 , an intermediate layer may be coupled to an inner surface of a cover for an electronic device. In operation  404 , a portion of the intermediate layer may be etched to form an electrical trace. In operation  406 , a distinct electrical trace positioned within a flex layer is bonded to the intermediate layer using a silicone layer. In operation  408 , an adhesive may be applied to the flex layer including the distinct electrical trace. In operation  410 , a bottom portion or component of the housing may be adhered to the flex layer using the applied adhesive. 
       FIGS. 7A-7D  show capacitive sensor assembly  324  for electronic device  100  (see,  FIGS. 7C and 7D ) undergoing various operations that may be performed in accordance with process  400  of  FIG. 6 . It is understood that similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7A , intermediate layer  118  may be coupled to inner surface  120  of cover  112 . Intermediate layer  118  may be formed from a variety of materials, and as such, may be coupled and/or applied to cover  112  using various techniques. In a non-limiting example, intermediate layer  118  may be formed from an ink material. The ink material may be deposited on inner surface  120  of cover  112  using any suitable deposition technique or process including, but not limited to, painting, spraying, mask-and-ink submersion and the like. In another non-limiting example, intermediate layer  118  may be formed as a substantially solid material layer. In the non-limiting example, the substantially solid material layer may be formed as a plastic layer that may be coupled to inner surface  120  of cover  112 . The plastic layer may be coupled to the inner surface  120  using any suitable coupling technique or process (e.g., bonding, welding, melting, and so on). Furthermore, and as discussed in detail with respect to  FIG. 7B , intermediate layer  118  may be formed from a thermoplastic material that may be doped with metal-plastic additives. The metal-plastic additives may be activated and/or react when exposed to a laser beam. The coupling of intermediate layer  118  to inner surface  120  of cover  112  shown in  FIG. 7A  may correspond to operation  402  in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7B  shows intermediate layer  118  having undergone an etching process to form second electrical trace  338 . Various etching processes may be performed on intermediate layer  118  to form second electrical trace  338 . In a non-limiting example, intermediate layer  118  may undergo a laser direct structuring (LDS) process. During the LDS process, a portion of intermediate layer  118 , formed from thermoplastic material having doped metal-plastic additives, may be exposed to a laser. The laser may cause the metal-plastic additives to react or activate, which may result in the exposed portions of intermediate layer  118  to change in chemical composition. The intermediate layer  118  may be subsequently dunked in a bath of a metal material (e.g., copper), where the exposed portions of intermediate layer  118  may attract the metal material to form second electrical trace  338 . In another non-limiting embodiment, intermediate layer  118  may be masked and subsequently etched to form a trench in a portion of intermediate layer  118 . Conductive material (e.g., copper) may then be deposited within the trench formed in intermediate layer  118  to form second electrical trace  338 . The etching of intermediate layer  118  to form second electrical trace  338  shown in  FIG. 7B  may correspond to operation  404  in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7C  shows flex layer  332  including first electrical trace  336  coupled or bonded to intermediate layer  118  via silicone layer  330 . That is, flex layer  332  may be coupled or bonded to silicone layer  330 , and intermediate layer  118  may also be coupled or bonded to silicone layer  330  opposite flex layer  332 . In the non-limiting example, silicone layer  330  may be coupled or bonded to intermediate layer  118  including second electrical trace  338  using a variety of bonding techniques. In a non-limiting example, silicone material forming silicone layer  330  may be injection molded onto intermediate layer  118 . In another non-limiting example, silicone layer  330  may be die-cut to shape and subsequently installed or positioned on intermediate layer  118 . The die-cut silicone layer  330  may be positioned on intermediate layer  118  in a uncured state. Silicone layer  330  may be subsequently cured to intermediate layer  118  immediately after being positioned on intermediate layer  118 , or during a subsequent curing process involving silicone layer  330  and distinct layers of capacitive sensor assembly  324 , as discussed herein. 
     As similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 4B , first electrical trace  336  may be positioned within flex layer  332  using a variety of techniques. In a non-limiting example, a portion of the material forming flex layer  332  may be deposited over silicone layer  330  using any suitable material deposition technique, and first electrical trace  336  may be positioned over the portion of flex layer  332  deposited on silicone layer  330 . Subsequent to positioning first electrical trace  336  on the deposited portion of the material forming flex layer  332 , the remaining material used to form flex layer  332  may be deposited over first electrical trace  336 . In another non-limiting example, flex layer  332  may be formed over silicone layer  330 , and a trench may be formed in a portion of flex layer  332  to receive first electrical trace  336 . In the non-limiting example, first electrical trace  336  may be positioned within the trench, and additional material used to form flex layer  332  may fill in the remaining portion of the trench. 
     Additionally, and also discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 4B , silicone layer  330  may be cured to flex layer  332  including first electrical trace  336 . In a non-limiting example, cover  112 , intermediate layer  118 , silicone layer  330  and flex layer  332  including first electrical trace  336  may undergo a curing process to cure or bond silicone layer  330  to flex layer  332 . Silicone layer  330  may undergo the curing process to cure or bond silicone layer  330  to intermediate layer  118  formed on cover  112 . The coupling or bonding of flex layer  332  and/or silicone layer  330  to intermediate layer  118  shown in  FIG. 7C  may correspond to operation  406  in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7C  may also show an adhesive  334  applied to flex layer  332 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 7C , adhesive  334  may be applied to the entire exposed surface of flex layer  332  to ensure a desired bond is achieved between flex layer  332  and subsequent components of electronic device  100  (e.g., bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 ). As discussed herein, adhesive  334  may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. Additionally, adhesive  334  may take the form of any medium associated with adhesives including, but not limited to, tape, spray and paste. The applying of adhesive  334  to flex layer  332  shown in  FIG. 7C  may correspond to operation  408  in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7D  shows bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102  adhered to flex layer  332  using adhesive  334 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 7D , bottom portion or component  126  may be coupled directly to adhesive  334  to couple housing  102  to flex layer  332 . Where adhesive  334  is formed as a pressure sensitive adhesive, bottom portion or component  126  may be pressed into adhesive  334  to form the bond and/or to adhere housing  102  to flex layer  332 . By adhering housing  102  to flex layer  332  using adhesive  334 , a hermetic seal may be formed within electronic device  100  between cover  112 , housing  102  and the various layers and components of capacitive sensor assembly  324 . The adhering of the bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102  to flex layer  332  using adhesive  334  shown in  FIG. 7D  may correspond to operation  410  in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts an enlarged cross-section front view of a portion of electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  taken along line CS-CS, according to a further embodiment. Electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 8  includes a capacitive sensor assembly  524  having a distinct configuration from capacitive sensor assembly  124 ,  324  discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 2-4D , and  5 - 7 D, respectively. It is understood that similarly numbered and/or named components of electronic device  100  and capacitive sensor assembly  524  may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , and as similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 5 , an electrical trace of capacitive sensor assembly  524  may formed in intermediate layer  118  formed on inner surface  120  of cover  112 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 8 , first electrical trace  536  may be formed in intermediate layer  118 . Similar to capacitive sensor assembly  124  of  FIG. 2 , and dissimilar to capacitive sensor assembly  324  of  FIG. 5 , capacitive sensor assembly  524  may not include a second, distinct electrical trace formed between cover  112  and housing  102 . As such, and as similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 , bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102  may be formed from an electrically conductive material and may act as a cooperating electrical trace for first electrical trace  536  positioned within intermediate layer  118 . First electrical trace  536  positioned within intermediate layer  118  and bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102  may detect a force applied to cover  112  by measuring a change in capacitance between electrical trace  536  and bottom portion or component  126 , as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 . Redundant explanation of these functions have been omitted for clarity. 
     Dissimilar to capacitive sensor assembly  124  of  FIG. 2  and capacitive sensor assembly  324  of  FIG. 5 , capacitive sensor assembly  524  of  FIG. 8  may not include a flex layer (e.g., flex layer  132 — FIG. 2 ; flex layer  332 — FIG. 5 ). In the non-limiting example where first electrical trace  536  is positioned within intermediate layer  118  and bottom portion or component  126  act as a cooperating electrical trace for first electrical trace  536 , flex layer may be removed from capacitive sensor assembly  524 . Additionally, because the flex layer may be removed from capacitive sensor assembly  524 , the adhesive layer used to bond the flex layer to intermediate layer  118  (e.g., adhesive  134 — FIG. 2 ) or housing  102  (e.g., adhesive  334 — FIG. 5 ) may also be removed from capacitive sensor assembly  524 . The removal of the flex layer and the adhesive layer may reduce the number of layers and the height of capacitive sensor assembly  524 . Additionally, the removal of the flex layer and the adhesive layer from capacitive sensor assembly  524  may reduce the overall size and/or height of electronic device  100  as well. 
     Silicone layer  530  may be coupled to intermediate layer  118  and housing  102 . In a non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 8 , and distinct from silicone layers  130 ,  330  in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , respectively, silicone layer  530  may be coupled, bonded and/or cured to intermediate layer  118  formed on inner surface  120  of cover  112 , and bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . As such, silicone layer  530  may be the only compliant layer formed between first electrical trace  536  and bottom portion or component  126 , as the flex layer and the adhesive layer have been removed from capacitive sensor assembly  524 . 
       FIG. 9  depicts an example process for forming a capacitive sensor assembly for an electronic device. Specifically,  FIG. 9  is a flowchart depicting one example process  600  for forming a capacitive sensor assembly having cooperating electrical traces formed from a first electrical trace and an electrically conductive housing. In some cases, process  600  may be used to form one or more capacitive sensor assemblies, as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 8 . 
     In operation  602 , an intermediate layer may be coupled to an inner surface of a cover for an electronic device. In operation  604 , a portion of the intermediate layer may be etched to form an electrical trace. In operation  606 , a silicone layer may be cured to the intermediate layer and a bottom portion or component of a housing for the electronic device. 
       FIGS. 10A-10C  show capacitive sensor assembly  524  for electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 10C ) undergoing various operations that may be performed in accordance with process  600  of  FIG. 9 . It is understood that similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10A , intermediate layer  118  may be coupled to inner surface  120  of cover  112 . Intermediate layer  118  may be formed from a variety of materials, and as such, may be coupled and/or applied to cover  112  using various techniques. In a non-limiting example, intermediate layer  118  may be formed from an ink material. The ink material may be deposited on inner surface  120  of cover  112  using any suitable deposition technique or process including, but not limited to, painting, spraying, mask-and-ink submersion and the like. In another non-limiting example, intermediate layer  118  may be formed as a substantially solid material layer. In the non-limiting example, the substantially solid material layer may be formed as a plastic layer that may be coupled to inner surface  120  of cover  112 . The plastic layer may be coupled to the inner surface  120  using any suitable coupling technique or process (e.g., bonding, welding, melting, and so on). Furthermore, and as discussed in detail with respect to  FIG. 7B , intermediate layer  118  may be formed from a thermoplastic material that may be doped with metal-plastic additives. The metal-plastic additives may be activated and/or react when exposed to a laser beam. The coupling of intermediate layer  118  to inner surface  120  of cover  112  shown in  FIG. 10A  may correspond to operation  602  in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 10B  shows intermediate layer  118  having undergone an etching process to form first electrical trace  536 . Various etching processes may be performed on intermediate layer  118  to form first electrical trace  536 . In a non-limiting example, intermediate layer  118  may undergo a laser direct structuring (LDS) process. During the LDS process, a portion of intermediate layer  118 , formed from thermoplastic material having doped metal-plastic additives, may be exposed to a laser. The laser may cause the metal-plastic additives to react or activate, which may result in the exposed portions of intermediate layer  118  to change in chemical composition. The intermediate layer  118  may be subsequently dunked in a bath of a metal material (e.g., copper), where the exposed portions of intermediate layer  118  may attract the metal material to form first electrical trace  536 . In another non-limiting embodiment, intermediate layer  118  may be masked and subsequently etched to form a trench in a portion of intermediate layer  118 . Conductive material (e.g., copper) may then be deposited within the trench formed in intermediate layer  118  to form first electrical trace  536 . The etching of intermediate layer  118  to form first electrical trace  536  shown in  FIG. 10B  may correspond to operation  604  in  FIG. 9 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10C , silicone layer  530  may be coupled, bonded or cured to a portion of intermediate layer  118  formed on cover  112  and bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . Silicone layer  530  may be coupled, bonded or cured to intermediate layer  118  and housing  102  using a variety of bonding techniques. In a non-limiting example, silicone material forming silicone layer  530  may be injection molded between intermediate layer  118  or bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . In another non-limiting example, silicone layer may be die-cut to shape and subsequently installed or positioned on intermediate layer  118  or bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102 . The die-cut silicone layer  130  may be in an uncured state. Subsequent to positioning the die-cut silicone layer  530 , cover  112  including intermediate layer  118 , bottom portion or component  126  of housing  102  and silicone layer  530  may all undergo a curing process. The coupling, bonding or curing of silicone layer  530  to intermediate layer  118  and bottom portion or component  126  shown in  FIG. 10C  may correspond to operation  606  in  FIG. 9 . 
     Although discussed herein as a bottom portion or component of the external housing of the electronic device, it is understood that bottom portion or component  126  may not be a portion of housing  102 , and/or may not be external component of electronic device  100 . In another non-limiting example, bottom component  126  may be a bottom component of the capacitive sensor assembly, and may be an internal component or structure positioned within opening  122  formed between cover  112  and housing  102 . Additionally, cover may not include an external component of electronic device  100 , and/or may not be substantially transparent. Similar to bottom component  126 , cover  112  may be a top component of the capacitive sensor assembly, and may be an internal component or structure positioned within opening  122  formed between cover  112  and housing  102 . 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180625
Publication Date: 20190521
Grant Date: 20190521
Priority Date: 20150306
Inventors: BUSHNELL, TYLER S.
GARG, VIKRAM
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/011", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/0162", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/0162", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/0014", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04102", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10151", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/0133", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/0133", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04102", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/0014", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10151", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/0162", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04102", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/0133", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/0014", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01R1/04", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/10151", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K3/103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01R1/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0447", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0446", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0445", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0443", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0447", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0446", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0445", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0443", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 56849639