PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11079812-B1
Application Number: US-201715702721-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Modular button assembly for an electronic device

Abstract:
A modular button assembly includes a button housing that may be disposed in an opening of an enclosure of an electronic device. The modular button assembly may include an input member that forms an exterior surface of the button housing and is configured to receive inputs, for example from a user of the electronic device. The modular button assembly may further include a sensor for detecting the received inputs and transmitting a signal to a processor of the electronic device. The modular button assembly may be configured such that disposing the button housing in the opening of the enclosure forms a seal that prevents contaminants from entering the button housing and the enclosure.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic watch comprising:
 a display; 
 an enclosure at least partially surrounding the display, the enclosure having a sidewall and an opening formed in the sidewall; 
 a processor operably coupled to the display; 
 a button assembly disposed in the opening, the button assembly comprising:
 a button housing defining a groove along exterior sidewalls of the button housing; 
 an input member attached to the button housing and defining an input surface; 
 a sensor positioned within the button housing and below the input surface, the sensor being configured to detect an input on the input surface; 
 a seal positioned in the groove between sidewalls of the button housing and the sidewalls of the enclosure; 
 a second seal positioned between the input member and a top surface of the button housing; 
 a sensor bracket configured to attach the sensor to the button housing; 
 a flex cable configured to couple the sensor to the processor; and 
 an isolation pad positioned against a bottom surface of the button housing such that when the button assembly is installed in the electronic device, the button assembly is electrically isolated from the electronic device; 
 
 a threaded fastener attaching the button housing to the enclosure and placing the seal in compression between the button housing and the enclosure; 
 wherein the display includes a graphical output that is responsive to the input provided to the button assembly; and 
 wherein the threaded fastener extends through an attachment hole in the enclosure and is threaded into an attachment receptacle in the button housing. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the button assembly comprises a gasket positioned between the input member and the button housing. 
     
     
       3. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a capacitive sensor configured to detect a touch or a press on the input surface. 
     
     
       4. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a capacitive sensor configured to measure a force applied to the input surface. 
     
     
       5. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the opening includes a passage to an interior volume of the enclosure; 
 the threaded fastener is a first threaded fastener positioned along a first side of the passage; and 
 a second threaded fastener is positioned along a second side of the passage opposite to the first side. 
 
     
     
       6. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the electronic watch further comprises a watch crown configured to rotate about an axis and translate along the axis in response to manipulation. 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the input is a press on the input surface that causes a displacement of the input member a distance between 1 micron and 50 microns; and 
 the sensor is configured to detect the press in response to the displacement. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the button assembly further comprises a compliant region positioned below the input surface and configured to compress responsive to the input on the input surface. 
     
     
       9. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the input member is configured to translate in response to receiving the input; and 
 the sensor is configured to detect the input in response to translation of the input member. 
 
     
     
       10. An electronic device comprising:
 an enclosure having a sidewall that at least partially defines an enclosed volume, the sidewall having an opening and a passage disposed between the opening and the enclosed volume; 
 a button assembly disposed in the opening, the button assembly comprising:
 a button housing removably attached to the enclosure, the button housing defining a groove along exterior sidewalls of the button housing; 
 an input member coupled with the button housing and defining an input surface; 
 a capacitive sensor positioned below the input surface and configured to detect an input on the input surface; and 
 a seal positioned in the groove between the sidewalls of the button housing and the sidewalls of the enclosure; 
 
 a flex cable extending from the button assembly into the enclosed volume through the passage, wherein the flex cable operably couples the capacitive sensor to the processor; and 
 an attachment mechanism attaching the button assembly to the enclosure, the attachment mechanism comprising a threaded portion extending through an attachment hole in the enclosure and threaded into an attachment receptacle in the button housing, wherein attaching the button assembly to the enclosure, via the threaded portion, compresses the seal between the button housing and the enclosure. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the input is a press on the input surface that causes a displacement of the input surface; and 
 the capacitive sensor is disposed within an internal volume defined by the button housing and configured to detect the press in response to the displacement. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the capacitive sensor is a first capacitive sensor; and the button assembly further comprises a second capacitive sensor positioned below the input surface and configured to detect the input on the input surface. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the button housing defines a groove along a sidewall of the button housing; and 
 the seal is an O-ring positioned in the groove.

Description:
FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate to electronic devices, and in particular, to electronic devices that incorporate a sealed modular button assembly that includes a sensor for detecting a touch on the modular button assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many traditional electronic devices include buttons, keys, or other similar input mechanisms. Many traditional input mechanisms are difficult to seal and may introduce one or more paths through which contaminants may enter the device. Furthermore, many traditional mechanisms are structurally integrated in a way that does not facilitate component-level testing or easy repair. The embodiments described herein are directed to electronic devices having a modular button or input device that may address these and other issues that are associated with some traditional input mechanisms. 
     SUMMARY 
     Certain embodiments described herein relate to, include, or take the form of an electronic watch including an enclosure defining an enclosed volume and having a sidewall and an opening formed in the sidewall. The sidewall further includes a passage between the opening and the enclosed volume. The electronic watch further includes a processor positioned in the enclosed volume and a display operably coupled to the processor. The electronic watch further includes a modular button assembly. The modular button assembly includes a button housing and an input member attached to the button housing and defining an input surface. The modular button assembly further includes a sensor positioned below the input surface and configured to detect an input on the input surface. The modular button assembly further includes a seal positioned between the button housing and the enclosure and around the passage. The electronic device further includes an electrical connector extending from the modular button assembly and into the enclosed volume through the passage. The electrical connector operably couples the sensor and the processor. 
     Other embodiments described generally reference an electronic watch including a display, an enclosure at least partially surrounding the display, and a processor operably coupled to the display. The enclosure has a sidewall and an opening formed in the sidewall. The electronic watch further includes a modular button assembly disposed in the opening. The modular button assembly includes a button housing and an input member attached to the button housing and defining an input surface. The modular button assembly further includes a sensor positioned below the input surface and configured to detect an input on the input surface and a seal positioned between the button housing and the enclosure. The electronic device further includes a fastener attaching the modular button assembly to the enclosure and placing the seal in compression between the button housing and the enclosure. The display includes a graphical output that is responsive to the input provided to the modular button assembly. 
     Still further embodiments described herein generally reference an electronic device including an enclosure having an opening and a modular button assembly disposed in the opening. The modular button assembly includes a button housing defining an input surface and a capacitive sensor positioned below the input surface and configured to detect an input on the input surface. The modular button assembly further includes a seal positioned between the button housing and the enclosure. The electronic device further includes an attachment mechanism attaching the modular button assembly to the enclosure. Attaching the modular button assembly to the enclosure compresses the seal between the button housing and the enclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Reference will now be made to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying figures. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit this disclosure to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, the disclosure provided herein is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments, and as defined by the appended claims. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example electronic device having a modular button assembly as described herein. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-section of a modular button assembly disposed in an opening of an electronic device taken through section A-A of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an example wearable electronic device having a modular button assembly as described herein. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an exploded view of the enclosure and the modular button assembly of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a cross-section of the modular button assembly disposed in a device enclosure, along section B-B of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a cross-section of the modular button assembly disposed in a device enclosure, taken through section C-C of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates an exploded view of a modular button assembly. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-section of another embodiment of a modular button assembly. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-section of another embodiment of a modular button assembly. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example electronic device that includes a modular button assembly as described herein. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-section of a modular button assembly disposed in a device enclosure, along section D-D of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an example electronic device having a modular button assembly as described herein. 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  illustrate a cross-section of a modular button assembly disposed in an opening of an electronic device along section E-E of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a simplified flow chart depicting example operations of a modular button assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is an illustrative block diagram  1250  of an electronic device such as described herein. 
     
    
    
     The use of the same or similar reference numerals in different figures indicates similar, related, or identical items. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     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 claims. 
     The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a modular button assembly for use as part of an electronic device. An electronic device receives inputs from users manipulating the modular button assembly. Example user inputs include force inputs, touch inputs, biometric inputs, and the like. A modular button assembly, as described herein, includes one or more buttons for receiving user inputs. The modular button assembly may be configured to control or otherwise provide inputs to the electronic device. In various embodiments, the modular button assembly may be used to control a graphical output of a display of the electronic device. A modular button assembly may be configured, for example, as a power button, a key of a keyboard, a control button (e.g., volume control), a home button, a watch crown, and so on. 
     Example embodiments described herein are directed to a modular button assembly that can be installed in a device enclosure of an electronic device. The attachment or installation of the modular button assembly to the electronic device may seal the electronic device enclosure, the modular button assembly, or both to inhibit the ingress of moisture or contaminants. The modular button assembly may facilitate modular testing and simplified device repair. 
     Some forms of button assemblies are integrated into the interior components of an electronic device. Many button assemblies include multiple components that are not housed or packaged distinctly from other components of the electronic device. Similarly, multiple components of a traditional button assembly may be coupled to a device separately, which may complicate installation and maintenance. 
     In contrast, some button assemblies described herein are modular assemblies. For example, the components of the button assembly may be disposed in a housing that is different or distinct from a device enclosure. The housing (e.g., a button housing) of the modular button assembly may be disposed in an opening or on a surface of an enclosure and attached to the electronic device in a variety of ways. The modular nature of the modular button assembly provides several advantages. For example, the manufacturing process of a wearable electronic device may be simplified because the modular button assembly can be constructed separately from the rest of the device and installed in a relatively quick and simplified manner as compared to, for example, a button assembly with multiple separate components that are integrated into a device enclosure. The modular button assembly may further be tested separately from the rest of the device, both during and after construction, which simplifies quality assurance and troubleshooting. For instance, a seal of the modular button assembly may be tested separately from the rest of the device to ensure that the modular button assembly satisfactorily excludes contaminants and/or moisture once the device is assembled. Further, the modular button assembly may be calibrated or adjusted (e.g., shimmed) separately from the rest of the device to ensure satisfactory button performance and/or feel once the device is assembled. Additionally, the modular button assembly may be removed from the assembly for testing and/or replacement, which may reduce device maintenance complexity and cost. 
     The modular button assemblies described herein may include a seal that inhibits contaminants from entering the interior volume and/or an enclosure of the electronic device. “Contaminants,” as used herein, may be used to refer to foreign matter that is not intended to be present in the interior volume or the electronic device. Example contaminants include liquids, such as water, and solid matter such as lint, dust, and food particles. In one embodiment, a seal is positioned between the button housing and one or more surfaces of the enclosure of the electronic device. 
     The input member may be located on or near an outer surface of the button housing and configured to receive user inputs. The input member may be touched, pressed, or otherwise interacted with by a user. The input member may translate, deflect, bend, or otherwise move in response to user input. 
     The sensor detects inputs received at the input member and provides an output signal associated with the detected input, for example, to a processor of an electronic device. The sensor may be implemented as a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a magnetic sensor, and so on. The output of the sensor may indicate whether an input (e.g., a touch, a press, or the like) occurs, where an input occurs, and/or a measure of the input (e.g., a force measurement). The modular button assembly may additionally or alternatively include a biometric sensor such as a fingerprint reader or the like. 
     The foregoing embodiments and other embodiments are discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 1-12 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example electronic device  100  that may incorporate a modular button assembly  110  as described herein. The electronic device  100  includes an enclosure  150  and a modular button assembly  110  disposed in an opening of the enclosure. The modular button assembly  110  includes an input surface on which inputs can be received and a sensor for detecting received inputs. In one embodiment, the enclosure  150  defines an enclosed volume, and may include a passage between the enclosed volume and the opening such that the modular button assembly  110  and additional components of the electronic device  100  may be physically coupled, for example by an electrical connector. 
     Unlike traditional buttons, the modular button assembly  110  includes a sealed button housing to inhibit moisture or contaminants from entering the button housing. Further, the modular button assembly  110  includes a seal between the button housing and the enclosure to inhibit moisture or contaminants from entering the enclosure  150 . In various embodiments, disposing the modular button assembly  110  in the opening or otherwise attaching the modular button assembly to the enclosure  150  causes the seal to be placed in compression between the button housing and the enclosure such that moisture and contaminants are inhibited from entering the enclosure and the button housing. For example, the seal may be disposed around the passage of the enclosure  150  to inhibit the entry of moisture and contaminants into the enclosed volume. 
     The modular button assembly  110  may be disposed at any of several locations of the enclosure  150 . For example, the modular button assembly  110  may be positioned along a surface of the enclosure  150  as depicted in  FIG. 1 , in which the modular button assembly  110  is disposed on a same surface as the display  152 , for example as a button. Alternatively or additionally, the modular button assembly  110  may be positioned on a different surface or portion of an electronic device  100 , such as a sidewall, a top surface, a bottom surface, and the like. 
     The modular button assembly  110  may be shaped in any of several geometries. For example, the modular button assembly  110  may be circular, oblong, or rectangular. In embodiments in which the modular button assembly  110  extends from the electronic device  100 , the modular button assembly  110  may present a first geometry for a portion extending from the electronic device, and a second geometry for another portion contained within the enclosure  150 . 
     The electronic device  100  can also include one or more internal components (not shown) typical of a computing or electronic device, such as, for example, one or more processors, memory components, network interfaces, and so on. Example device components are discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 12 . It should be appreciated that any number of electronic devices may incorporate a modular button assembly, including (but not limited to): computers; personal digital assistants; media players; watches; other wearable devices; touch-sensitive devices; keypads; keyboards; and so on. 
     The enclosure  150  provides a device structure, defines an internal volume of the electronic device  100 , and houses device components. In various embodiments, the enclosure  150  may be constructed from any suitable material, including metals (e.g., aluminum, titanium, and the like), polymers, ceramics (e.g., glass, sapphire), and the like. In one embodiment, the enclosure  150  is constructed from multiple materials. The enclosure  150  can form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of the electronic device  100 . 
     The display  152  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to 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. The display  152  provides a graphical output, for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device  100 . In one embodiment, the display  152  includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. In various embodiments, a graphical output of the display  152  is responsive to inputs provided to the modular button assembly. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-section  200  of a modular button assembly disposed in an opening of an electronic device taken through section A-A of  FIG. 1 . The modular button assembly (e.g., the modular button assembly  110  of  FIG. 1 ) is disposed in an opening of an enclosure of an electronic device (e.g., the enclosure  150  of the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1 ). 
     In various embodiments, the modular button assembly  110  is self-contained or modular. The modular nature of the modular button assembly provides several advantages. The modular button assembly  110  may be installed and removed easily. Further, the manufacturing process of a wearable electronic device may be simplified because the modular button assembly  110  can be constructed separately from the rest of the device and installed in a relatively quick and simplified manner as compared to, for example, a traditional button assembly with components that are integrated into a device enclosure. The modular button assembly may further be tested separately from the rest of the device, both during and after construction, which simplifies quality assurance and troubleshooting. The modular button assembly may be removed from the assembly for testing and/or replacement, which may reduce device maintenance complexity and cost. The modular nature of the modular button assembly also allows the modular button assembly and the enclosure of the electronic device in which the modular button assembly is disposed to be sealed, thereby inhibiting the entry of moisture or contaminants into the enclosure and/or the modular button assembly. 
     The modular button assembly  110  defines an input surface  237  on the exterior of the modular button assembly for receiving inputs, for example from users (e.g., touches, presses, and the like). The input surface  237  receives inputs, for example from users. Inputs may include presses, touches, or other interactions between a user and the input surface  237 . A sensor  238  is positioned below the input surface and detects inputs received on the input surface. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the enclosure  150  defines an enclosed volume  208 , and includes a passage  275  between the enclosed volume and the opening of the enclosure such that the sensor  238  and components of the electronic device  100  (e.g., a processor) may be operably coupled to facilitate communication. In the example of  FIG. 2 , an electrical connector  292  is coupled to the sensor  238  and extends through the passage  275  and into the enclosed volume  208 . The electrical connector  292  is illustrated as a flex cable, but may be any suitable electrical connector for facilitating communication between the sensor and components of the electronic device  100 , such as wire, cable, and the like. 
     The modular button assembly  110  includes a button housing  232  that forms an exterior structure of the modular button assembly. The button housing  232  forms an exterior structure of the modular button assembly. The button housing  232  defines an interior volume  234 . The interior volume  234  may include the components of the modular button assembly such as a processor, data storage memory, and the components described below. 
     The modular button assembly  110  also includes a seal  280  between the enclosure  150  and the button housing  232 . The seal  280  is disposed around the passage  275  to inhibit the entry of moisture and contaminants into the enclosed volume and/or the button housing  232 . In  FIG. 2 , the seal  280  is a gasket made of rubber, plastic, or another suitable material that is compressed between the button housing  232  and the enclosure  150  when the modular button assembly  110  is disposed in the opening of the enclosure. In various embodiments, the seal may be any suitable mechanism or mechanisms for inhibiting the entry of moisture and contaminants to the button housing, the enclosure, or both. Example seals include any type of mechanical seal, adhesive, sealant, or the like, including but not limited to, gaskets, O-rings, face seals, plugs, washers, and the like. In one embodiment, the seal  280  extends at least partially into the passage  275  and/or the enclosed volume  208 . For example, the seal  280  may include a sleeve or boot that extends into the passage  275  and/or the enclosed volume  208 . The sleeve or boot may be formed of a flexible material such as silicone and may be disposed around the electrical connector  292 . In one embodiment, the sleeve or boot forms a seal around the electrical connector  292  using glue or another adhesive. The button housing  232  may be sealed at one or more locations such that contaminants are prevented from entering the interior volume  234 . 
     An input member  236  is attached to the button housing  232  and defines the input surface  237 . The input member  236  is shown as a separate component that is attached to the button housing  232 , but in various embodiments, the input member  236  may be integrated as an exterior surface of the button housing  232 , or it may be a separate component disposed on, within, or outside of the button housing  232 . In the case in which the input member  236  is integrated as an exterior surface of the button housing, the button housing may define the input surface. The input member  236  may comprise one or more layers. In one embodiment, an outer layer is a cap formed of a durable material such as sapphire, and the cap forms an exterior surface of the button housing  232 . 
     In one embodiment, the input member  236  translates, deflects, bends, or otherwise moves or is displaced relative to other parts of the modular button assembly in response to user input (e.g., a press, a touch) on the input surface  237 . For example, the input member  236  may be configured to bend as a beam (e.g., a fixed-free beam or a fixed-fixed beam) attached to the button housing  232  or the enclosure at one or more edges or sides, and is configured to deflect or bend in response to user input. The input member  236  may also bend or deform as a diaphragm or flexible wall. 
     In another embodiment, the input member  236  is configured to translate, for example up and down with respect to  FIG. 2 , in response to inputs on the input surface  237 . For example, the input member  236  may be coupled to or otherwise disposed on one or more elastic members such that the input member may move relative to the button housing  232  responsive to user input. Example elastic members include springs, gels, elastomers, or the like. In another embodiment, the input member  236  may include a compliant layer or portion such that the input member compresses or otherwise deforms in response to user input. Similarly, the input member  236  may be a dome switch configured to compress or translate. 
     A sensor  238  detects inputs received at the input surface  237  and provides an output signal associated with the detected input, for example, to a processor of an electronic device. The sensor  238  may be partially or entirely disposed in the interior volume  234  and/or disposed on or near a surface of the button housing  232 , such as the input surface  237 . The output of the sensor  238  or the magnitude of the output may indicate whether an input occurs and/or a degree of measure of the input (e.g., a measure of a force applied to the input surface). The sensor  238  may detect inputs by detecting movement or displacement of the input member  236  (e.g., bending, translating, deflecting, and the like). In one embodiment, the sensor  238  is capable of detecting movement or displacement of the input member  236  between 1 and 50 microns. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor  238  may detect inputs by detecting interaction with the input surface  237  that does not result in movement of the input member  236 , such as an object near or touching the input surface. 
     In one embodiment, the sensor  238  may detect multiple types of inputs to the same input surface  237 . For example, the sensor  238  may be configured to detect a touch and a press that exceeds a threshold (e.g., a force threshold). 
     In one embodiment, the sensor  238  is a capacitive sensor that detects changes in capacitance based on inputs received on the input surface  237 . In various embodiments, the capacitive sensor may be configured to detect mutual capacitance and/or self-capacitance. 
     A sensor for detecting mutual capacitance can include a capacitive member (e.g., a plate) that is capacitively coupled to the input member  236  and/or the input surface  237  and an output circuit configured to measure the capacitance between the capacitive member and the input member or input surface. As the input member or input surface translates, deflects, or otherwise moves, the measured capacitance between the input member and the sensor  238  changes. In one embodiment, the capacitive plate is capacitively coupled to a reference or ground capacitive member disposed in the input member  236 . In another embodiment, the input member  236  does not include a reference or ground capacitive plate, but the capacitive plate is capacitively coupled to the input member itself. 
     A sensor for detecting self-capacitance can include a capacitive member disposed in the modular button assembly (e.g., below the input surface, within the input member, or the like) with an output circuit configured to measure the capacitance between the capacitive member and an object near or touching the input surface  237 . For example, the sensor  238  may detect a capacitive virtual ground effect of an input instrument such as a finger or other body part touching the input surface  237 . In another embodiment, the sensor  238  detects the presence of objects near, but not necessarily touching the input surface  237  such as a user&#39;s finger approaching the input surface  237 . The measured capacitance from either type of sensor may be interpreted, for example by a processor of an electronic device, as an input. 
     In another embodiment, the sensor  238  is a contact sensor. Movement of the input member  236  may cause a contact coupled to the input member to touch a contact disposed within the housing, thereby registering an input by, for example, closing a circuit. In another embodiment, the sensor  238  may be a switch, (e.g., a tactile dome switch) disposed in the interior volume  234  that is depressed responsive to movement or displacement of the input member  236 . In still another embodiment, the sensor  238  is a resistive sensor such as a piezoresistor that detects changes in resistance caused by movement of the input member  236 . 
     In another embodiment, the sensor  238  may be configured to perform biometric sensing. For example, the sensor  238  may be implemented as a fingerprint reader located on or near the input surface  237 . The sensor  238  may be any type of biometric sensor that provides a signal associated with a biometric of a user. For example, the sensor  238  may provide a signal that can be used to identify a fingerprint. The fingerprint biometric may be obtained by any means known in the art, including a capacitive fingerprint sensor, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, an optical fingerprint sensor, and so on. 
     In still another embodiment, the sensor  238  includes a camera (or other optical sensor) for detecting inputs and/or performing biometric sensing. As one example, the camera may detect inputs by optically detecting a fingertip contacting the input surface  237 . The camera and/or a processor of the electronic device may be further configured to detect an input force by processing images captured by the camera. For example, the processor may determine an input force by determining an amount of surface area of the input surface  237  in contact with the user&#39;s finger and/or a change in the amount of surface area over time. Such changes in surface area (or absolute amounts of surface area) contacted by a user&#39;s finger, or other structure, may be correlated to force exerted on the input surface  237 . For example, as a user exerts more force on the input surface  237 , the surface area of the input surface  237  that the user&#39;s finger contacts increases. 
     The sensor  238  may be disposed on a substrate, such as a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the substrate additionally or alternatively includes a light such as a light emitting diode. The input member  236  may be at least partially translucent or transparent such that the modular button assembly emits light. 
     Although a set of example sensor types are described above, the sensor  238  may be any type of sensor that is suitable for measuring inputs. For example, in addition to the sensors described above, the sensor  238  may be a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer, a flex sensor, or the like. 
     In one embodiment, the modular button assembly  110  is configured to produce a haptic output (e.g., a tactile output), for example using a haptic actuator. For example, the modular button assembly provides feedback in response to a sensed touch, to confirm an input, and so on. 
     Attachment mechanisms  260  (e.g., fasteners) attach the modular button assembly  110  to the enclosure  150  and place the seal  280  in compression to inhibit moisture and contaminants from entering the enclosed volume  208  and/or the button housing  232 . In one embodiment, the modular button assembly includes two attachment mechanisms  260  positioned along opposite sides of the passage  275 . In other embodiments, one or more attachment mechanisms  260  may be disposed in any suitable location for attaching the modular button assembly  110  to the enclosure. Example attachment mechanisms include fasteners, such as screws, bolts, nails, clips, springs, hinges, magnets, wire, tape, threads, and the like. Additional example attachment mechanisms include adhesives, such as glue, cement, epoxy, and the like. In still another example, the attachment mechanism is a result of a joining method such as a welding, soldering, crimping, brazing, pressure fitting, and the like. In various embodiments, the attachment mechanisms may include a combination of several different attachment mechanisms, and the attachment mechanisms may be permanent or non-permanent. The modular button assembly, the enclosure, or both may include attachment receptacles for interfacing with attachment mechanisms to facilitate attachment. Example attachment receptacles include holes, threaded holes, brackets, loops, hooks, clips, or other features or components configured to engage the attachment mechanism  260 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the modular button assembly  110  may be positioned to protrude from a surface of the enclosure. Alternatively, the modular button assembly may be positioned such that it is flush with a surface of the enclosure to present a substantially planar input member relative to the surface of the electronic device. In yet another alternative, the modular button assembly may be positioned to be recessed in a surface of the enclosure. Other configurations of the mounting of the modular button assembly are possible. For example, the exterior of the modular button assembly may be conformal with an adjacent exterior surface of the enclosure, or may be depressed with respect to an adjacent surface of the enclosure. 
     As described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a modular button assembly (e.g., modular button assembly  110 ) may be disposed in any electronic device. In one embodiment, the modular button assembly is disposed in a wearable electronic device such as a watch.  FIG. 3A  illustrates an example wearable electronic device  300  that may incorporate a modular button assembly  310  as described herein. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device  300  is implemented as a wearable computing device (e.g., an electronic watch). Other embodiments can implement the electronic device differently. For example, the electronic device can be a smart telephone, a gaming device, a digital music player, a device that provides time, a health assistant, and other types of electronic devices that include, or can be connected to a sensor(s). 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 3A , the wearable electronic device  300  includes an enclosure  350  at least partially surrounding a display  352 , a watch crown  302 , and one or more modular button assemblies  310 . The wearable electronic device  300  can also include one or more internal components (not shown) typical of a computing or electronic device, such as, for example, one or more processors, memory components, network interfaces, and so on.  FIG. 12  depicts an example computing device, the components of which may be included in the wearable electronic device  300 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 3A , the modular button assembly  310  is disposed in a sidewall of the enclosure  350 , and is permanently or releasably attached to the enclosure  350 . The modular button assembly  310  includes a button housing  332  that houses internal components of the modular button assembly  310 . In some embodiments, a portion of the button housing  332  protrudes from the enclosure  350 . A portion of the button housing  332  may be disposed within the enclosure  350 . The modular button assembly  310  includes an input surface  337  for receiving user inputs. 
     The enclosure  350  provides a device structure, defines an internal volume of the wearable electronic device, and houses device components. In various embodiments, the enclosure  350  may be constructed from any suitable material, including metals (e.g., aluminum, titanium, and the like), polymers, ceramics (e.g., glass, sapphire), and the like. In one embodiment, the enclosure  350  is constructed from multiple materials. The enclosure  350  can form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of the wearable electronic device  300 , and may at least partially surround the display  352 . The enclosure  350  can be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, the enclosure  350  can be formed of a single piece operably connected to the display  352 . 
     The display  352  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to 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. The display  352  provides a graphical output, for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device  300 . In one embodiment, the display  352  includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. In various embodiments, a graphical output of the display  352  is responsive to inputs provided to the modular button assembly. 
     The watch crown  302  receives inputs, for example from a user. In one embodiment, the watch crown  302  is configured to rotate about an axis and translate along the axis in response to manipulation. The watch crown  302  may further include a switch such as a dome switch to provide a tactile response to translation of the watch crown. In some embodiments, a modular button assembly may be integrated with the watch crown  302  such that the watch crown has some or all of the characteristics of the modular button assemblies described herein. 
     The wearable electronic device  300  can be permanently or removably attached to a band (not shown). The band may be used to attach the wearable electronic device  300  to the body of a user. The band can be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, leather, metal, rubber or silicon, fabric, and ceramic. In the illustrated embodiment, the band is a wristband that wraps around the user&#39;s wrist. The wristband can include an attachment mechanism, such as a bracelet clasp, Velcro, and magnetic connectors. In other embodiments, the band can be elastic or stretchable such that it fits over the hand of the user and does not include an attachment mechanism. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates an exploded view of the enclosure  350  and the modular button assembly  310  of  FIG. 3A . The modular button assembly  310  is shaped or adapted such that it may be disposed in an opening  370  of the enclosure  350 . The opening  370  includes a depression for accepting the modular button assembly  310 . One or more electrical connectors (e.g., wires, traces, cables, flexes, and the like) may pass through a passage  375  to facilitate wired communication between the modular button assembly  310  and other components of the wearable electronic device. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 3B , the attachment mechanisms  360  are threaded fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, and the like) configured to attach the modular button assembly to the enclosure. The modular button assembly  310  includes one or more attachment receptacles configured to receive the attachment mechanisms  360 , and the enclosure  350  includes attachment holes  365 . The modular button assembly may be attached to the enclosure by attachment mechanisms that extend through the attachment holes and into the attachment receptacles. In one embodiment, the modular button assembly includes a first threaded fastener positioned along a side of the passage  375  and a second threaded fastener positioned along an opposite side of the passage  375 . The attachment configuration described above is described as an example for illustrative purposes, and in various embodiments the modular button assembly  310  may be attached to the enclosure  350  in any suitable manner as described above with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 3B , the modular button assembly  310  may include a seal  380  to seal the modular button assembly, the enclosure  350 , or both. In one embodiment, the seal  380  is an O-ring seal disposed around a surface of the button housing such that when the modular button assembly is installed in the enclosure, the seal  380  contacts a surface of the enclosure  350  inside the opening  370  such that the modular button assembly and the enclosure are sealed. The seal  380  is shown as a single O-ring seal for purposes of illustration, but in various embodiments, there may be multiple seals  380  and each seal  380  may be any type of mechanical seal, adhesive, seal, or the like, including but not limited to, gaskets, O-rings, face seals, plugs, washers, and the like. 
     Like the modular button assembly  110  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the modular button assembly  310  may be self-contained or modular such that it may be installed and removed easily. The modular nature of the modular button assembly provides several advantages. For example, the manufacturing process of a wearable electronic device may be simplified because the modular button assembly can be constructed separately from the rest of the device and installed in a relatively quick and simplified manner as compared to, for example, a button assembly with components that are integrated into a device enclosure. The modular button assembly may further be tested separately from the rest of the device, both during and after construction, which simplifies quality assurance and troubleshooting. The modular button assembly may be removed from the assembly for testing and/or replacement, which may reduce device maintenance complexity and cost. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a cross-section of the modular button assembly  310  disposed in a device enclosure  350 , taken through section B-B of  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 4B  illustrates a cross-section of the modular button assembly  310  disposed in a device enclosure  350 , taken through section C-C of  FIG. 3A .  FIGS. 4A-4B  show the modular button assembly installed in an opening of the enclosure  350 . The modular button assembly is attached to the enclosure by two attachment mechanisms  360  (e.g., fasteners). The seal  380  is contacting the surfaces of the modular button assembly and the opening of the enclosure such that moisture and contaminants are inhibited from entering the enclosure and the modular button assembly. 
       FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate various internal components of the modular button assembly disposed in the internal volume  420  of the button housing  332 , including a sensor  438 , a sensor bracket  490 , and a flex cable  492 . The input member  336  is configured to bend as a beam or plate extending across the top surface of the button housing  332 . The input member  336  is capable of deflecting, or otherwise moving relative to the sensor  438  (e.g., up and down with respect to  FIG. 4A ), for example responsive to a user touching or pressing on the input surface  337 . The sensor  438  is configured to detect deflection of the input member  336 , for example using capacitive sensing. The sensor  438  may include a capacitive sensor that is capacitively coupled to a ground plane or reference plane disposed in the input member  336 . In another embodiment, the input member  336  does not include a reference or ground plane. The sensor  438  is attached to the button housing  332  using the sensor bracket  490 . The flex cable  492  is operable to couple the sensor  438  to the processor of the modular button assembly by transmitting signals from the sensor to other components of the electronic device such as the processor for processing as an input. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates an exploded view of a modular button assembly (e.g., modular button assembly  310  of  FIGS. 3A-3B ). The modular button assembly includes an input member  336 , a seal  482 , a button housing  332 , a seal  380 , a sensor  438 , a sensor bracket  490 , a flex cable  492 , an isolation pad  484 , and two attachment mechanisms  360 . The seal  482  is a gasket seal made of rubber, plastic, or another suitable material and positioned between the input member  336  and a top surface of the button housing  332  to seal the button housing from contaminants. 
     The isolation pad  484  is positioned against a bottom surface of the button housing  332  such that when the modular button assembly is installed in an electronic device, the modular button assembly is electrically isolated from the electronic device. In one embodiment, the isolation pad  484  additionally or alternatively functions as a seal to inhibit the entry of contaminants into the electronic device and/or the button housing. For example, the isolation pad  484  may be a gasket made of rubber, plastic, or another suitable material. 
     The button housing  332  includes a groove  481  along an exterior sidewall. The seal  380  may be positioned in the groove  481  to maintain the seal&#39;s position in compression between the button housing  332  and the enclosure. 
     The embodiments shown and described with respect to  FIGS. 3A-4C  are examples of a modular button assembly for a wearable electronic device. In various embodiments, the structures, components, and arrangement thereof may differ from the described examples.  FIGS. 5-6  illustrate examples of alternate embodiments for the modular button assembly described with respect to  FIGS. 3A-4C . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-section of an alternate embodiment of a modular button assembly. The modular button assembly  510  is similar to the modular button assembly  310  described with respect to  FIGS. 3A-4D . The modular button assembly  510  includes an input member  536  that includes an input surface  550 , a sensor  559 , a compliant region  556 , and an electrical connector  558 . The modular button assembly  510  further includes a sensor  538 , a sensor bracket  590 , and a flex cable  592 . 
     In one embodiment, the sensor  559  is a biometric sensor configured to detect biometric inputs. For example, the sensor  559  may be implemented as a fingerprint reader located on or near the input surface  550 . The sensor  559  may be any type of biometric sensor that provides a signal associated with a biometric of a user. For example, the sensor  559  may provide a signal that can be used to identify a fingerprint. The fingerprint biometric may be obtained by any means known in the art, including a capacitive fingerprint sensor, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, an optical fingerprint sensor, and so on. 
     The sensor  538  is similar to the sensors  238  and  438  discussed with respect to  FIGS. 2-4 . The sensor  238  and the sensor  559  may be operatively coupled. For example, in one embodiment, the sensor  238  is configured to not detect an input unless an input (e.g., a fingerprint) is detected by the sensor  559 . 
     In another embodiment, the sensors  238  and  559  are capacitive plates that are configured to detect mutual capacitance. For example, the sensors  238  and  559  may be capacitively coupled (e.g., as capacitive plates), and an output circuit may be configured to measure the capacitance between the sensors. As the input surface translates, deflects, or otherwise moves, the measured capacitance between the sensors changes. 
     In one embodiment, the sensor  559  is a capacitive touch sensor configured to detect touch inputs on the input surface  550 . For example, the sensor  559  may be a self-capacitive system, such that as a user&#39;s finger approaches the input surface  550 , a change in capacitance between the sensor  559  and the user&#39;s finger occurs. The sensor  559  is configured to sense or measure such a change in capacitance and output a sensor signal to the electronic device via the electrical connector  558 . 
     The compliant region  556  may be configured to seal the top surface of the button housing and to allow translational movement (e.g., up and down) of the input surface  550 . The translational movement of the input surface  550  may improve the user experience by giving the user a tactile response such that the user can feel the input surface move responsive to providing an input. Further, the translational movement of the input surface may facilitate input detection by one or both of the sensors  538 ,  559 . The compliant region  556  may have a toroidal shape such that it is disposed around one or more components of the modular button assembly  510 , such as a sensor, electrical connector, or the like. The compliant region  556  may include one or more layers. In one embodiment, the compliant region  556  includes five layers, including a first heat-activated film (HAF) layer, a first polyimide (PI) layer, a silicone layer, a second PI layer, and a second HAF layer. In one embodiment, the compliant region  556  has a thickness between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. 
     The electrical connector  558  is attached to the sensor  552 , and is configured to transmit sensor signals to other components of the electronic device such as a processor. In various embodiments, electrical connector  558  is shaped such that the cable remains securely connected to the sensor  552  during movement of the input member  536 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-section of a second alternate embodiment of a modular button assembly. The modular button assembly  610  of  FIG. 6  is similar to the modular button assembly  310  of  FIGS. 3A-4C , but includes two sensors  638   a  and  638   b , two sensor brackets  690   a  and  690   b , and two flex cables  692   a  and  692   b . The sensors  638  are similar to the sensor  438  described above, and may be used to detect user inputs in a similar fashion. In the example of  FIG. 6 , two sensors  638  are shown, but in practice any number of sensors may be included, for example as an array of sensors. The inclusion of multiple sensors in the modular button assembly may allow the modular button assembly to collect more information regarding user inputs. For example, the outputs from multiple sensors may be compared to detect a location of an input (e.g., where a user is touching or pressing the input member). As another example, the outputs from multiple sensors may be used to detect certain movements of the input member, such as tilting, rolling, and the like. Similarly, the outputs from multiple sensors may be used to detect gestures (e.g., movements along or across the input surface). 
     The modular button assembly  610  further includes a seal  680  that is configured as a gasket seal similar to the seal  280  of  FIG. 2  to prevent the entry of moisture or contaminants from passing into the enclosed volume  608 . The seal  680  is disposed between the button housing  632  and the enclosure  650  such that the seal is compressed when the modular button assembly is disposed in the opening. 
       FIGS. 3A-6  and the accompanying description show and describe various embodiments of a modular button assembly for a wearable electronic device, such as an electronic watch. The modular button assembly described herein is not limited to application in a wearable electronic device, and may be installed in any electronic device.  FIGS. 7-10  illustrate example embodiments of modular button assemblies for electronic devices. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example electronic device  700  that may incorporate a modular button assembly  710  as described herein. The electronic device  700  is a portable electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or the like. The electronic device  700  includes an enclosure  750  at least partially surrounding a display  752 , a button  701 , and one or more modular button assemblies  710 . The electronic device  700  can also include one or more internal components (not shown) typical of a computing or electronic device, such as, for example, one or more processors, memory components, network interfaces, and so on. The modular button assembly  710  is disposed in a sidewall of the enclosure  750 , and is permanently or releasably attached to the enclosure  750 . 
     The modular button assembly  710  may be configured to control various functions and components of the electronic device, such as a graphical output of a display  752 , an audio output, powering the electronic device on and off, and the like. A modular button assembly  710  may be configured, for example, as a power button, a control button (e.g., volume control), a home button, or the like. In one embodiment, a graphical output of the display  752  is responsive to the input provided to the modular button assembly  710 . 
     The button  701  may be configured, for example, as a power button, a control button (e.g., volume control), a home button, and so on. In one embodiment, the button  701  includes a modular button assembly such that the button has some or all of the characteristics of the modular button assemblies described herein. 
     The enclosure  750  provides a device structure, defines an internal volume of the electronic device  700 , and houses device components. In various embodiments, the enclosure  750  may be constructed from any suitable material, including metals (e.g., aluminum, titanium, and the like), polymers, ceramics (e.g., glass, sapphire), and the like. In one embodiment, the enclosure  750  is constructed from multiple materials. The enclosure  750  can form an outer surface or partial outer surface and protective case for the internal components of the electronic device  700 , and may at least partially surround the display  752 . The enclosure  750  can be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, the enclosure  750  can be formed of a single piece operably connected to the display  752 . 
     The display  752  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to 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. The display  752  provides a graphical output, for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device  700 . In one embodiment, the display  752  includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. In various embodiments, a graphical output of the display  752  is responsive to inputs provided to the modular button assembly. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-section of the modular button assembly  710  disposed in an opening of a device enclosure  750 , taken through section D-D of  FIG. 7 . The modular button assembly  710  includes a housing  832  that houses internal components of the modular button assembly  710 . Similar to the modular button assemblies described above with respect to  FIGS. 2-6 , the modular button assembly  710  includes an input member  836  that defines an input surface  837  for receiving user inputs, a sensor  838  for detecting inputs, and an electrical connector  892  for transmitting signals from the sensor to other components of the portable electronic device. The electrical connector  892  is attached to the sensor  838  and extends through the passage  875  and into the enclosed volume  808 . The modular button assembly  710  may be attached to the enclosure  750  using any of the attachment mechanisms described above with respect to  FIG. 2 . 
     The input member  836  is shown as a separate component that is attached to the button housing  832 , but in various embodiments, the input member  836  may be integrated as an exterior surface of the button housing  832 , or it may be a separate component disposed on, within, or outside of the button housing  832 . In the case in which the input member  836  is integrated as an exterior surface of the button housing, the button housing may define the input surface. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the input member and/or the input surface may have a curved or rounded shape. The input surface  837  may have edges that are flush with a surface of the enclosure, and a section that protrudes from the enclosure. This may provide an improved user experience, for example by allowing a user to find the input surface  837  without looking at the electronic device while also maintaining a smooth overall outer surface of the electronic device. 
     The modular button assembly  710  further includes a seal  880  that is configured as a gasket seal similar to the seal  280  of  FIG. 2  to prevent the entry of moisture or contaminants from passing into the enclosed volume  808 , for example through the passage  875 . The seal  880  is disposed between the button housing  832  and the enclosure  750  such that the seal is compressed when the modular button assembly is disposed in the opening. In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the seal  880  may also be an attachment mechanism, such as a waterproof adhesive, or the like. 
     In various embodiments, a portable electronic device may include one or more modular button assemblies  710 . In one embodiment, two modular button assemblies  710  are included in a portable electronic device and function as volume control buttons. Further, a single portable electronic device may include multiple different modular button assemblies, for example having different shapes, placements, and functions. For example, a portable electronic device may include modular button assemblies functioning as volume control buttons, power buttons, home buttons, and the like. 
     In another embodiment, modular button assemblies may be included in a keyboard of an electronic device.  FIG. 9  illustrates an example electronic device  900  that may incorporate one or more modular button assemblies as described herein. The electronic device  900  is similar to the electronic device  100  described above and may include similar components such as an enclosure  950 , a display  952 , and various internal components not shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     The enclosure  950  may include an upper portion  950   b  and a lower portion  950   a  that are pivotally or hingedly coupled by one or more hinges or joints. In one embodiment, the upper portion  950   b  is at least partially disposed around the display  952  and the lower portion  950   a  is at least partially disposed around additional device components such as a track pad  903 , a power button  907 , and the like. The electronic device  900  further includes a keyboard  905  that includes keys for receiving user inputs such as characters, keystroke commands, and the like. 
     A modular button assembly may be disposed at any of several locations of the enclosure  950 . For example, the modular button assembly may be positioned along a surface of the enclosure  950 . In one embodiment, the keyboard  905  includes one or more modular button assemblies  910  as keys. Additionally or alternatively, the modular button assembly may be disposed on a same surface of the keyboard, for example as a button adjacent the keyboard. In one embodiment, the power button  907  is a modular button assembly. For example, the power button  907  may be similar to the modular button assembly  110  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-2 . Alternatively or additionally, the modular button assembly may be positioned on a different surface or portion of an electronic device  900 , such as a sidewall, a top surface, a bottom surface, and the like. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are cross-sections of a modular button assembly disposed in an opening of an electronic device taken through section E-E of  FIG. 9 . The modular button assembly  910  includes an input member  1036  (e.g., a keycap) that defines an input surface  1037 , a button housing  1032 , a sensor  1038 , and travel mechanisms  1020 A and  1020 B. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10A , the button housing  1032  is attached to the enclosure  950  using screws  1060 . In various embodiments, the housing may be attached to the enclosure  950  using any of the attachment mechanisms discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2 . Similarly, the sensor  1038  may be any of the sensors discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 2-5 . 
     The travel mechanisms  1020  couple the input member  1036  to a surface of the housing  1032  and allow the input member to move, for example between the two positions shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . The movement of the input member  1036  may provide a tactile response to a user pressing or otherwise interacting with the input surface  1037 . The travel mechanisms  1020  may be moving mechanisms such as scissor mechanisms, domes, and so on. The travel mechanisms  1020  may also be one or more compliant members such as springs, gels, elastomers, or the like made of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the sensor  1038  is integrated with one or more travel mechanisms  1020 , for example as a dome switch, a scissor switch, a mechanical switch, or another type of keyboard switch. In other embodiments, the modular button assembly does not include a travel mechanism  1020 . For example, the input member  1036  may be configured to bend, deflect, or compress, or inputs may be detected without movement by the input member  1036 , for example as described above with respect to  FIGS. 2-8 . 
     The modular button assembly  910  may further include an O-ring seal  1080  disposed between the button housing  1032  and the enclosure  950  such that moisture and contaminants are inhibited from entering the enclosed volume  1008  of the electronic device. 
     An electrical connector  1092  facilitates communication between the sensor  238  and components of the electronic device  100  (e.g., a processor). The sensor and a processor may be operably coupled by the electrical connector  1092  connected to the sensor and extending through a passage  1075  and into the enclosed volume  1008 . 
     As described above with respect to  FIG. 9 , the electronic device  900  may include multiple modular button assemblies  910 , for example arranged as a keyboard. The electronic device  900  may additionally or alternatively include one or more modular button assemblies having different shapes, placements, and/or functions than those described herein. For example, an electronic device may include modular button assemblies functioning as volume control buttons, power buttons, home buttons, and the like. 
       FIG. 11  is a simplified flow chart depicting example operations of a modular button assembly, such as described herein. The method  1100  includes operation  1110  in which an input member receives an input. As described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-10 , examples of the input include a touch, a press, a gesture, a biometric input, and so on. The input may be from a user&#39;s finger, a stylus, or another input instrument. 
     Next, at operation  1120 , the sensor detects the input. As described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-10 , the sensor may be, for example, a capacitive sensor configured to detect a change in capacitance corresponding to the input. In one embodiment, the sensor generates a signal corresponding to the detected input. 
     Then, at operation  1130 , the sensor transmits the signal to the electronic device, for example to a processor. The processor of the electronic device may process the received signal and may trigger various actions at the electronic device responsive to receiving the signal. For example, the processor may execute computer-readable instructions such as performing operations within applications, an operating system, a user interface, and the like. 
       FIG. 12  is an illustrative block diagram  1250  of an electronic device as described herein (e.g., electronic devices  100 ,  300 ,  700 , and  900 ). The electronic device can include a display  1216 , one or more processing units  1200 , memory  1202 , one or more input/output (I/O) devices  1204 , one or more modular button assemblies  1206 , a power source  1208 , and a network communications interface  1210 . 
     The display  1216  may provide an image or graphical output (e.g., computer-generated image data) for the electronic device. The display may also provide an input surface for one or more input devices, such as, for example, a touch sensing device and/or a fingerprint sensor. The display  1216  may be substantially any size and may be positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device. 
     The processing unit  1200  can control some or all of the operations of the electronic device. The processing unit  1200  can communicate, either directly or indirectly, with substantially all of the components of the electronic device. For example, a system bus or signal line  1212  or other communication mechanisms (e.g., electronic connectors) can provide communication between the processing unit(s)  1200 , the memory  1202 , the I/O device(s)  1204 , the modular button assemblies  1206 , the power source  1208 , and/or the network communications interface  1210 . The one or more processing units  1200  can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processing unit(s)  1200  can each be a microprocessor, a central processing unit, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, a digital signal processor, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, or combination of such devices. The processor may be a single-thread or multi-thread processor. The processor may be a single-core or multi-core processor. 
     Accordingly, as described herein, the phrase “processing unit” or, more generally, “processor” refers to a hardware-implemented data processing unit or circuit physically structured to execute specific transformations of data including data operations represented as code and/or instructions included in a program that can be stored within and accessed from a memory. The term is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, analog or digital circuits, or other suitably configured computing element or combination of elements. 
     The memory  1202  can store electronic data that can be used by the electronic device. For example, a memory can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals, signals received from the one or more sensors, one or more pattern recognition algorithms, data structures or databases, and so on. The memory  1202  can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices. 
     The one or more I/O devices  1204  can transmit and/or receive data to and from a user or another electronic device. The I/O device(s)  1204  can include a display, a touch or force sensing input surface such as a trackpad, one or more buttons, one or more microphones or speakers, one or more ports such as a microphone port, one or more accelerometers for tap sensing, one or more optical sensors for proximity sensing, and/or a keyboard. 
     The electronic device may also include one or more modular button assemblies  1206  positioned substantially anywhere on the electronic device and configured to receive inputs and transmit input signals to the electronic device, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-11 . In various embodiments, the modular button assembly may be used to control various functions and components of the electronic device, such as a graphical output of a display  1216 , an audio output of the audio I/O device  1214 , powering the electronic device on and off, and the like. A modular button assembly  1206  may be configured, for example, as a power button, a key of a keyboard, a control button (e.g., volume control), a home button, a watch crown, or the like. In one embodiment, a graphical output of the display  1216  is responsive to the input provided to the modular button assembly. 
     The power source  1208  can be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to the electronic device. For example, the power source  1208  can be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries, or a connection cable that connects the electronic device to another power source such as a wall outlet. 
     The network communication interface  1210  can facilitate transmission of data to or from other electronic devices. For example, a network communication interface can transmit electronic signals via a wireless and/or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, and Ethernet. 
     It should be noted that  FIG. 12  is for illustrative purposes only. In other examples, an electronic device may include fewer or more components than those shown in  FIG. 12 . Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device can be included in a system and one or more components shown in  FIG. 12  are separate from the electronic device but included in the system. For example, an electronic device may be operatively connected to, or in communication with a separate display. As another example, one or more applications can be stored in a memory separate from the wearable electronic device. The processing unit in the electronic device can be operatively connected to and in communication with the separate display and/or memory. 
     As noted above, many embodiments described herein reference a modular button assembly for a portable electronic device. It may be appreciated, however, that this is merely one example; other configurations, implementations, and constructions are contemplated in view of the various principles and methods of operations—and reasonable alternatives thereto—described in reference to the embodiments described above. 
     For example, although many embodiments reference a modular button assembly in a portable electronic device such as a cell phone or tablet computer, it may be appreciated that a modular button assembly can be incorporated into any suitable electronic device, system, or accessory including but not limited to: portable electronic devices (e.g., battery-powered, wirelessly-powered devices, tethered devices, and so on); stationary electronic devices; control devices (e.g., home automation devices, industrial automation devices, aeronautical or terrestrial vehicle control devices, and so on); personal computing devices (e.g., cellular devices, tablet devices, notebook devices, desktop devices, and so on); wearable devices (e.g., implanted devices, wrist-worn devices, eyeglass devices, and so on); accessory devices (e.g., protective covers such as keyboard covers for tablet computers, stylus input devices, charging devices, and so on); and so on. 
     Although specific electronic devices are shown in the figures and described herein, the button assemblies described herein may be used with various electronic devices, mechanical devices, electromechanical devices, and so on. Examples of such include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, time keeping devices, health monitoring devices, wearable electronic devices, input devices (e.g., a stylus, trackpads, buttons, switches, and so on), a desktop computer, electronic glasses, steering wheels, dashboards, bands for a wearable electronic device, and so on. Although various electronic devices are mentioned, the button assemblies disclosed herein may also be used in conjunction with other products and combined with various materials. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that personal information data, including biometric data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the use of biometric authentication data can be used for convenient access to device features without the use of passwords. In other examples, user biometric data is collected for providing users with feedback about their health or fitness levels. Further, other uses for personal information data, including biometric data, that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. 
     The present disclosure further 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, including the use of data encryption and security methods that meets or exceeds industry or government standards. For example, 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 should occur only after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities would take 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. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data, including biometric 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, in the case of biometric authentication methods, the present technology can be configured to allow users to optionally bypass biometric authentication steps by providing secure information such as passwords, personal identification numbers (PINS), touch gestures, or other authentication methods, alone or in combination, known to those of skill in the art. In another example, users can select to remove, disable, or restrict access to certain health-related applications collecting users&#39; personal health or fitness data. 
     One may appreciate that although many embodiments are disclosed above, that the operations and steps presented with respect to methods and techniques described herein are meant as exemplary and accordingly are not exhaustive. One may further appreciate that alternate step order or fewer or additional operations may be required or desired for particular embodiments. 
     Although the disclosure above is described in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but is instead defined by the claims herein presented.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170912
Publication Date: 20210803
Grant Date: 20210803
Priority Date: 20170912
Inventors: BUSHNELL, TYLER S.
ELY, COLIN M.
DE JONG, ERIK G.
NESS, TREVOR J.
HORIUCHI, JAMES G.
CARDINALI, STEVEN P.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/13", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06V40/13", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/9651", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960775", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K2217/960755", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/975", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/0338", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1616", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1671", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/03547", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/169", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/962", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 77063393