PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11036327-B2
Application Number: US-201916708350-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: 3D touch

Abstract:
An electronic device can include a housing and an interface component. The interface component can at least partially define an interface surface, and the interface component and the housing can define an internal volume. A force sensor assembly can be disposed in the internal volume to detect an amount of force applied to the interface surface. The force sensor assembly can include a pressure decay sensor and a gap distance sensor disposed opposite a surface of the interface component.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing; 
 an interface component at least partially defining an interface surface, the interface component and the housing defining an internal volume; and 
 a force sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume to detect an amount of force applied to the interface surface, the force sensor assembly comprising:
 a pressure decay sensor to detect an increase in a pressure of the internal volume and an exponential time constant of a rate of decay of the pressure; and 
 a gap distance sensor disposed opposite a surface of the interface component, the amount of force being detected by a weighted combination of a first signal from the pressure decay sensor and a second signal from the gap distance sensor; 
 wherein a weight of the first signal and a weight of the second signal are based at least partially on the exponential time constant. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the surface of the interface component and a surface of the gap distance sensor define a gap; and 
 the gap distance sensor detects a change in a distance of the gap. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the gap distance sensor detects a change in a capacitance associated with the gap. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the interface component comprises a touch sensitive display. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal between the interface component and the housing. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , further comprising an atmospheric pressure sensor. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the interface component comprises a touch sensing component. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the interface component comprises a display assembly. 
     
     
       9. An electronic device, comprising:
 a housing; 
 an interface component at least partially defining an interface surface, the interface component and the housing defining an internal volume; 
 a pressure decay sensor disposed in the internal volume to detect an amount of force applied to the interface surface; and 
 a secondary sensor disposed in the internal volume, the amount of force being detected by a weighted combination of a first signal from the pressure decay sensor and a second signal from the secondary sensor, a weight of the first signal and a weight of the second signal based at least partially on an exponential time constant of a rate of decay of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the pressure decay sensor detects an increase in a pressure of the internal volume. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the detected amount of force is based at least partially on the detected exponential time constant. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein the pressure decay sensor comprises a microelectromechanical pressure sensor. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the secondary sensor comprises a gap distance sensor; and 
 an internal surface of the interface component and a surface of the gap distance sensor define a gap. 
 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 13 , wherein the gap distance sensor comprises a capacitive gap distance sensor. 
     
     
       15. A method for determining an amount of force applied to an interface component of an electronic device having an internal volume, comprising:
 detecting an increase in a pressure of the internal volume; 
 measuring a rate of decay of the pressure; 
 determining the amount of force based at least partially on the rate of decay; and 
 detecting a change in a property of the electronic device above a threshold with a secondary sensor, wherein:
 determining the amount of force comprises combining a first weighted value based on the rate of decay with a second weighted value based on the detected change in the property; and 
 a weight of the first weighted value and a weight of the second weighted value are based at least partially on the rate of decay. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 detecting the increase in the pressure comprises detecting the increase in the pressure with a pressure decay sensor disposed in the internal volume; and 
 detecting the change in the property comprises detecting a change in a capacitance associated with a gap between a surface of the interface component and a gap distance sensor disposed in the internal volume. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , wherein:
 determining the amount of force comprises comparing the measured rate of decay to a baseline rate of decay; and 
 the method further comprises calibrating the baseline rate of decay.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/897,815, filed 9 Sep. 2019, and entitled “3D TOUCH,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to input components for electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices can include a variety of types of input components that can allow users to interact with the device and perform operations, such input components can include buttons or keys, mice, trackballs, joysticks, touch sensitive components, touch screen displays and combinations thereof. Touch sensitive components, such as touchscreens or touch sensitive displays, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular because of their ease and versatility of operation, as well as their declining price. A touch sensitive display can include a touch sensitive layer disposed over a display layer. A touch sensitive component can allow a user to perform various functions by touching an interface surface using a finger, stylus, or other object at a desired location. In the context of a touch sensitive display, the location can be dictated by a displayed user interface (UI). In general, the touch sensitive component can recognize the occurrence and location of touch inputs, and the electronic device can perform one or more actions in response to the detected inputs. 
     It can be desirable for the electronic device to detect additional information associated with a touch input to allow a user a wider range of modes of interaction with the device. For example, it can be desirable for the electronic device to be able to distinguish between a “light” or relatively low force touch input and a “hard” or relatively high force touch input at a specific location, and to perform different actions based on which form of input is detected. Typically, however, components for detecting the amount of force exerted on an interface surface of a touch sensitive component can utilize complex and expensive sensor arrays to extend this desired functionality to the entire surface. These expensive arrays can also occupy a large spatial volume inside the electronic device, thereby potentially increasing the size of the device or reducing the space available for components that may provide additional desired functionalities. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some examples of the present disclosure, an electronic device can include a housing, an interface component at least partially defining an interface surface, the interface component and the housing defining an internal volume, and a force sensor assembly disposed in the internal volume to detect an amount of force applied to the interface surface above a threshold, the force sensor assembly including a pressure decay sensor and a gap distance sensor disposed opposite a surface of the interface component. 
     In some examples, the surface of the interface component and a surface of the gap distance sensor can define a gap, and the gap distance sensor detects a change in a distance of the gap above a threshold. The gap distance sensor can detect a change in a capacitance associated with the gap to detect the change in the distance. The pressure decay sensor can detect an increase in a pressure of the internal volume above a threshold, and an exponential time constant of a rate of decay of the pressure. The amount of force can be detected by a weighted combination of a first signal from the pressure decay sensor and a second signal from the gap distance sensor. A weight of the first signal and a weight of the second signal can be based at least partially on the exponential time constant. The interface component can include a touch sensitive display. 
     According to some examples, an electronic device can include a housing, an interface component at least partially defining an interface surface, the interface component and the housing defining an internal volume, and a pressure decay sensor disposed in the internal volume to detect an amount of force applied to the interface surface above a threshold. 
     In some examples, the pressure decay sensor can detect an increase in a pressure of the internal volume above a threshold, and an exponential time constant of a rate of decay of the pressure. The detected amount of force can be based at least partially on the detected exponential time constant. The pressure decay sensor can include a microelectromechanical pressure sensor. The electronic device can further include a secondary sensor disposed in the internal volume, wherein the amount of force is detected by a weighted combination of a first signal from the pressure decay sensor and a second signal from the secondary sensor. A weight of the first signal and a weight of the second signal are based at least partially on the exponential time constant. The secondary sensor can be a gap distance sensor, and an internal surface of the interface component and a surface of the gap distance sensor can define a gap. The gap distance sensor can be a capacitive gap distance sensor. The electronic device can further include a seal between the interface component and the housing. The electronic device can further include an atmospheric pressure sensor. The interface component can include a touch sensing component. The interface component can include a display assembly. 
     According to some examples, a method for determining an amount of force applied to an interface component of an electronic device having an internal volume can include detecting an increase in a pressure of the internal volume of above a threshold, measuring a rate of decay of the pressure, and determining the amount of force based at least partially on the rate of decay. 
     In some examples, the method can further include detecting a change in a property of the electronic device above a threshold with a secondary sensor, wherein determining the amount of force includes combining a first weighted value based on the rate of decay with a second weighted value based on the detected change in the property. Additionally, a weight of the first weighted value and a weight of the second weighted value are based at least partially on the rate of decay. Detecting the increase in the pressure can include detecting the increase in the pressure with a pressure decay sensor disposed in the internal volume, and detecting the change in the property can include detecting a change in a capacitance associated with a gap between a surface of the interface component and a gap distance sensor disposed in the internal volume. Determining the amount of force can include comparing the measured rate of decay to a baseline rate of decay, and the method can further include calibrating the baseline rate of decay. 
    
    
     
       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  shows a perspective view of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the electronic device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of the electronic device of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5A  shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 5B  shows a cross-sectional view of the electronic device of  FIG. 5A  receiving an input. 
         FIGS. 6A-6E  show cross-sectional views of an electronic device receiving an input. 
         FIGS. 7A-7E  show plots of pressure versus time for the internal volume of the electronic device shown in  FIGS. 6A-6E . 
         FIG. 8  shows a plot of force noise versus exponential time constant for a sensor. 
         FIG. 9  shows a process flow diagram for a method of determining an amount of force applied to an interface surface of an electronic device. 
         FIG. 10  shows a process flow diagram for a method of determining an amount of force applied to an interface surface of an electronic device. 
     
    
    
     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. 
     Electronic devices can include interface components that, for example, can include touch sensitive components or touch sensitive interface surfaces. These interface components can detect a location or locations of an input on the interface surface, for example, a touch input by a user. The touch sensitive component can be a touch sensitive display that can display a user interface (UI) and the user can direct the electronic device to perform a desired action or actions by performing a touch input at a specific location on the touch sensitive display, as indicated by the UI. While this device configuration can allow a user to direct the device to perform a wide range of actions, the increasing performance capabilities and number of features of electronic devices can make it desirable to allow the user additional modes for interacting with an electronic device and directing the device to perform desired actions. 
     One additional manner of directing an electronic device to perform desired action can include detecting not only the location of a touch input, but also the amount of force exerted on, or applied to, the interface surface of a component by a user during the touch input, known as 3D touch detection. In this way, a user can direct a device to perform multiple different actions through a touch input at one or more locations by varying the amount of force applied to the interface surface during the touch input. For example, the UI can display an icon on the interface surface, and a touch input by a user that exerts a relatively low force on the interface surface can direct the device to perform a first action associated with the icon, while a touch input by the user that exerts a relatively high force on the interface surface can direct the device to perform a second, different action associated with the icon. Further, because an interface component, such as a touch sensitive component, can detect touch inputs over the entire interface surface of the component, it can be desirable to be able to detect the amount of force applied during these touch inputs at any location on the interface surface. 
     Traditional methods and components for detecting the amount of force applied to an interface surface can include disposing an array of components beneath an interface surface, with each component being able to detect the amount of force applied to a relatively small region of the interface surface. Together, however, the entire array of components can allow for force detection over the entire interface surface. This array of components, however, can be costly to manufacture and integrate into a device, and can occupy a relatively high portion of the internal volume of the device, thereby resulting in larger electronic devices, or less space in the device for components that could allow for additional functionalities or performance. Accordingly, it can be desirable to be able to detect an amount of force applied to an interface surface with as few small components as possible. For example, with a component or components that can detect a force location and magnitude without extending the component or components across the entire interface surface. 
     In some examples, detecting the amount of force applied to an interface surface can be achieved with a pressure decay sensor disposed in the internal volume. This pressure decay sensor can be relatively small and inexpensive, and can be disposed at almost any desired location in the internal volume. This allows for smaller devices or devices that include increased room for additional or larger components, as compared to a device that includes an array of force detecting components. The pressure decay sensor can detect an increase in the pressure of the internal volume that can be attributed to the deflection or deformation of the interface surface when a force is applied thereto, and can further detect the rate of decay of the pressure. The amount of force can be at least partially based on the detected rate of decay. 
     In some examples, other forms of sensors can be used to detect the amount of force applied to an interface surface, such as a gap distance sensor. A gap distance sensor can detect a change in a distance of a gap between the sensor and a component, such as an interface component, that can occur due to deflection of the interface surface when a force is applied thereto. The sensor can detect the amount of applied force based at least partially on the change in distance, and/or how the distance of the gap changes with time. 
     In order for the force detecting functionality to provide benefits to a user, it can be desirable to be able to accurately and reliably detect the force without the force detecting sensors producing false positives or providing signals with so much noise that the device does not respond as desired to a user&#39;s touch input. In some examples, certain force detecting sensors can perform more reliably, or with less noise, than other force detecting sensors. Accordingly, it can be desirable to include two or more force detecting sensors in an electronic device to provide redundant or complimentary force detection, thereby increasing the reliability and accuracy of the detected force. In some examples, the device can select which sensor to use based on various conditions. In some examples, the device can confirm the amount of force detected by one sensor with the signal from a second sensor. In some examples, the signals from two or more sensors can be assigned weights and combined to provide a single value for the detected amount of force. The weights assigned to each signal can be based on various conditions, including conditions detected by the sensors themselves, such as the rate of decay detected by the pressure decay sensor. Accordingly, an electronic device that can accurately and reliably detect the amount of force above a threshold applied to an interface surface can be provided without the use of potentially expensive and relatively large arrays of components. 
     In some examples, an electronic device can include a housing and an interface component, such as a touch sensitive display, affixed to the housing. The interface component can define an interface surface that can at least partially define an exterior surface of the electronic device. Together, the housing and the interface component can at least partially define an internal volume. In some examples, the device can include a seal to at least partially seal the internal volume from the ambient environment, except at one or more desired vent locations therebetween. A pressure decay sensor can be disposed in the internal volume to detect an amount of force applied to the interface surface above a threshold. The pressure decay sensor can detect an increase in a pressure of the internal volume above a threshold and detect a rate of decay of the pressure. The pressure decay sensor can detect the amount of force based at least partially on the detected rate of decay. 
     The device can further include a secondary sensor disposed in the internal volume to detect a change in a property of the device and/or internal volume. The secondary sensor can be a gap distance sensor that can detect a change in a distance of a gap between the secondary sensor and a component of the device above a threshold, and that can further detect an amount of force based at least partially on the change in distance. One or both of the signals from the pressure decay sensor and the secondary sensor can be selected or combined to detect the amount of force on the interface surface. In some examples, the amount of force can be detected based on a weighted combination of signals from the pressure decay sensor and the secondary sensor. The weighting of the signals can be at least partially based on the rate of decay of the pressure detected by the pressure decay sensor. 
     These and other examples are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . 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 example, of an electronic device  100 . The electronic device shown in  FIG. 1  is a mobile electronic device, such as a smartphone. The smartphone of  FIG. 1  is merely one representative example of a device that can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein. Electronic device  100  can correspond to any form of a wearable electronic device, a portable media player, a media storage device, a portable digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet computer, a computer, a mobile communication device, a GPS unit, a remote control device, or other electronic device. The electronic device  100  can be referred to as an electronic device, or a consumer device. Further details of the electronic device are provided below with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of an electronic device  100 . The electronic device  100  can have a housing that includes a band  120  that at least partially defines an exterior portion, such as an outer perimeter, of the electronic device  100 . In some examples, the band  120  can include a single unitary or continuous component. In some other examples, however, the band  120  can include multiple portions or sections that can be joined together, for example, by bonding, fusing, adhesives, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the band  120  can include any desired material, such as a metallic material, polymeric material, ceramic material, or combinations thereof. 
     The housing, including the band  120 , can include one or more features to receive or couple to other components of the device  100 . For example, the band  120  can include any number of features such as apertures, cavities, indentations, and other mating features to receive and/or attach to one or more components of the device  100 . The electronic device  100  can include internal components such as processors, memory, circuit boards, batteries, and sensors. The internal components of the device  100  can include a circuit board  122  that can include a number of electronic components mounted thereon, such as system in package (SiP), including one or more integrated circuits such as a processors, sensors, and memory. The device  100  can also include a battery  124  housed in the internal volume of the device  100 . Additional components, such as a haptic engine, can also be included in the device  100 . In some examples, the device  100  can also include input components, such as one or more buttons  126 . In some examples, a button  126  can be disposed in an opening or aperture defined by the band  120 . In some examples, the opening or aperture containing the button  126  can be sealed, such as with an air-tight or water-tight seal, as described herein. 
     In some examples, the electronic device  100  can include a display assembly  103 . The display assembly  103  can be received by, and/or be attached to, the band  120  by one or more attachment features. In some examples, the display assembly  103  can include a display, one or more layers capable of receiving inputs, such as a touch sensitive layer that can determine a location or locations of one or more touch inputs, and a transparent cover that can at least partially define an exterior surface of the device  100 . In some examples, the display assembly  103  can be considered an interface component, as described herein. Accordingly, the portion of the display assembly  103  defining the exterior surface of the device can be considered an interface surface and can receive inputs, such as touch inputs from a user. 
     The exterior surface of the electronic device  100  can further be defined by a back cover  130  that can be coupled to one or more other components of the device  100 . In this regard, the back cover  130  can combine with the band  120  and the display assembly  103  to define an internal volume and an exterior surface of the device  100 . The back cover  130  can include a transparent material, such as glass, plastic, sapphire, or other similar transparent material. In some examples, the back cover  130  can include any desired material, such as metallic materials, polymeric material, ceramic materials, or combinations thereof. 
     In some examples, electronic device  110  can include a first sealing material or seal  142 . The sealing material  142  can include a compliant material that can effectively seal the band  120  and the back cover  130  together. In some examples, the sealing material  142  can include a polymeric material, such as a rubber material and/or any other material capable of providing an airtight and/or water tight seal between components, such as the band  120  and the back cover  130 , as described herein. In some examples, the sealing material  142  can include one or more portions of adhesive and/or glue. In some examples, the sealing material  142  can be disposed at least partially around a periphery of the back cover  130 , or at one or more locations where the back cover  130  and the band  120  meet or are substantially adjacent. 
     Electronic device  100  can further include a second sealing material or seal  144  that can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the seal  142  described herein. In some examples, the seal  144  can seal the display assembly  103  to the band  120  of the electronic device  100 . Accordingly, the first seal  142  and the second seal  144  can at least partially seal the internal volume defined by the display assembly  103 , the band  120 , and the back cover  130  from the ambient or external environment. In some examples, the seal provided by the first sealing material  142  and the second sealing material  144  can provide an airtight and/or watertight seal between the internal volume and the ambient environment. Thus, in some examples, changes in the dimensions of the internal volume of electronic device  100  can result in changes in the air pressure, otherwise referred to herein simply as pressure, of the internal volume independent of the pressure of the ambient environment. 
     In some examples, electronic device  100  can include an opening or a vent that can control the communication between the sealed internal volume of the electronic device  100  and the ambient environment. For example, a vent can control the rate at which air, or any fluid, can pass between the sealed internal volume and the ambient environment, thereby allowing the pressure of the sealed internal volume and the pressure of the ambient environment to equalize on a desired timescale, as described herein. 
     In addition to the internal components disposed in the internal volume of the device  100 , the device  100  can further include one or more sensors disposed in the sealed internal volume. For example, the electronic device  100  can include a pressure sensor  150 , also referred to as a pressure decay sensor  150 , disposed in the sealed internal volume. In some examples, the pressure decay sensor  150  can detect, measure, and/or monitor the pressure of the internal volume over time, as described further herein. In some examples, changes in the pressure of the internal volume, such changes in pressure over time and/or the rate of change of the pressure, can be used to determine or detect an amount of force applied to an interface surface of the device  100 , such as the exterior surface of the display assembly  103 . 
     In some examples, electronic device  100  can further include a secondary sensor  152  disposed in the internal volume. In some examples, the secondary sensor  152  can detect changes in one or more properties of the internal volume and/or electronic device  100 . For example, the secondary sensor  152  can include a gap distance sensor. That is, the secondary sensor  152  can detect a distance or gap and/or changes in the distance of the gap between an exterior surface of the sensor  152  and an interior surface of a component of the device  100 , such as an interior surface of the display assembly  103 . As described further herein, signals from the secondary sensor  152  can be used to at least partially determine an amount of force applied to an interface surface of the device  100 , such as an exterior surface of the display assembly  103 . Further details of an electronic device  200  including an interface surface, an internal volume, and a pressure decay sensor disposed therein are described below with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3  shows another example of an electronic device  200 . The electronic device shown in  FIG. 3  is a watch, such as a smartwatch. The smartwatch  200  of  FIG. 3  is merely one representative example of a wearable device that can be used in conjunction with the components and methods disclosed herein. As described with respect to electronic device  100 , electronic device  200  can correspond to any form of wearable electronic device, a portable media player, a media storage device, a portable digital assistant (“PDA”), a tablet computer, a computer, a mobile communication device, a GPS unit, a remote control device, and other devices. The electronic device  200  can be referred to as an electronic device, or a consumer device. Further details of the watch  200  are provided below with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the electronic device  200  can include a housing  202 , and a cover  216  attached to the housing. The housing  202  can substantially define at least a portion of an exterior surface of the device  200 . The cover  216  can include glass, plastic, or any other substantially transparent material, component, or assembly. Although in some examples, the cover  216  can include a material or materials that are not transparent. The cover  216  can cover or otherwise overlay a display, a camera, a touch sensitive surface such as a touchscreen, or other component of the device  200 . Accordingly, the cover  216  can be, or can be a part of, an interface component. The cover  216  can define a front exterior surface of the device  200  and, as described herein, this exterior surface can be considered an interface surface. In some examples, the interface surface defined by the cover  216  can receive inputs, such as touch inputs, from a user. A back cover  230  can also be attached to the housing  202 , for example, opposite the cover  216 . The back cover  230  can include ceramic, plastic, metal, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the back cover  230  can include an electromagnetically transparent portion  232 . The electromagnetically transparent portion  232  can be transparent to any desired wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, infrared light, radio waves, or combinations thereof. Together, the housing  202 , cover  216 , and back cover  230  can substantially define an internal volume and an external surface of the device  200 . 
     As with electronic device  100 , in some examples, electronic device  200  can include a first sealing material or seal  242 . The sealing material  242  can include a compliant material that can effectively seal the housing  202  and the back cover  230 . In some examples, the sealing material  242  can include a polymeric material, such as a rubber material and/or any other material capable of providing an airtight and/or water tight seal between desired components, such as the housing  202  and the back cover  230 . In some examples, the sealing material  242  can include one or more portions of adhesive and/or glue. In some examples, the sealing material  242  can be disposed around a periphery of the back cover  230 , or at one or more locations where the back cover  230  and the housing  202  meet or are substantially adjacent. 
     The electronic device  200  can further include a second sealing material or seal  244  that can be substantially identical to, and include some or all of the features of the seal  242  described herein. In some examples, the seal  244  can seal the cover  216  to the housing  202  of the electronic device  200 . Accordingly, the first seal  242  and the second seal  244  can serve to seal the internal volume defined by the cover  216 , housing  202 , and back cover  230  from the ambient or external environment. In some examples, the seal provided by at least the first sealing material  242  and the second sealing material  244  can provide an airtight and/or watertight seal between the internal volume and the ambient environment, as desired. Thus, in some examples, changes in the dimensions of the internal volume of the electronic device  200  can result in changes in the pressure of the internal volume independent of the pressure of the ambient environment, as described herein. 
     In some examples, electronic device  200  can include an opening or a vent  207  that can control the communication between the sealed internal volume of the electronic device  200  and the ambient environment. In some examples, the vent  207  can include an aperture defined by the housing  202 . In some examples, the vent  207  can include a semi-permeable membrane, valve, or component disposed at the aperture defined by the housing  202 . For example, the vent  207  can control the rate at which air or fluid can pass between the sealed internal volume and the ambient environment, thereby allowing the pressure of the sealed internal volume and the pressure of the ambient environment to equalize on a desired timescale, as described herein. 
     The housing  202  can be a substantially continuous or unitary component, and can include one or more openings  204 ,  206  to receive components of the electronic device  200  and/or provide access to an internal portion of the electronic device  200 . In some examples, the device  200  can include input components such as one or more buttons  226  and/or a crown  228  that can be disposed in the openings  204 ,  206 . In some examples, a material can be disposed between the buttons  226  and/or crown  228  and the housing  202  to provide an airtight and/or watertight seal at the locations of the openings  204 ,  206 . 
     The electronic device  200  can further include a strap  260 , or other component designed to attach the device  200  to a user, or to provide wearable functionality. In some examples, the strap  260  can be a flexible material that can comfortably allow the device  200  to be retained on a user&#39;s body at a desired location. Further, the housing  202  can include a feature or features that can provide attachment locations for the strap  260 . In some examples, the strap  260  can be retained on the housing  202  by any desired techniques. For example, the strap  260  can include any combination of magnets that are attracted to magnets disposed within the housing  202 , and/or retention components that mechanically retain the strap  260  against the housing  202 . 
     The device  200  can also include internal components, such as a haptic engine  224 , a battery  222 , and a system in package (SiP), including one or more integrated circuits, such as processors, sensors, and memory. The SiP can also include a package. The internal components, such as one or more of components  222 ,  224  can be disposed within the internal volume defined at least partially by the housing  202 , and can be affixed to the housing  202  via internal surfaces, attachment features, threaded connectors, studs, posts, or other features, that are formed into, defined by, or otherwise part of the housing  202  and/or the cover  216  and/or back cover  230 . 
     The device  200  can further include one or more sensors disposed in the sealed internal volume. For example, the electronic device  200  can include a pressure sensor  250 , also referred to as a pressure decay sensor  250  disposed in the sealed internal volume. In some examples, the pressure decay sensor  250  can detect, measure, and/or monitor the pressure of the internal volume over time, as described further herein. In some examples, changes in the pressure of the internal volume, such changes in pressure over time and/or the rate of change of the pressure detected by the pressure decay sensor  250  can be used to determine an amount of force applied to an interface surface of the device  200 , such as the exterior surface of the cover  216 . 
     In some examples, electronic device  200  can further include a secondary sensor  252  disposed in the internal volume. In some examples, the secondary sensor  252  can detect changes in one or more properties of the internal volume and/or electronic device  200 . For example, the secondary sensor  252  can include a gap distance sensor. That is, the secondary sensor  252  can detect a distance of a gap and/or changes in the distance of the gap between a surface of the sensor  252  and an interior surface of a component of the device  200 , such as an interior surface of a display assembly or housing  202 . As described further herein, signals from the secondary sensor  252  can be used to detect and/or at least partially determine an amount of force applied to an interface surface of the device  200 , such as an exterior surface of the cover  216 . 
     Any number or variety of electronic devices defining internal volumes can include any of the sensors described herein. Processes for detecting an amount of force applied to a surface, such as an interface surface of an electronic device, can include detecting an increase in a pressure of the internal volume and detecting a rate of decay of the pressure by any form of pressure decay sensor now known or discovered in the future. The electronic device can also include any form of secondary sensor to detect a change in one or more properties of the device and/or internal volume, for example, a change in a distance of a gap between components of the device. The secondary sensor can provide a detection of the amount of force applied to the interface surface and can be combined with the detection by the pressure decay sensor in any manner desired. Various examples of components, such as sensors, and electronic devices including interface surfaces and internal volumes, as well as methods and components for detecting the amount of force exerted thereon, are described below with reference to  FIGS. 5A-7E . 
       FIG. 5A  shows a cross-sectional view of an electronic device  300 . The electronic device  300  can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the electronic device  100 ,  200  described herein with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 . In some examples, the electronic device  300  can include a housing  302  that can at least partially defined the exterior surface of the electronic device. The electronic device  300  can include a back cover  330  and a transparent cover  316 . The back cover  330  can be sealed to the housing  302 , for example, with a first sealing material or seal  342  that can include a compliant material disposed between the back cover  330  and the housing  302 . The electronic device  300  can further include a second sealing material or seal  344  to seal the transparent cover  316  to the housing  302 . Thus, in some examples, the transparent cover  316 , housing  302 , and back cover  330  can define an internal volume of the electronic device  300 . In some examples, this internal volume can be a sealed internal volume and can include a desired level of sealing with respect to the ambient environment. 
     In some examples, the housing  302  can define an aperture or an opening that can form a vent  307  between the internal volume and the ambient environment. This vent  307  can allow air to pass or flow between the internal volume and the ambient environment at a desired rate. Accordingly, changes in the pressure of the internal volume can revert or decay back to a baseline ambient pressure over a desired timescale, for example, as determined by a level of sealing of the internal volume and a level of communication with the ambient environment facilitated by the vent  307 . 
     As with the electronic devices  100 ,  200  described herein, the internal volume of the device  300  defined by the housing  302 , the back cover  330 , and the cover  316  can include one or more components disposed therein. For example, the device  300  can include one or more processors, memory, other electronic components, and/or a battery  322  disposed in the internal volume. In some examples, a pressure decay sensor  350  can be disposed in the internal volume. The pressure decay sensor  350  can detect changes in pressure of the internal volume above a threshold, and can further detect changes in the pressure of the internal volume over time. In some examples, and as described further with respect to  FIG. 5B , the rate of change of the pressure of the internal volume from an increased pressure back to a baseline or ambient pressure, as detected by the pressure decay sensor  350 , can be used to determine an amount of force applied to a surface of the device, such as the exterior surface defined by the cover  316 . In some examples, the pressure decay sensor  350  can include any form of desired air pressure sensor, such as a microelectromechanical (MEMS) pressure sensor, digital pressure sensor, absolute pressure sensor, gauge pressure sensor, differential pressure sensor, capacitive pressure sensor, piezoelectric pressure sensor, electromagnetic pressure sensor, strain-gauge based pressure sensor, potentiometric pressure sensor, optical pressure sensor, resonant pressure sensor, thermal pressure sensor, or combinations thereof. 
     The electronic device  300  can further include an interface component  318  that can include a display assembly including a touch sensitive layer. In some examples, the interface component  318  and the cover  316  can together define an interface or input component. For example, the interface component  318  can be a touch sensitive display assembly, and together with the cover  316  overlying the touch sensitive display assembly  318 , can provide an interface surface whereupon a user can interact with the device  300 , such as through touch inputs. Accordingly, an external surface defined by the cover  316  can be considered an interface surface. 
     In some examples, the electronic device  300  can further include a secondary sensor  352  disposed in the internal volume. In some examples, the secondary sensor  352  can detect changes in one or more properties of the internal volume and/or electronic device  300  above a threshold. In some examples, the secondary sensor  352  can detect changes in a volume of the internal volume and/or changes in the distance between one or more components or portions of components of the device  300  that can correspond to changes in the volume or size of the internal volume. For example, a touch input on an interface surface of the device  300 , such as the exterior surface of the cover  316 , can cause a deflection of one or more components of the device  300 . In these examples, the secondary  352  sensor can detect or measure whether this deflection is above a desired threshold and can measure the deflection with respect to one or more components of the device  300 . Accordingly, in some examples, the secondary sensor  352  can be a gap distance sensor that can detect a change in a distance of a gap between portions of the device  300 , as described herein. 
     In some examples, the secondary sensor  352  can detect a change in a distance of the gap between a surface of the sensor  352  and an interior surface of a component of the device  300 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 5A , the secondary sensor or gap distance sensor  352  can detect a change in the distance (shown as distance H 1 ) of the gap between a surface of the sensor  352  and an interior surface  319  of the display assembly  318 . In some examples, the sensor  352  can detect a change in a distance of a gap between a surface of the sensor  352  and surface defined by any component of the device  300 . In some examples, the gap distance sensor  352  can be a capacitive gap distance sensor, a time of flight gap distance sensor, or any other sensor able to detect a change in a distance between the sensor and a component of the device  300 , as described herein. Further details regarding the operation of the device  300 , including the pressure decay sensor  350  and the secondary sensor  352 , are described with respect to  FIG. 5B . 
       FIG. 5B  shows the electronic device  300  of  FIG. 5A  receiving an input from a user  301  on an interface surface  315 , for example, the exterior surface of the transparent cover  316  overlying the interface component  318 . In some examples, and as described herein, the exterior surface  315  of the cover  316  can be considered an interface surface configured to receive inputs from a user  301 . In some examples, these inputs can be touch inputs performed by a user  301 . For example, a user  301  can touch a body part, such as a finger, to a desired location on the interface surface  315  overlying a touch sensitive display  318 . This input from the user  301  can exert a force on the interface surface  315 . In some examples, and as described further herein, the pressure decay sensor  350  and/or the secondary sensor  352  can detect an amount of the force exerted by the user  301  on the interface surface  315 , for example, an amount of force applied to the interface surface  315  above a threshold. 
     In some examples, the force exerted on the interface surface  315  by the user  301  can cause a deflection of components, such as the cover  316  and display assembly  318 , disposed below the interface surface  315 . This deflection can cause a corresponding change in the volume of the internal volume of the device  300 . For example, where the cover  316  deflects inwardly due to a force exerted by a user  301 , the internal volume of the device  300  can shrink or can be otherwise compressed. This compression or shrinkage of the internal volume due to the flexion or deformation of the cover  316  and the display assembly  318  can cause a corresponding increase in the pressure of the internal volume. Additionally, because the internal volume can be sealed by sealing components  342 ,  344  and the flow of air in and out of the internal volume can be controlled by the vent  307 , this relatively quick or sharp increase in the pressure of the internal volume can take a relatively long or extended period of time to decay or drop back to ambient or baseline pressure. In some examples, the rate of decay of the pressure of the internal volume to a baseline pressure can be used to at least partially determine the amount of force the user  301  applied to the interface surface  315 . 
     Although the pressure decay sensor  350  is depicted at a specific location in the internal volume of the device  300 , in some examples, the pressure decay sensor  350  can be disposed at any location in the internal volume. Further, in some examples, the device  300  can include multiple pressure decay sensors that can be redundant or that can be used in concert to detect the amount of force applied to the interface surface  315  by a user  301 . In some examples, the device  300  can further include an atmospheric pressure sensor that is not disposed in a sealed portion of the internal volume, and that can be in direct communication with the ambient environment. In some examples, the atmospheric pressure sensor can be used to detect an ambient or atmospheric pressure, and can compensate for changes in the ambient pressure detected by the pressure decay sensor  350 . 
     Along with the increase in the pressure of the internal volume, the deflection of the cover  316  caused by the force exerted on the interface surface  315  can change the distance of the gap between the interior surface  319  of the interface component  318  and a surface of the sensor  352  disposed below the interior surface  319 . Accordingly, the secondary sensor  352 , for example, a gap distance sensor  352 , can detect that the distance between the surface  319  in the sensor  352  (H 1  in  FIG. 5A ) has changed to a different, smaller distance (indicated as H 2  in  FIG. 5B ). In some examples, the secondary sensor  352  only detects or outputs that the distance H 1  has changed to a distance H 2  when the difference between H 1  and H 2  is greater than a desired threshold amount that can be selected or chosen. 
     In some examples, the secondary sensor  352  can be a capacitive gap distance sensor  352  and can detect a change in a capacitance associated with the distance of the gap between the surface  319  and a surface of the sensor  352 . Thus, in some examples, the surface  319  and the surface of the sensor  352  can include conductive materials, and together can form or include a capacitor. In these examples, when the distance of the gap between the surfaces decreases, such as from a value H 1  to a value H 2 , the capacitance associated with the gap can increase an amount corresponding to the difference in distance between H 1  and H 2 . This change in the distance of the gap and/or the time over which the distance change occurs can be used to at least partially detect the amount of force applied to or exerted on the interface surface  315 . 
     In some examples, the secondary sensor  352  can detect a change in the distance of the gap between the surface  319  in the sensor  352  by emitting electromagnetic energy and measuring the time of flight as the emitted energy, such as emitted light, travels from the sensor to the surface  319 , and back to the sensor  352 . That is, in some examples, the gap distance sensor  352  can be a time of flight sensor. In some examples, the gap distance sensor  352  can emit infrared light and can measure the time of flight of the infrared light beam from the sensor  352  to the surface  319 , and back to the sensor  352 . In these examples, when the distance of the gap between the surfaces decreases, such as to from a value H 1  to a value H 2 , the time of flight associated with the gap can decrease an amount corresponding to the difference in distance between H 1  and H 2 . In some examples, this change in the distance of the gap and/or the time over which the distance change occurs can be used to at least partially detect the amount of force applied to, or exerted on, the interface surface  315 . 
     Although illustrated at a specific position in the internal volume of device  300 , the secondary sensor  352  can be disposed at any desired location in the internal volume. Further, the sensor  352  can measure or detect changes in the distance of a gap between the sensor  352  and any desired component. In some examples, it can be desirable for the secondary sensor  352  to be positioned near a center of an interface surface  315  overlying the sensor  352 . This can be because deflections of the interface surface  315  associated with a force applied thereto can be largest near the center of the surface  315 , thereby allowing for a more accurate detection of the force by the secondary sensor  352 . Further, the distance of the gap between the surface  319  and the sensor  352  can be controlled, as desired. For example, a component such as a shim or a portion of material such as foam, can be disposed on the surface  319 , on the sensor  352 , and/or below the sensor  352 , to control the distance of the gap, as desired. 
     In some examples, the device  300  can include multiple secondary sensors that can sense changes in the distances of gaps between the sensors and various components of the device  300 . In some examples, these secondary sensors can be redundant or can be used in concert or in parallel to detect the amount of force applied to the interface surface  315 . In some examples, two or more gap distance sensors can be disposed in line with one another, such that the gap distance sensors can provide multiple signals associated with a change in a distance of the gap between the surface  319  and the sensor closest thereto. In some examples, this sensor configuration can reduce an amount of noise associated with the detection of the change in the distance of the gap. 
     In some examples, the pressure decay sensor  350  and the secondary sensor  352  can independently detect an amount of force applied to the interface surface  315 , for example, an amount of force above a threshold. In some examples, the amount of force detected by the pressure decay sensor  350  and the amount of force detected by the secondary sensors  352  can be compared to confirm an accurate detection of the amount of force. In some examples, the signals provided by the pressure decay sensor  350  and the secondary sensor  352  can be weighted and combined to arrive at a single detected the amount of force. In some examples, either of the amount of force detected by the pressure decay sensor  350  or the amount of force detected by the secondary sensor  352  can be discounted, depending on one or more factors. 
     Further, the amount of force detected by the pressure decay sensor  350  and/or the secondary sensor  352  can be used in conjunction with additional information detected by other sensors the device  300 . For example, where the interface component  318  includes a touch sensitive display, the touch sensitive display can detect a location of a user&#39;s  301  touch input on the interface surface  315 , while the pressure decay sensor  350  and/or a secondary sensor  352  can be used to detect the amount of the force exerted by the touch input. In some examples, the ability to detect both a location and an amount of force associated with a single or multiple touch inputs can allow for additional modes of interaction with the electronic device  300  by the user  301 . For example, a touch input at a specific location on the interface surface  315  having a low force level, below a desired threshold, can cause the device  300  to perform a first action, while a touch input at the specific location on the interface surface  315  having a high force level, above the desired threshold, can cause the device  300  to perform a second, different action. Additionally, in some examples, the use of multiple secondary sensors  352  can allow for multiple different actions associated with multiple different force levels above the threshold. In some examples, the pressure decay sensor  350  and the secondary center  352  can include or be considered a force sensor assembly that can detect the amount of force applied to an interface surface  315 . Further details regarding the operation of a pressure decay sensor, a secondary sensor, and a force sensor assembly are described below with reference to  FIGS. 6A-6E . 
       FIGS. 6A-6E  show cross-sectional views of a user  401  exerting or applying a force on an interface surface  415  of an electronic device  400 . The electronic device  400  can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the electronic devices  100 ,  200 ,  300  described herein with respect to  FIGS. 1-5B . As shown in  FIG. 6A , the electronic device  400  can include a housing  402  and an interface component  416  affixed to the housing  402  to define an internal volume of the device  400 . In some examples, the interface component  416  can include a touch sensitive layer or a component, and can be a touch sensitive display assembly  416 . In some examples, however, the interface component  416  can be substantially any component of the device  400  that partially defines an exterior surface and an interior volume of the device  400 . As can be seen, the interface component  416  can define an interface surface  415  that can at least partially define the exterior surface of the device  400 . The interface component  416  and/or the interface surface  415  can also have a baseline position or configuration  417  that the interface component  416  and/or interface surface  415  can reside in when no force is exerted thereon. 
     A pressure decay sensor  450  can be disposed in the internal volume defined by the housing  402  and the interface component  416 . The housing  402  can also define an aperture or opening  407  that can act as a vent and allow communication between the internal volume and the ambient environment, to a desired level. In some examples, a vent component  440  such as a membrane, valve, or other selectively transmissive component, can be disposed at the opening  407  to control an amount of air flow between the internal volume and the ambient environment. In some examples, the internal volume of the device  400  can be a sealed volume, and the device  400  can include one or more seals to seal the internal volume from the ambient environment at locations other than the opening  407 . 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates an initial contact by a user  401  on the interface surface  415 , for example, as can occur during a touch input event. As can be seen, the force applied by the user  401  to the interface surface  415  can cause a deflection, bending, deformation, or other movement of the interface component  416 , and can move, bend, deform, or deflect the interface surface  415  out of line with the baseline position  417 . This deflection of the interface component  416  also causes a corresponding decrease in the volume of the internal volume of the device  400 . As the vent component  440  limits the passage of air between the internal volume and the ambient environment through the opening  407 , the reduction in volume associated with the force causes an increase in the pressure of the internal volume, here indicated with outward facing reference arrows. Without being bound by any one theory, the relationship between the pressure of the internal volume and the size of the internal volume can be modelled by Boyle&#39;s Law, also known as the Pressure-Volume law, which states that the pressure of an amount of gas at a constant temperature varies inversely with the volume of the amount of gas. Thus, when the volume containing the gas decreases, here the internal volume of the device  400 , the pressure of the gas, here the air contained in the internal volume, increases. 
     As seen in  FIG. 6C , the user  401  has fully applied the force to the interface surface  415 , and caused a movement or bending of the surface  415  relative to its baseline position  417 . After a duration or time, the increased pressure of the internal volume caused by the applied force can cause some air to escape through the vent  440 , as shown with a reference arrow, and the pressure of the internal volume can equalize or decay back to a baseline pressure, for example, an ambient environmental pressure. The internal volume can be effectively or substantially airtight except at the vent  440 . In some examples, the vent  440  can control substantially all or most of the air flow into and out of the internal volume, and thus the increased pressure of the internal volume can take a relatively long duration to decay back to a baseline pressure. That is, the pressure of the internal volume can decay back to the baseline at a relatively slow rate, as desired, compared to the rate of pressure increase associated with the applied force. 
     In some examples, however, the internal volume of the device  400  may not be substantially airtight and may not be effectively sealed at locations between the interface component  416  and the housing  402 . In these examples, airflow between the internal volume and the ambient environment can occur at locations other than through the opening  407 . In some examples, this relatively lower amount of sealing of the internal volume can be deliberate or can occur by degradation or breakage of sealing components of the device  400  over time. In these examples where the internal volume is not substantially airtight except for the opening  407 , the internal pressure can decay to a baseline pressure relatively quickly or at a relatively fast rate compared to a substantially sealed internal volume and/or the rate of increase of the pressure caused by the application of the force. 
     In  FIG. 6D , the user  401  has ceased applying the force to the interface surface  415 , and the interface component  416  has begun to rebound back to its baseline position  417 . In some examples, the interface component  416  can rebound back to its baseline position  417  because of the elastic nature of the deformation or deflection caused by the force applied to the interface surface  415 . As the pressure differential between the internal volume and the ambient environment effectively equalized, or at least decreased in  FIG. 6C , the removal of the force and subsequent rebound of the interface component  416  can cause an increase in the size or volume of the internal volume of the device  400 . In some examples, similar to the manner in which the deformation of the interface component  416  caused an increase in pressure of the internal volume, the rebounding of the interface component  416  back to the baseline position  417  can cause a decrease in the pressure of the internal volume, here shown with reference arrows indicating the relatively higher pressure of the ambient environment as compared to the internal volume. 
     At  FIG. 6E , the interface component  416  has fully returned to the baseline position  417  and the pressure of the internal volume has equalized or decayed back to or substantially near to a baseline level, for example, through the transmission of air from the ambient environment into the internal volume through the opening  407  as controlled by the vent  440 , here indicated with a reference arrow. As with the transmission of air from the internal volume to the ambient environment described with respect to  FIG. 6C , the level of sealing of the internal volume can correspond to an amount of time it takes for the equalization or decay of the pressure of the internal volume to occur, and can correspond to the decay rate of the pressure back to a baseline level. Further details regarding the signals produced by the pressure decay sensor  450  in response to the application of a force and the detection of the amount of force applied to the interface surface  415  by the user  401  are described below with reference to  FIGS. 7A-7E . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a plot of the pressure  500  (P(t)) of the internal volume of the electronic device  400  illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6E  as detected or measured by the pressure sensor  450  versus time (t). The portion of the plot illustrated in  FIG. 7A  corresponds to the state of the device  400  illustrated in  FIG. 6A . That is,  FIG. 6A  shows the pressure of the internal volume when no force is applied to the interface surface  415  and no deflection of interface component  416  relative to the baseline  417  has occurred. As can be seen, the pressure  500  detected by the pressure decay sensor  450  can be relatively constant because the internal volume of the device  400  remains relatively constant over time. 
       FIG. 7B  shows the pressure  500  detected by the pressure sensor  450  at the time (T 1 ) the user  401  begins to apply or exert a force on the interface surface  415  of the device  400 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 6B . As can be seen, the force exerted on the interface surface  415  is sufficient to cause the pressure  500  detected by the pressure decay sensor  450  to spike or rise above a threshold pressure P 1 . In some examples, the threshold pressure P 1  can be chosen to be any desired pressure value. In some examples, the threshold pressure P 1  can be a set value, or can be determined based on one or more factors, such as ambient pressure, level of pressure signal noise, temperature, or combinations thereof. When the pressure decay sensor  450  detects that the pressure  500  has risen above the threshold pressure P 1 , the pressure decay sensor  450  can detect and/or record the time decay rate of the increased pressure  500 . In some examples, when a force applied to the interface surface  415  by user  401  does not cause the pressure  500  to rise above the threshold pressure P 1 , such as when a user  401  applies a low level of force to the interface surface  415 , the pressure decay sensor  450  does not record and/or detect a rate of decay of the pressure  500 . Further, in some examples, the pressure decay sensor  450  can measure or detect the time it takes for the pressure to increase due to the applied force, or the rate of increase, and can filter out pressure increases that occur over a time longer than a threshold time or at a rate slower than a threshold rate. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7C , after the application of the force by the user  401  to the interface surface  415  that caused the increase in pressure at time T 1 , the pressure  500  can begin to decay or equalize back to a baseline pressure, for example, as described with respect to  FIG. 6C . In some examples, this decay, here shown as portion  501  of the pressure plot  500 , can be mathematically modeled as an exponential decay. That is, the decay or decrease of the pressure  500  at portion  501  over time can be modelled by an equation having the form:
 
 P ( t )= P   0   e   −λt  
 
Where P 0  can be a constant or function, and λ can be considered the decay rate or rate of decay of the pressure  500 . Thus, the pressure decay sensor  450  can determine the rate of decay of the pressure  500  of the internal volume. Additionally, in some examples, the pressure decay sensor  450  can detect or determine the exponential time constant (τ) associated with the rate of decay of the pressure  500  at the portion  501 . The exponential time constant (τ) can relate to the rate of decay (λ) according to an equation having the form:
 
τ=1/λ
 
     Thus, in some examples, the pressure decay sensor  450  can detect an increase in a pressure  500  of the internal to volume of the device  400  above a threshold, and can also detect an exponential time constant of a rate of decay of the pressure  500 , for example, back to a baseline, as shown at portion  501 . Further, in some examples, the amount of force applied to the interface surface  415  can be proportional to the exponential time constant detected by the pressure decay sensor  450 . Accordingly, the pressure decay sensor  450  can detect an amount of force applied to the interface surface  415  based at least partially on the decay rate (λ) and/or exponential time constant (τ) of the decay of the pressure  500  from an increased pressure of the internal volume caused by the application of the force. In some examples, the detected or determined value of the exponential time constant can help to filter out or disregard interactions with the interface surface  415  by the user  401  where it is not be desirable to detect amount of force based on these interactions or to cause the device  400  to perform an action based on such an interaction. 
     For example, it can be desirable to detect an amount of force applied to an interface surface  415  by a user  401  only when the user  401  performs a hard push or tap on the surface, and not when the user  401  provides a long, extended, or delayed push or press on the interface surface  415 . In these examples, the exponential time constant can at least partially determine whether the user  401  performed a relatively quick or short lived and relatively high force push or tap, as compared to a relatively long or slow press on the interface surface  415 , and can communicate with one or more processors of the device  400  to cause the device  400  to perform a desired action according to which manner of interaction the user  401  had with the interface surface  415 . 
     In some examples, the exponential time constant detected by the pressure decay sensor  450  can be related to the performance of the seal between the internal volume and the ambient environment. For example, the lower the exponential time constant detected by the pressure decay sensor  450 , the more pathways exist for air to communicate with the ambient environment at locations other than through the vent  440 . Similarly, the higher the exponential time constant detected by the pressure decay sensor  450 , the fewer pathways exist for air to communicate with the ambient environment at locations other than through the vent  440 , thereby indicating a more robust or higher level of sealing of the internal volume of the device  400 . In some examples, the pressure decay sensor  450  can detect an amount of force applied to the interface surface  415  of the device  400  above a threshold by detecting an exponential time constant associated with the decay of an increased pressure of the internal volume of the device  400  that is above a threshold exponential time constant. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7D , the user  401  has ceased applying a force to the interface surface  415  at time T 2 , for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 6D . The removal of the applied force from the interface surface  415  can cause a rebounding of the deformed or deflected interface component  416  to a baseline position  417 , and a corresponding decrease in the pressure  500  detected by the pressure decay sensor  450 . 
       FIG. 7E  shows the pressure  500  detected by the pressure decay sensor  450  decaying or returning to a baseline pressure, for example, at portion  502 . As described with respect to portion  501  and  FIG. 7C , the decay of the pressure at portion  502  can be mathematically modeled as an exponential decay. Accordingly, in some examples, the pressure decay sensor  450  can detect a second rate of decay and a second exponential time constant associated with the portion  502 . In some examples, the detected second rate of decay and/or second exponential constant can be used to confirm the amount of force detected based on the exponential time constant associated with portion  501 . In some examples, a weighted combination of the first exponential time constant and a second exponential time constant can be used to detect an amount of force applied to the interface surface  415 . In some examples, the exponential time constant associated with portion  502  is not used to detect an amount of force applied to the interface surface  415 . In some examples the exponential time constant associate with the portion  502  can be used for detecting or determining other properties or performing other functions, such as calibrating the pressure decay sensor  450 . Various examples of components, such as sensors, and electronic devices including interface surfaces and internal volumes, as well as methods and components for detecting the amount of force exerted thereon are described below with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a plot of the noise associated with the signals corresponding to the amount of force exerted on an interface surface of an electronic device as detected by a pressure decay sensor  650  and a secondary sensor  652  versus the exponential time constant (τ) as detected by the pressure decay sensor  650 . In some examples, the interface surface can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the interface surfaces described herein, such as interface surfaces  315 ,  415  described with respect to  FIGS. 5A-7E . In some examples, the pressure decay sensor  650  can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the pressure decay sensors described herein, such as pressure decay sensors  150 ,  250 ,  350 ,  450 . In some examples, the secondary sensor  652  can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the secondary sensors described herein, such as secondary sensors  152 ,  252 ,  352 . In some examples, the secondary center  652  can be a gap distance sensor  652  as described herein, such as a capacitive gap distance sensor. 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the noise level of the signal corresponding to the amount of force detected by the pressure decay sensor  650  generally increases with a decreasing value of the exponential time constant detected by the pressure decay sensor  650 . Conversely, the noise level of the signal corresponding to the amount of force detected by the secondary sensor  652  generally decreases with decreasing values of the exponential time constant detected by the pressure decay sensor  650 . Accordingly, in some examples, the signal associated with the amount of force detected by the pressure decay sensor  650  can be less noisy, and thus more accurate, than the signal associated with the amount of force detected by the secondary sensor  652  when the exponential time constant detected by the pressure sensor  650  is greater than a value τ 1 . In some examples, when the exponential time constant detected by the pressure sensor  650  is less than the value τ 1 , the signal associated with the amount of force detected by the secondary sensor  652  can be less noisy and more accurate than the signal associated with the amount of force detected by the pressure decay sensor  650 . 
     In some examples the pressure decay sensor  650  and/or a force sensor assembly including the pressure decay sensor  650  and a secondary sensor  652  can utilize the relationship between the noise levels of signals associated with a detected amount of force and the detected exponential time constant to provide an accurate detection of the amount of force applied to an interface surface. 
     In some examples, the amount of force detected by the pressure decay sensor  650  and/or a force sensor assembly including the pressure decay sensor  650  and a secondary sensor  652  can be based on either the amount of force detected by the pressure decay sensor  650  or the amount of force detected by the secondary sensor  652 . In some examples, the determination of which detected amount of force is used can be based at least partially on the exponential time constant detected by the pressure decay sensor  650 . Thus, in some examples, either a signal from the pressure decay sensor  650  or a signal from the secondary sensor  652  can be used to detect the amount of force applied to the interface surface. For example, when the detected exponential time constant is greater than τ 1 , the amount of force detected by the pressure decay sensor  650  can be used, while the amount of force detected by the secondary sensor  652  can be used if the exponential time constant is less than τ 1 . 
     In some examples, the amount of force detected by the pressure decay sensor  650  and/or a force sensor assembly can be detected or determined by a weighted combination of the amount of force detected by the pressure decay sensor  650  and the amount of force detected by the secondary sensor  652 . In some examples, the detected amount of force can be a weighted combination of a first signal or first detected force from the pressure decay sensor  650  and a second signal or second detected force from the secondary sensor  652 , and the weight of the first signal or first detected force and the weight of the second signal or second detected force can be based at least partially on the exponential time constant detected by the pressure decay sensor  650 . In some examples, when the exponential time constant is detected to be less than τ 1  the weight assigned to the signal from the pressure decay sensor  650 , also referred to as a first weight, can be less than the weight signed to the secondary sensor  652 , also referred to as a second weight. In some examples, when the exponential time constant is detected to be greater than τ 1 , the weight assigned to the signal from the pressure decay sensor  650  can be greater than the weight assigned to the signal from the secondary sensor  652 . In some examples τ 1  can be any desired value or any range of desired values, and can further be selected depending on a number of factors including a previously measured exponential time constant. In some examples, the τ 1  can be between about 0.2 milliseconds (ms) and about 100 ms, or between about 10 ms and about 75 ms, for example, about 40 ms, 50 ms, or 60 ms. In some examples, the first weight or second weight can be assigned increasingly greater values the farther the detected exponential time constant it is from τ 1 . In some examples, the relationship between the first weight and/or second weight and the detected exponential time constant can be linear, logarithmic, exponential, or can be related by any function, algorithm, or combination of functions and/or algorithms. 
     In some examples, the first weight and the second weight can have any desired value or combination of values. For example, the first weight can be between 0% and 100% of the total value of the combined first weight and second weight, while the second weight can also be between 0% and 100% of the total value of the combined first weight and second weight. In some examples, the first weight and second weight can be based entirely on the detected exponential time constant. In some other examples, however, the first weight and or the second weight can be at least partially based on the exponential time constant and any number of additional desired factors or measurements. 
     In some examples, and as described herein with respect to  FIGS. 6A-7E , the performance of the seal between the internal volume of an electronic device and the ambient environment can influence a detected exponential time constant. For example, when there is a relatively high level of sealing between the internal volume and the ambient environment, the detected exponential time constant can be relatively large, such as up to about 2000 ms, or even larger. In some examples, when there is a relatively lower level of sealing between the internal volume and the ambient environment, the detected exponential time constant can be relatively small, such as less than about 100 ms, less than about 60 ms, or even smaller. 
     In some examples, the level of sealing between the internal volume of an electronic device in the ambient environment can change over the course of a device&#39;s lifetime. For example, high stress events, such as accidental drops of the electronic device, can create additional airflow pathways between the internal volume and the ambient environment, thereby resulting in a lower level of sealing and a lower detected exponential time constant. That is, in some examples, the first weight and the second weight can be assigned different values over the course of a device&#39;s life. For example, the signal from the pressure decay sensor  650  can be assigned a greater weight than the signal from the secondary sensor  652  when there is a high level of sealing between the internal volume and the ambient environment, but if the level of sealing decreases over the device&#39;s lifetime then at some point, such as when he detected exponential time constant is less than τ 1 , the weight assigned to the signal from the secondary sensor  652  can be greater than the weight assigned the pressure decay sensor  650 . 
     Any number or variety of electronic devices defining internal volumes can include any of the sensors described herein. Processes for detecting an amount of force applied to a surface, such as an interface surface of an electronic device, can include detecting an increase in a pressure of the internal volume and detecting a rate of decay of the pressure by any form of pressure decay sensor now known or discovered in the future. The electronic device can also include any form of secondary sensor to detect a change in one or more properties of the device and/or internal volume, for example, a change in a distance of a gap between components of the device. The secondary sensor can provide a detection of the amount of force applied to the interface surface and can be combined with the detection by the pressure decay sensor in any manner desired. Various examples of components, such as sensors, and electronic devices including interface surfaces and internal volumes, as well as methods and components for detecting the amount of force exerted thereon are described below with reference to  FIGS. 9-10 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a process flow diagram of a process or method  700  for determining or detecting an amount of force applied to an interface component of an electronic device defining an internal volume. According to  FIG. 9 , the method  700  for determining the amount of force applied to the interface component can include detecting an increase in a pressure of the internal volume above a threshold at block  710 , measuring a rate of decay of the detected pressure of the internal volume at block  720 , and determining the amount of force based at least partially on the rate of decay at block  730 . 
     At block  710 , an increase in a pressure of the internal volume of electronic device above a threshold is detected. In some examples, the increase in pressure can be detected by a pressure decay sensor, as described herein. In some examples the electronic device can be substantially similar to, and include some or all of the futures of electronic devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 , while the pressure decay sensor can be substantially similar to, and include some or all of the features of the pressure decay sensors  150 ,  250 ,  350 ,  450  described herein. In some examples, the internal volume of can be at least partially sealed from the ambient environment, such as by a sealing material, as described herein. In some examples, air can travel between the internal volume and the ambient environment in a controlled manner, such as through a vent of the electronic device, as described herein. 
     At block  720 , a rate of decay of the increased pressure can be measured or detected. For example, the rate of decay of the pressure of the internal volume from an increased value back to, or substantially near to, a baseline pressure can be detected by a pressure decay sensor, as described herein with respect to  FIGS. 7A-7E . In some examples, measuring the rate of decay of the detected pressure at block  720  can further include measuring or detecting an exponential time constant associated with the detected rate of decay, as described herein. 
     At block  730 , the amount of force applied to the interface component of the device, for example, by a user exerting a force on an interface surface of the interface component, can be determined at least partially based on the rate of decay measured at block  720 . In some examples, the amount of force can be determined at least partially by the exponential time constant associated with the rate of decay measured at block at  720 . Method  700  can further include detecting a change in a property of the electronic device and/or internal volume above a threshold with a secondary sensor, for example, with a gap distance center, as described herein. 
     Thus, in some examples, determining the amount of force applied to the interface component can include determining a first amount of force with the pressure decay sensor, for example, based at least partially on a detected exponential time constant, and determining a second amount of force based at least partially on a signal or measurement from the secondary sensor, for example, by detecting a change in the distance of a gap overtime. In some examples, determining the amount of force applied to the interface component can include selecting and outputting one or the other of the first amount of force or the second amount of force. In some examples, determining the amount of force applied to the interface component can include assigning a first weight to the first detected force and a second weight to the second detected force and combining the first weighted detected force with the second weighted detected force. As described herein, for example, with respect to  FIG. 8 , the first weight and/or second weight can be based at least partially on the rate of decay and/or exponential time constant detected by the pressure decay sensor. Further details of a method  800  for determining an amount of force applied to an interface component of an electronic device having an internal volume are described below with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a process flow diagram of a process or method  800  for determining or detecting an amount of force applied to an interface component of an electronic device having an internal volume. According to  FIG. 10 , the method  800  for determining the amount of force applied to the interface component can include detecting an increase in a pressure of the internal volume above a threshold at block  810 , measuring a rate of decay of the detected pressure of the internal volume at block  820 , determining the amount of force at least partially by comparing the detected rate of decay to a baseline rate of decay at block  830 , and recalibrating the baseline rate of decay at block  840 . 
     At block  810 , an increase in a pressure of the internal volume of electronic device above a threshold is detected. In some examples, the increase in pressure can be detected by a pressure decay sensor as described herein. In some examples the electronic device can be substantially similar to, and include some or all of the futures of electronic devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 , while the pressure decay sensor can be substantially similar to, and can include some or all of the features of the pressure decay sensors  150 ,  250 ,  350 ,  450  described herein. In some examples, the internal volume of can be at least partially sealed from the ambient environment, such as by a sealing material, as described herein. In some examples, air can travel between the internal volume and the ambient environment in a controlled manner such as through a vent of the electronic device, as described herein. 
     At block  820 , a rate of decay of the increased pressure can be measured or detected. For example, the rate of decay of the pressure of the internal volume from an increased value back to or substantially near to a baseline pressure can be detected by a pressure decay sensor, as described herein with respect to  FIGS. 7A-7E . In some examples, measuring the rate of decay of the detected pressure at block  820  can further include measuring or detecting an exponential time constant associated with the detected rate of decay, as described herein. 
     At block  830 , the amount of force applied to the interface component of the device, for example, by a user exerting a force on an interface surface of the interface component, can be determined at least partially by comparing the rate of decay measured at block  820  with a baseline rate of decay. In some examples, the amount of force can be determined at least partially by comparing the exponential time constant associated with the rate of decay measured at block at  820  with a baseline exponential time constant. In some examples, the method  800  can further include detecting a change in a property of the electronic device and/or the internal volume above a threshold with a secondary sensor, for example, as described with respect to block  730  of  FIG. 9 . 
     At block  840 , the baseline rate of decay can be recalibrated or recalculated. In some examples, the rate of decay measured at block  820  can be used as a baseline rate of decay when the pressure decay sensor detects a subsequent increase in pressure above a threshold in the internal volume. In some examples, the detected exponential time constant associated with the rate of decay measured at block  820  can be used to recalibrate the baseline rate of decay or baseline exponential time constant. Thus, in some examples, the baseline rate of decay or baseline exponential time constant discussed with respect to block  830  can be a rate of decay or exponential time constant detected by the pressure decay sensor during a previous iteration of the method  800 . 
     Any of the features or aspects of the devices, components, and methods discussed herein can be combined or included in any varied combination. For example, the design and shape of the devices including a housing and interface component defining an internal volume with a pressure decay sensor disposed therein are not limited in any way and can be formed and operated by any number of processes, including those discussed herein. An electronic device including a pressure decay sensor and one or more secondary sensors, as discussed herein, can detect an amount of force applied to any surface of a device, such as an external surface of a housing or interface component of the device. The device can include any number of internal volumes including any number or type of sensors to detect amounts of forces applied to external surfaces of the components defining the volumes. 
     To the extent applicable to the present technology, gathering and use of data available from various sources can be used to improve the delivery to users of invitational content or any other content that can be of interest to them. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data can include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, TWITTER® ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of greater interest to the user. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enables users to calculated control of the delivered content. Further, other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also contemplated by the present disclosure. For instance, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness or can be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data can be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries can be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence, different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates examples in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of advertisement delivery services, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide mood-associated data for targeted content delivery services. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time mood-associated data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of a baseline mood profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user can be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content can be selected and delivered to users by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as the content being requested by the device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery services, or publicly available information. 
     As used herein, the terms exterior, outer, interior, inner, top, and bottom are used for reference purposes only. An exterior or outer portion of a component can form a portion of an exterior surface of the component but may not necessarily form the entire exterior of outer surface thereof. Similarly, the interior or inner portion of a component can form or define an interior or inner portion of the component but can also form or define a portion of an exterior or outer surface of the component. A top portion of a component can be located above a bottom portion in some orientations of the component, but can also be located in line with, below, or in other spatial relationships with the bottom portion depending on the orientation of the component. 
     Various inventions have been described herein with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, they will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the inventions disclosed herein, in that those inventions set forth in the claims below are intended to cover all variations and modifications of the inventions disclosed without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The terms “including:” and “having” come as used in the specification and claims shall have the same meaning as the term “comprising.” 
     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 targeted 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: 20191209
Publication Date: 20210615
Grant Date: 20210615
Priority Date: 20190909
Inventors: ZHAO, XIAO YING
SPRAGGS, IAN A.
PAKULA, DAVID A.
TAN, TANG Y.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0412", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04101", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04101", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 70613687