PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11556095-B2
Application Number: US-202016849548-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Modular sensing assembly for an electronic device

Abstract:
A modular sensing assembly may be used to detect user inputs at an electronic device. Example user inputs include touch inputs, fingerprint inputs, translational inputs, audio inputs, biometric inputs, and the like. Inputs received using the modular sensing assembly may be used to control a graphical output of a display of the electronic device. A modular sensing assembly may be configured, for example, as a power button, a key of a keyboard, a control button (e.g., volume control), a home button, a watch crown, and so on.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic watch comprising:
 a housing defining an interior volume and having a sidewall and a recess formed in the sidewall; 
 a processing unit positioned within the interior volume; 
 a display operably coupled to the processing unit; and 
 a modular sensing assembly disposed in the recess and operably coupled to the processing unit, the modular sensing assembly comprising:
 an assembly enclosure comprising:
 a cover defining a portion of an exterior surface of the electronic watch; and 
 a trim member extending around a perimeter of the cover; 
 
 an electrocardiograph electrode disposed on the cover and configured to detect an electrocardiograph signal; 
 a sensing sub-assembly positioned between the cover and the sidewall and at least partially surrounded by the trim member, the sensing sub-assembly comprising:
 a touch sensor configured to detect a touch input on the cover; 
 an audio sensor configured to detect an audio input; 
 
 a translation sensor positioned beneath the cover and configured to detect a translational input to the cover; and 
 a sealing member positioned between the trim member and the housing and configured to exclude contaminants from the interior volume; wherein: 
 
 the display is configured to provide a graphical output that is responsive to the electrocardiograph signal, the touch input, the audio input, and the translational input. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the sidewall further defines a passage that extends through the sidewall to the interior volume; 
 the modular sensing assembly further comprises:
 a retention bracket positioned along an interior surface of the sidewall; 
 a button member positioned beneath the cover and configured to depress in response to the translational input, thereby actuating the translation sensor; and 
 a button retainer at least partially surrounding the button member and coupled to the retention bracket via a fastener that extends through the passage; and 
 
 the sealing member extends around the button retainer. 
 
     
     
       3. The electronic watch of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the translation sensor is a first translation sensor positioned beneath a first end of the button member; 
 the modular sensing assembly further comprises a second translation sensor positioned beneath a second end of the button member; 
 a first translational input on a first region of the cover causes the first end of the button member to depress, thereby actuating the first translation sensor; and 
 a second translational input on a second region of the cover causes the second end of the button member to depress, thereby actuating the second translation sensor. 
 
     
     
       4. The electronic watch of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the passage is a first passage; 
 the sidewall further defines a second passage that extends through the sidewall to the interior volume; 
 the first translation sensor is positioned at least partially within the first passage; and 
 the second translation sensor is positioned at least partially within the second passage. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the touch sensor is a capacitive touch sensor and is further configured to detect a fingerprint input. 
     
     
       6. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein the cover comprises sapphire. 
     
     
       7. The electronic watch of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the cover defines an opening extending through the cover; and 
 the audio sensor is positioned beneath the opening and configured to detect the audio input through the opening. 
 
     
     
       8. The electronic watch of  claim 7 , wherein the electronic watch further comprises a membrane positioned beneath the opening and configured to prevent the contaminants from passing through the opening. 
     
     
       9. An electronic watch comprising:
 a display; 
 a processing unit operably coupled to the display; 
 a housing at least partially surrounding the display, the housing having a sidewall and defining a recess formed in the sidewall; and 
 a modular sensing assembly disposed in the recess, and comprising:
 a cover defining an input surface; 
 a capacitive sensor positioned beneath the input surface and configured to:
 detect a touch input on the input surface; and 
 detect a fingerprint input on the input surface; 
 
 an audio sensor positioned beneath the cover and configured to detect an audio input through an opening in the cover; 
 a translation sensor positioned beneath the cover and configured to detect a translational input at the input surface; and 
 a trim member at least partially surrounding the cover, the capacitive sensor, and the audio sensor; wherein: 
 
 the display is configured to provide a graphical output that is responsive to the touch input, the fingerprint input, the audio input, and the translational input. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic watch of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the electronic watch further comprises a crown positioned along the sidewall and configured to receive a rotational input; and 
 the graphical output is further responsive to the rotational input. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic watch of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the sidewall further defines:
 a first passage extending from the recess into an interior volume of the housing; and 
 a second passage extending from an exterior surface of the sidewall into the interior volume of the housing; 
 
 the modular sensing assembly further comprises:
 a retention bracket positioned along an interior surface of the sidewall; and 
 a button member positioned between the cover and the translation sensor and extending at least partially through the first passage; and 
 
 the crown includes a shaft extending through the second passage. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic watch of  claim 11 , wherein:
 the translation sensor is coupled to the retention bracket and aligned with the first passage; and 
 the button member is configured to translate in response to the cover translating, thereby actuating the translation sensor. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic watch of  claim 11 , wherein the modular sensing assembly further comprises a sealing member positioned along an inside surface of the recess and configured to deform in response to the cover translating. 
     
     
       14. The electronic watch of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the sidewall further defines a third passage extending from the recess into the interior volume of the housing; 
 the modular sensing assembly further comprises a button retainer extending around the button member and coupled to the retention bracket via a fastener extending through the third passage; and 
 the sealing member extends around the button retainer and forms a seal between the button retainer and the housing. 
 
     
     
       15. The electronic watch of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the sidewall further defines a third passage extending from the recess into the interior volume of the housing; 
 the modular sensing assembly further comprises a connector that operably couples the capacitive sensor to the processing unit and extends through the third passage and into the interior volume; and 
 the sealing member extends around the first passage and the third passage and is configured to prevent contaminants from entering the interior volume via the first passage or the third passage. 
 
     
     
       16. An electronic device comprising:
 a housing defining a recess; and 
 a modular sensing assembly disposed in the recess, and comprising:
 an assembly enclosure comprising:
 a cover defining an input surface and configured to translate in response to a translational input; and 
 a trim member extending around a perimeter of the cover; 
 
 a touch sensor positioned at least partially within the assembly enclosure and configured to:
 detect a touch input on the input surface; and 
 detect a fingerprint input on the input surface; 
 
 an audio sensor positioned at least partially within the assembly enclosure and configured to detect an audio input through an opening in the cover; 
 an electrocardiograph electrode disposed on an exterior surface of the cover and configured to detect an electrocardiograph signal; 
 a dome switch positioned beneath the cover and configured to detect the translational input by actuating in response to the cover translating; and 
 a sealing member positioned between the trim member and an inside surface of the recess, the sealing member configured to deform in response to the translational input. 
 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the electrocardiograph electrode is positioned along a portion of the perimeter of the cover. 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the portion of the perimeter of the cover is curved; 
 the electrocardiograph electrode conforms to a curvature of the portion of the perimeter of the cover; and 
 the electrocardiograph electrode at least partially surrounds a region of the cover that does not include the electrocardiograph electrode. 
 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 18 , wherein the portion of the perimeter of the cover defines a 180-degree curve. 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 16 , wherein the electrocardiograph electrode extends from the exterior surface of the cover and around an edge of the cover to a connector coupled to an interior surface of the cover.

Description:
FIELD 
     Embodiments relate generally to an electronic watch or other electronic device. More particularly, the described embodiments relate a modular sensing assembly for receiving multiple types of inputs at an electronic watch or other electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many traditional electronic devices include buttons, keys, or other similar input mechanisms. Many traditional input mechanisms are difficult to seal and may introduce one or more paths through which contaminants may enter the device. Furthermore, many traditional mechanisms are structurally integrated in a way that does not facilitate component-level testing or easy repair. The embodiments described herein are directed to electronic devices having a modular sensing assembly that may address these and other issues that are associated with some traditional input mechanisms. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the systems, devices, methods, and apparatuses described in the present disclosure are directed to a modular sensing assembly for receiving multiple types of inputs at an electronic device. 
     One embodiment may take the form of an electronic watch that includes a housing defining an interior volume and having a sidewall and a recess formed in the sidewall, a processing unit positioned within the interior volume, a display, and a modular sensing assembly disposed in the recess and operably coupled to the processing unit. The modular sensing assembly may include an assembly enclosure that includes a cover defining a portion of an exterior surface of the electronic watch and a trim member extending around a perimeter of the cover. The modular sensing assembly may further include an electrocardiograph electrode disposed on the cover and configured to detect an electrocardiograph signal. The modular sensing assembly may further include a sensing sub-assembly positioned between the cover and the sidewall and at least partially surrounded by the trim member. The sensing assembly may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch input on the cover and an audio sensor configured to detect an audio input. The modular sensing assembly may further include a translation sensor positioned beneath the cover and configured to detect a translational input to the cover and a sealing member positioned between the trim member and the housing and configured to exclude contaminants from the interior volume. The display may be configured to provide a graphical output that is responsive to the electrocardiograph signal, the touch input, the audio input, and the translational input. 
     Another embodiment may take the form of an electronic watch that includes a display, a processing unit operably coupled to the display, a housing at least partially surrounding the display and having a sidewall and defining a recess formed in the sidewall. The electronic watch may further include a modular sensing assembly disposed in the recess. The modular sensing assembly may include a cover defining an input surface, a capacitive sensor positioned beneath the input surface and configured to detect a touch input on the input surface and detect a fingerprint input on the input surface. The modular sensing assembly may further include an audio sensor positioned beneath the cover and configured to detect an audio input through an opening in the cover. The modular sensing assembly may further include a translation sensor positioned beneath the cover and configured to detect a translational input at the input surface. The modular sensing assembly may further include a trim member at least partially surrounding the cover, the capacitive sensor, and the audio sensor. The display may be configured to provide a graphical output that is responsive to the touch input, the fingerprint input, the audio input, and the translational input 
     Another embodiment may take the form of an electronic device that include a housing defining a recess and a modular sensing assembly disposed in the recess. The modular sensing assembly may include an assembly enclosure that includes a cover defining an input surface and configured to translate in response to a translational input and a trim member extending around a perimeter of the cover. The modular sensing assembly may further include a touch sensor positioned at least partially within the assembly enclosure and configured to detect a touch input on the input surface and detect a fingerprint input on the input surface. The modular sensing assembly may further include an audio sensor positioned at least partially within the assembly enclosure and configured to detect an audio input through an opening in the cover. The modular sensing assembly may further include an electrocardiograph electrode disposed on an exterior surface of the cover and configured to detect an electrocardiograph signal. The modular sensing assembly may further include a dome switch positioned beneath the cover and configured to detect the translational input by actuating in response to the cover translating. The modular sensing assembly may further include a sealing member positioned between the trim member and an inside surface of the recess, the sealing member configured to deform in response to the translational input. 
     In addition to the example aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
    
    
     
       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 A  illustrates a block diagram of an example electronic device that may incorporate a modular sensing assembly; 
         FIG.  1 B  illustrates a block diagram of the example modular sensing assembly of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  illustrate an example electronic watch that includes a modular sensing assembly; 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  illustrate an example electronic watch that includes a modular sensing assembly; and 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device that may incorporate a modular sensing assembly. 
     
    
    
     The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates to a modular sensing assembly for use as part of an electronic device. The modular sensing assembly may receive multiple different types of user inputs. Example user inputs include touch inputs, fingerprint inputs, translational inputs, audio inputs, biometric inputs, and the like. Inputs received using the modular sensing assembly may be used to control a graphical output of a display of the electronic device. A modular sensing assembly may be configured, for example, as a power button, a key of a keyboard, a control button (e.g., volume control), a home button, a watch crown, and so on. 
     Combining multiple components in a modular sensing assembly provides advantages over traditional input mechanisms. Advantages include reducing device component redundancy and manufacturing complexity. For example, a modular sensing assembly may include a single sealing member that provides a seal around all of the components of the modular sensing assembly and/or between the modular sensing assembly and a device housing. This may reduce the overall number of parts required to assemble the electronic device, which may reduce manufacturing complexity and cost as well as minimize a size of the device. As another example, multiple components of the modular sensing assembly may be operably coupled to a processing unit using one or more common connectors and/or common passages into an interior volume of the device. 
     The modular sensing assembly may be positioned at least partially within a housing of an electronic device. Example inputs received by the modular sensing assembly may include touch inputs, translational inputs, fingerprint inputs, audio inputs, electrocardiograph signals, and the like. The modular sensing assembly may provide one or more outputs. Example outputs provided by the modular sensing assembly include audio outputs, haptic outputs, visual outputs, and the like. 
     As discussed in more detail below, the modular sensing assembly may include multiple sensors, sub-assemblies, and/or other components positioned within an assembly enclosure. Combining multiple components in a modular sensing assembly provides advantages over traditional input mechanisms. Advantages include reducing device component redundancy and manufacturing complexity. For example, a modular sensing assembly may include a single sealing member that provides a seal around all of the components of the modular sensing assembly and/or between the modular sensing assembly and a device housing. As another example, multiple components of the modular sensing assembly may be operably coupled to a processing unit using one or more common connectors and/or common passages into the interior volume of the electronic device. 
     The modular sensing assemblies described herein may include a sealing member that inhibits contaminants from entering the interior volume and/or a housing of the electronic device. “Contaminants,” as used herein, may be used to refer to foreign matter that is not intended to be present in the interior volume or the electronic device. Example contaminants include liquids, such as water, and solid matter such as lint, dust, and food particles. In one embodiment, a sealing member is positioned between one or more components of a modular sensing assembly and one or more surfaces of the housing of the electronic device. 
     The term “attached,” as used herein, may be used to refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that are physically affixed, fastened, and/or retained to one another. The term “coupled,” as used herein, may be used to refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts or the like that are physically attached to one another, operate with one another, communicate with one another, are in electrical connection with one another, and/or otherwise interact with one another. Accordingly, while elements attached to one another are coupled to one another, the reverse is not required. As used herein, “operably coupled” or “electrically coupled” may be used to refer to two or more devices that are coupled in any suitable manner for operation and/or communication, including wiredly, wirelessly, or some combination thereof. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 4   . 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 A  illustrates a block diagram of an example electronic device  100  that may incorporate a modular sensing assembly  110 . The electronic device  100  may include a display  122 , one or more input devices  124 , one or more output devices  126 , and the modular sensing assembly  110 . Each of the components of the electronic device  100  may be operably coupled to a processing unit  128 . The electronic device  100  may include a housing  120 . The components of the electronic device  100  may be positioned at least partially within an interior volume  121  of the housing  120 . 
     The modular sensing assembly  110  may be positioned at least partially within the housing  120  of the electronic device  100 , and may be configured to receive inputs and/or provide outputs. Example inputs received by the modular sensing assembly  110  may include touch inputs, translational inputs, fingerprint inputs, audio inputs, electrocardiograph signals, and the like. Example outputs provided by the modular sensing assembly  110  may include audio outputs, haptic outputs, visual outputs, and the like. The modular sensing assembly  110  may be operably coupled to the processing unit  128 , for example by a connector  130   a.    
     As discussed in more detail below, the modular sensing assembly  110  may include multiple sensors, sub-assemblies, and/or other components positioned within an assembly enclosure. Combining multiple components in a modular sensing assembly  110  provides advantages over traditional input mechanisms. Advantages include reducing device component redundancy and manufacturing complexity. For example, a modular sensing assembly  110  may include a single sealing member that provides a seal around all of the components of the modular sensing assembly  110  and/or between the modular sensing assembly  110  and the housing  120 . As another example, multiple components of the modular sensing assembly  110  may be operably coupled to the processing unit using one or more common connectors and/or common passages into the interior volume  121 . 
     In various embodiments, the display  122  may be positioned at least partially within the interior volume  121  of the housing  120 . The display  122  provides a graphical output, for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device  100 . In one embodiment, the display  122  includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. The display  122  is operably coupled to the processing unit  128  of the electronic device  100 , for example by a connector  130   b . In some cases, the graphical output of the display  122  is visible along at least a portion of an external surface of the electronic device  100 . 
     In various embodiments, a graphical output of the display  122  is responsive to inputs provided at the display, one or more input devices  124 , and/or one or more modular sensing assemblies  110 . For example, the processing unit  128  may be configured to modify the graphical output of the display  122  in response to determining an electrocardiogram, receiving rotational inputs, receiving translational inputs, receiving touch inputs, receiving fingerprint inputs, receiving audio inputs, and the like. In some cases, a haptic output provided by the modular sensing assembly  110  corresponds to the graphical output of the display  122 . In some cases, the modular sensing assembly  110  may produce a haptic output that is coordinated with a change in the graphical output of the display  122 . For example, the haptic output may be produced at or near the same time as the change in the graphical output of the display  122 . In some cases, a time that the haptic output is produced overlaps a time that the graphical output of the display  122  changes. 
     The display  122  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. In some cases, the display  122  is positioned beneath and viewable through the cover. 
     Broadly, the input devices  124  may detect various types of input, and the output devices  126  may provide various types of output. The modular sensing assembly  110  may be an example of an input device  124 . Similarly, the modular sensing assembly  110  may be an example of an output device  126 . The processing unit  128  may be operably coupled to the input devices  124  and the output devices  126 , for example by connectors  130   c  and  130   d , respectively. The processing unit  128  may receive input signals from the input devices  124 , in response to inputs detected by the input devices. The processing unit  128  may interpret input signals received from one or more of the input devices  124  and transmit output signals to one or more of the output devices  126 . The output signals may cause the output devices  126  to provide one or more outputs. Detected input at one or more of the input devices  124  may be used to control one or more functions of the electronic device  100 . 
     In some cases, one or more of the output devices  126  may be configured to provide outputs that are dependent on, or manipulated in response to, the input detected by one or more of the input devices  124 . The outputs provided by one or more of the output devices  126  may also be responsive to, or initiated by, a program or application executed by the processing unit  128  and/or an associated companion device. Examples of suitable processing units, input devices, output devices, and displays, are discussed in more detail below with respect to  FIG.  4   . 
       FIG.  1 B  illustrates a block diagram of the example modular sensing assembly  110  of  FIG.  1 A . The modular sensing assembly  110  may include a touch sensor  140 , a fingerprint sensor  142 , a translation sensor  144 , an audio sensor  146 , an electrocardiograph (ECG) electrode  148 , and one or more output devices  149 . As noted above, the components of the modular sensing assembly  110  may be positioned at least partially within an assembly enclosure  111 . 
     The touch sensor  140  can be any suitable device for detecting touch inputs the modular sensing assembly  110 . As used herein, “touch inputs” may refer to any contact or near-contact with one or more input surfaces of the modular sensing assembly  110  by a user (e.g., a user&#39;s finger) or another object. Touch inputs may be taps, presses, gestures (e.g., swipes), and the like. 
     The touch sensor  140  may be implemented as a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and so on. The touch sensor  140  may provide a signal in response to a touch input that may indicate that the touch input occurs, a type of input (e.g., tap, press, gesture, etc.), where an input occurs, and/or a measure of the input (e.g., a force measurement). In some cases, the modular sensing assembly  110  includes a cover that defines an input surface on an exterior surface of the modular sensing assembly, and the touch sensor  140  may be positioned beneath the cover of the modular sensing assembly  110  to detect touch inputs on or near the input surface. 
     Outputs provided by the electronic device  100  may be responsive to touch inputs detected using the touch sensor  140 . For example, graphical outputs provided by the display  122  and/or audio outputs provided by an audio output device may be responsive to touch inputs detected using the touch sensor  140 . 
     The fingerprint sensor  142  can be any suitable device for detecting fingerprint inputs at the modular sensing assembly  110 . As used herein, “fingerprint inputs” may refer to any representation of a user&#39;s fingerprint, including a fingerprint image, a fingerprint map, and the like. Fingerprint inputs may be used by the processing unit  128  to perform authentication operations at the electronic device  100 . 
     The fingerprint sensor  142  may be implemented as a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, and so on. The fingerprint sensor  142  may provide a signal in response to a fingerprint input that may contain information related to the fingerprint input. In some cases, the fingerprint sensor  142  may be positioned beneath the cover of the modular sensing assembly  110  to detect fingerprint inputs on or near the input surface. The fingerprint sensor  142  may be an area sensor, meaning that the fingerprint sensor  142  does not require a swipe of the user&#39;s finger to capture enough of a fingerprint to uniquely identify the user. The fingerprint sensor  142  may have a sufficiently high resolution such that it can be used to uniquely identify an individual using a relatively small section of the user&#39;s fingerprint. In some cases, the input surface has a width between 2 mm and 5 mm, and the fingerprint sensor  142  can still uniquely identify an individual using a fingerprint captured at the input surface. In some cases, the fingerprint sensor  142  may be a swipe-style fingerprint sensor. 
     Outputs provided by the electronic device  100  may be responsive to fingerprint inputs detected using the fingerprint sensor  142 . For example, graphical outputs provided by the display  122  and/or audio outputs provided by an audio output device may be responsive to fingerprint inputs detected using the fingerprint sensor  142 . 
     The translation sensor  144  can be any suitable device for detecting translational inputs at the modular sensing assembly  110 . As used herein, “translational inputs” may refer to inputs to the modular sensing assembly  110  that cause the modular sensing assembly or a portion thereof to move or translate. Translation may include inward and outward translation, lateral translation, and other movement of one or more components of the modular sensing assembly  110  (e.g., the cover). For example, the cover of the modular sensing assembly  110  may depress in response to a user pressing on the input surface. The modular sensing assembly  110  or a portion thereof may translate inward in response to the user pressing on the input surface. The translation sensor  144  may detect this as a translational input. 
     The translation sensor  144  may be implemented as a physical switch (e.g., a tactile dome switch), a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, so on. The translation sensor  144  may provide a signal in response to a translational input that may indicate that the translational input occurs, where an input occurs, and/or a measure of the input (e.g., a force measurement). In some cases, the translation sensor  144  may be positioned beneath the cover of the modular sensing assembly  110  to detect translational inputs on or near the input surface. 
     Outputs provided by the electronic device  100  may be responsive to translational inputs detected using the translation sensor  144 . For example, graphical outputs provided by the display  122  and/or audio outputs provided by an audio output device may be responsive to translational inputs detected using the translation sensor  144 . 
     The audio sensor  146  can be any suitable device for detecting audio inputs at the modular sensing assembly  110 . As used herein, “audio inputs” may refer to any detected or measured sounds. For example, the audio sensor  146  may detect sounds from the environment surrounding the electronic device  100  for voice commands and other device control, recording, noise-level detection, voice communication (e.g., phone calls), and the like. 
     The audio sensor  146  may be implemented as a microphone or any device for measuring or detecting audio signals. The audio sensor  146  may provide a signal corresponding to the audio input to the processing unit  128 . In some cases, the audio sensor  146  may be positioned beneath the cover of the modular sensing assembly  110  to detect audio inputs through the cover and/or through an opening in the cover. 
     Outputs provided by the electronic device  100  may be responsive to audio inputs detected using the audio sensor  146 . For example, graphical outputs provided by the display  122  and/or audio outputs provided by an audio output device may be responsive to audio inputs detected using the audio sensor  146 . 
     The ECG electrode  148  may be disposed on one or more exterior surfaces of the modular sensing assembly  110 . The processing unit  128  or other sensing circuitry of the electronic device  100  may monitor for voltages or signals received on the ECG electrode  148 . The electronic device  100  may include one or more additional electrodes positioned on exterior surfaces of the electronic device that may be used to provide an electrocardiogram function for the electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the ECG electrode  148  may be disposed (e.g., PVD deposited) on an exterior surface of the modular sensing assembly  110 . The ECG electrode  148  may be positioned on an exterior surface of the cover of the modular sensing assembly  110 . The surface may be any transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or opaque surface made out of an amorphous solid, glass, a crystal or crystalline material (such as sapphire or zirconia), plastic, or the like. The ECG electrode  148  may be positioned along a portion of the perimeter of a cover of the modular sensing assembly (e.g., a cover that forms an input surface). The portion of the perimeter of the cover may be curved, and the ECG electrode  148  may conform to a curvature of the perimeter of the cover. As an example, the portion of the perimeter of the cover along which the ECG electrode  148  is placed may define a 180-degree curve. The ECG electrode  148  may at least partially surround a region of the cover that does not include the ECG electrode. The ECG electrode  148  may have a C or U shape and may at least partially surround a portion of the cover where the ECG electrode is not present. The ECG electrode  148  may extend from the exterior surface of the cover, around an edge of the cover, to a connector beneath the cover (e.g., a connector coupled to an interior surface of the cover). This may improve the ability of the modular sensing assembly  110  to exclude contaminants by obviating a need to pass a connector through a hole in the cover or another component of the electronic device  100 . 
     Outputs provided by the electronic device  100  may be responsive to signals received on the ECG electrode  148 . For example, graphical outputs provided by the display  122  and/or audio outputs provided by an audio output device may be responsive to signals received on the ECG electrode  148 . 
     The output device(s)  149  may provide outputs at the modular sensing assembly  110 . The output devices  149  may include a haptic output device (e.g., a haptic actuator) for providing haptic outputs, an audio output device (e.g., a speaker) for providing audio outputs, and/or a visual output device (e.g., lights) for providing visual outputs. 
     As used herein, the terms “haptic output” and “tactile output” may refer to outputs produced by the electronic device that may be perceived through user touch. Examples of haptic outputs include vibrations, deflections, and other movements of a device housing, a device cover, or input device, or another device component that forms an input surface of the electronic device. In some cases, haptic outputs may provide feedback regarding inputs received at particular locations of the electronic device. For example, haptic outputs may be provided at the modular sensing assembly  110  to provide feedback related to an input provided at the modular sensing assembly. In other cases, haptic outputs may provide other types of feedback or information to users, such as alerts received at the electronic device. 
     The modular sensing assembly  110  may include more or fewer components than those shown and described with respect to  FIG.  1 B . In some cases, a single device or sub-assembly may provide functionality described with respect to multiple components above. For example, a single audio device may be capable of detecting audio inputs and providing audio inputs. As another example, a single sensing device may be capable of detecting touch inputs and fingerprint inputs. Similarly, a single sensing device may be capable of detecting touch inputs and translational inputs. 
       FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  illustrate an example electronic watch  200  that includes a modular sensing assembly  210 . The electronic watch  200  may have the same or similar functionality and structure as the electronic device  100  discussed with respect to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . Other devices that may incorporate the modular sensing assemblies described herein include other wearable electronic devices, other timekeeping devices, other health monitoring or fitness devices, other portable computing devices, mobile phones (including smart phones), tablet computing devices, digital media players, virtual reality devices, audio devices (including earbuds and headphones), and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 A , the electronic watch  200  may include a watch body  220  and a watch band  224 . The watch body  220  may include a housing  222 . The housing  222  may contain one or more components of the electronic watch  200  and may define at least part of an external surface of the electronic watch. 
     The modular sensing assembly  210  may be positioned in a recess  228  along a sidewall  222   a  of the housing  222 . The modular sensing assembly  210  may include a cover  212  that defines at least a portion of an input surface  214  that forms part of an exterior surface of the electronic watch  200 . The input surface  214  may include multiple regions for detecting different types of inputs. For example, as shown in  FIG.  2 A , the input surface  214  may include an ECG region  214   a  where ECG signals may be detected, a fingerprint-sensing region  214   b  where fingerprint inputs may be detected, and an audio sensing region  214   c  that includes an opening  216  through which audio signals may be detected. In some cases, the ECG region  214   a , the fingerprint-sensing region  214   b , and/or the audio sensing region  214   c  may also be a touch-sensing region in which touch inputs may be received. 
     The modular sensing assembly  210  may be capable of receiving translational inputs. For example, a user may press inward on the input surface  214  to provide a translational input to the modular sensing assembly  210 . The cover  212  may translate inward in response to the translational input. In some cases, the cover  212  may deflect or bend in response to the translational input. In some cases, the cover  212  may not translate, deflect, or bend in response to a translational input. The modular sensing assembly  210  may include one or more translation sensors to detect the translational inputs. 
     The ECG region  214   a  may include an ECG electrode  218  disposed on an exterior surface of the cover  212 . The ECG electrode  218  may be configured to detect ECG signals, for example from a user&#39;s finger placed on the ECG electrode. The ECG signals may be used to provide an electrocardiogram function for the electronic watch  200 . As shown in  FIG.  2 A , the ECG electrode  218  may be positioned along a portion of the perimeter of the cover  212 . The portion of the perimeter of the cover  212  may be curved, and the ECG electrode  218  may conform to a curvature of the perimeter of the cover  212 . As an example, the portion of the perimeter of the cover  212  along which the ECG electrode  218  is placed may define a 180-degree curve as shown in  FIG.  2 A . The ECG electrode  218  may at least partially surround a region of the exterior cover that does not include the ECG electrode. For example, as shown in  FIG.  2 A , the ECG electrode  218  has a C or U shape and at least partially surrounds a portion of the ECG region  214   a  where the ECG electrode is not present. As discussed in more detail below, the ECG electrode  218  may extend from the exterior surface of the cover  212 , around an edge of the cover, to a connector beneath the cover (e.g., a connector coupled to an interior surface of the cover). This may improve the ability of the modular sensing assembly  210  to exclude contaminants by obviating a need to pass a connector through a hole in the cover  212  or another component of the electronic watch  200 . 
     The ECG electrode  218  may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials for receiving ECG signals, including metals and other conductive materials. The cover  212  or one or more portions thereof may be formed of a non-conductive material to electrically isolate the ECG electrode  218  from other components of the electronic watch  200  to reduce interference and signal noise being introduced into the ECG signals. In some cases, the modular sensing assembly  210  may include an isolating component disposed between the ECG electrode  218  and one or more additional components of the modular sensing assembly to reduce interference and signal noise being introduced into the ECG signals. 
     The cover  212  may be configured to allow inputs to be detected by components of the modular sensing assembly  210  that are positioned beneath the cover. The cover  212  may be formed of or include non-conductive and/or dielectric materials that allow sensing signals, such as capacitive signals, ultrasonic signals, and the like to pass through the cover. As an example, the cover  212  may be formed of sapphire. The cover  212  may be formed of a transparent or translucent material to allow optical sensing signals to pass through the cover. In some cases, structural features of the cover  212  allow signals to pass through the cover. For example, the cover may include openings that allow sensing signals (e.g., optical signals) to pass through the cover. 
     In some cases, the electronic watch  200  may include a display cover  226  facing away from a user&#39;s skin as the watch  200  is worn. In some cases, the display cover  226  is mounted to or coupled to the housing  222 . The display cover  226  may be positioned over and protect a display mounted within the housing  222  (e.g., display  122  of  FIG.  1 A ). The display may be viewable by a user through the display cover  226 . In some cases, the display cover  226  may be part of a display stack, which may include touch sensing or force sensing capability. The display may be configured to depict a graphical output of the electronic watch  200 , and a user may interact with the graphical output (e.g., using a finger, stylus, or other pointer). As one example, the user may select (or otherwise interact with) a graphic, icon, or the like presented on the display by touching or pressing (e.g., providing touch input) on the display at the location of the graphic. In some cases, the haptic outputs provided by the haptic device correspond to the graphical output of the display and/or inputs received via the display. 
     As used herein, the term “display cover” may be used to refer to any transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent surface made out of glass, a crystalline material (such as sapphire or zirconia), plastic, or the like. Thus, it should be appreciated that the term “display cover,” as used herein, encompasses amorphous solids as well as crystalline solids. In some examples, the display cover  226  may be a sapphire cover. The display cover  226  may also be formed of glass, plastic, or other materials. 
     The watch band  224  may be used to secure the electronic watch  200  to a user, another device, a retaining mechanism, and so on. The housing  222  may include structures for attaching the watch band  224  to the watch body  220 . In some cases, the structures may include elongate recesses or openings through which ends of the watch band  224  may be inserted and attached to the watch body  220 . In other cases (not shown), the structures may include indents (e.g., dimples or depressions) in the housing  222 , which indents may receive ends of spring pins that are attached to or threaded through ends of a watch band to attach the watch band to the watch body. 
       FIG.  2 B  illustrates a partial exploded view of the example electronic watch  200 .  FIG.  2 B  shows example components of the modular sensing assembly  210  and a cutaway portion of the housing  222 . The modular sensing assembly  210  may include a cover sub-assembly  250 , a trim member  260 , a sensing sub-assembly  270 , a button sub-assembly  280 , translation sensors  292   a ,  292   b , and a retention bracket  294 . The components of the modular sensing assembly  210  may be coupled together and/or coupled to the housing  222  using one or more fasteners (e.g., fasteners  296   a ,  296   b ). 
     The modular sensing assembly  210  may be disposed in a recess along the sidewall  222   a  of the housing  222 , as described in more detail with respect to  FIG.  2 C  below. The sidewall  222   a  may define one or more passages  290   a ,  290   b  that extend through the sidewall and into the interior volume of the electronic watch  200 . The passages  290   a ,  290   b  may facilitate attachment of the modular sensing assembly  210  to the housing  222 , as described in more detail with respect to  FIG.  2 C  below. Additionally, the passages  290   a ,  290   b  may facilitate the transmission of signals from the modular sensing assembly into the interior volume of the electronic watch  200  (e.g., using connectors that operably couple the components of the modular sensing assembly  210  to a processing unit or other circuitry of the electronic watch  200 ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 B , the cover  212  of the modular sensing assembly  210  may be part of a cover sub-assembly that includes a membrane  256 , the ECG electrode  218 , and an ECG connector  258 . The ECG electrode  218  may extend from the exterior surface of the cover  212 , around an edge of the cover, to the connector  258  beneath the cover. The connector  258  may be coupled to an interior surface of the cover  212 , and may extend through a passage  290   a ,  290   b  into the interior volume of the electronic watch  200  (e.g., to a processing unit or other circuitry of the electronic watch  200 ). This may give the ECG signal from the ECG electrode  218  a clear signal path to a processing unit while electrically isolating the signal from the housing and the touch sensor. The ECG electrode  218  and associated circuitry may be shielded from, operate on a different frequency from, or otherwise be configured to reduce parasitic effects with the touch sensor  272  and/or other components of the modular sensing assembly  210 . 
     The sensing sub-assembly  270  may be positioned beneath the cover  212 , and may include a touch sensor  272  and an audio sensor  274 . The touch sensor  272  may detect touch inputs on the input surface  214  of the cover  212 . As discussed above with respect to  FIG.  1 B , the touch sensor  272  may be implemented as a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and so on. In some cases, the touch sensor  272  is also a fingerprint sensor for detecting fingerprint inputs on the input surface  214 . For example, the touch sensor  272  may be a capacitive sensor configured to detect touch inputs and fingerprint inputs on the input surface. The fingerprint sensor may be implemented as a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, and so on. In some cases, the modular sensing assembly  210  may include a touch sensor and a fingerprint sensor that are separate components. 
     The audio sensor  274  may be positioned beneath an opening  216  in the cover  212 , and may be configured to detect audio inputs. The membrane  256  may be positioned beneath the opening  216  in the cover  212  to prevent the ingress of contaminants into the modular button assembly and/or the interior volume of the electronic watch  200  via the opening  216 . The membrane may be at least partially transmissive to sound waves so that the audio sensor  274  can detect audio inputs. The membrane  256  may be formed of any suitable material that is at least partially transmissive to sound waves and that forms a barrier to exclude contaminants. 
     The sensing sub-assembly  270  may also include one or more connectors  276  that operably couple the touch sensor  272  and the audio sensor  274  to a processing unit or other circuitry of the electronic watch  200 . The connector  276  may extend through a passage  290   a ,  290   b  into the interior volume of the electronic watch  200 . 
     The trim member  260  may extend at least partially around a perimeter of the cover  212 , and may at least partially surround the cover  212 , the touch sensor  272 , and the audio sensor  274 . As discussed in more detail below, the trim member  260  may form part of an assembly enclosure of the modular sensing assembly. 
     The button sub-assembly  280  may include a sealing member  282 , a button retainer  284 , and a button member  288 . The button member  288  may be positioned within an opening formed by the sealing member  282  and/or the button retainer  284 . The button retainer  284  may at least partially surround the button member  288 , and the sealing member  282  may extend around the button retainer  284 . As described in more detail below with respect to  FIG.  2 C , the button member  288  may transfer forces applied to the cover  212  to the translation sensors  292   a ,  292   b  to recognize translational inputs. 
     The sealing member  282  may be a compressible gasket that forms a seal between the housing  222  and the modular sensing assembly  210 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  2 C , the sealing member  282  may be positioned along an inside surface of the recess  228 . The sealing member  282  may extend around one or more passages  290   a ,  290   b  into the interior volume to prevent contaminants from entering the interior volume via the passages. The sealing member  282  may have a shape that allows it to compress or otherwise deform in response to translation of the cover  212 , trim member  260 , or other components of the modular sensing assembly  210 . In some cases, the sealing member  282  is co-molded with the button retainer  284  to simplify the assembly process of the modular sensing assembly  210 . 
     The translation sensors  292   a ,  292   b  may be configured as any suitable devices for detecting translational inputs at the modular sensing assembly  210 . Each translation sensor  292   a ,  292   b  may be implemented as a physical switch (e.g., a tactile dome switch), a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, a contact sensor, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, so on. The translation sensors  292   a ,  292   b  may provide signals in response to translational inputs that may indicate that the translational input occurs, where an input occurs, and/or a measure of the input (e.g., a force measurement). 
     The retention bracket  294  may be positioned along an interior surface of the sidewall  222   a . The retention bracket  294 , along with fasteners  296   a ,  296   b  may be used to couple together the components of the modular sensing assembly  210 . The button retainer  284  may include coupling mechanisms that allow the fasteners to couple the button sub-assembly  280  to the retention bracket  294 . For example, the button retainer  284  may include female threaded connectors  286   a ,  286   b  configured to interface with threads of the fasteners  296   a ,  296   b.    
     The retention bracket  294  and the fasteners  296   a ,  296   b  may be used to secure the modular sensing assembly  210  to the housing  222 . Coupling the retention bracket  294  to the button retainer  284  may secure the modular sensing assembly  210  to the housing  222 . 
     In some cases, the modular sensing assembly  210  may include an assembly enclosure formed by one or more components. The assembly enclosure may at least partially surround and/or enclose various components of the modular sensing assembly  210 , and allow the modular sensing assembly  210  to reduce the number of necessary sealing members. For example, the components of the sensing sub-assembly may be at least partially surrounded by the assembly enclosure. The assembly enclosure may be formed by one or more of the cover  212 , the trim member  260 , the sealing member  282 , the button retainer  284 , and the retention bracket  294 . 
       FIG.  2 C  illustrates a cross-section view of the example electronic watch  200  of  FIG.  2 A , taken through section line A-A. As noted above, the modular sensing assembly  210  may be disposed in a recess  228  along the sidewall  222   a  of the housing  222 . 
     The modular sensing assembly  210  may receive translational inputs that cause the cover  212  to translate or otherwise move. Turning to  FIG.  2 C , a translational input applied to the input surface  214  may cause the cover  212  to translate downward toward the translation sensor  292   a ,  292   b . The button member  288  may be positioned between the cover  212  and the translation sensors  292   a ,  292   b , and may be configured to translate in response to a translational input on the input surface that causes the cover  212  to translate. The button member  288  may transfer forces applied to the cover  212  to the translation sensors  292   a ,  292   b  to recognize translational inputs. 
     Translation of the button member  288  may actuate one or both of the translation sensors  292   a ,  292   b . In some cases, the button member  288  may be moved in a rocking motion to depress one of the translation sensors  292   a ,  292   b  based on a location of the translational input. For example, a translational input on a first region of the cover  212  (e.g., a left side of the cover with respect to  FIG.  2 C ) may cause a first end (e.g., the left end) of the button member to depress, thereby actuating the translation sensor  292   a . Similarly, a translational input on a second region of the cover  212  (e.g., a right side of the cover with respect to  FIG.  2 C ) may cause a second end (e.g., the right end) of the button member to depress, thereby actuating the translation sensor  292   b . The button member  288  may be positioned along a portion  222   b  of the housing or another component of the electronic watch  200  to facilitate the rocking motion of the button member. 
     The passages  290   a ,  290   b  may facilitate attachment of the modular sensing assembly  210  to the housing  222 . For example, the retention bracket  294  may be positioned along an interior surface of the sidewall  222   a , and the fasteners  296   a ,  296   b  may pass through the passages  290   a ,  290   b  and couple the other components of the modular sensing assembly  210  to the retention bracket  294 . Coupling the components of the modular sensing assembly  210  to the retention bracket  294  may secure the modular sensing assembly  210  to the housing  222 . 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  illustrate an example electronic watch  300  that includes a modular sensing assembly  310 . The example electronic watch  300  may be similar to other electronic devices discussed herein (e.g., electronic devices  100 ,  200 ), and may include similar structure and/or functionality. As shown in  FIG.  3 A , the electronic watch  300  may include a modular sensing assembly  310  positioned in a recess  328   a  along a sidewall  322   a  of a housing  322 . The modular sensing assembly  310  may include a cover  312  that defines at least a portion of an input surface  314  that forms part of an exterior surface of the electronic watch  300 . The cover  316  may include an opening, for example for use in detecting audio inputs. 
     The electronic watch  300  may include at least one input device or selection device, such as a crown, scroll wheel, knob, dial, button, or the like, which may be operated by a user of the electronic watch. The electronic watch  300  may include a crown  318  positioned along the sidewall  322   a . The crown  318  may be configured to receive rotational inputs and/or translational inputs. A graphical output of a display of the electronic watch  300  may be responsive to inputs received at the crown  318  and/or the modular sensing assembly  310 . 
       FIG.  3 B  illustrates a partial exploded view of the example electronic watch  300 .  FIG.  3 B  shows example components of the modular sensing assembly  310  and a cutaway portion of the housing  322 . The modular sensing assembly  310  may include a cover sub-assembly  350 , a sensing sub-assembly  370 , a button sub-assembly  380 , a translation sensor  392 , and a retention bracket  394 . The components of the modular sensing assembly  310  may be coupled together and/or coupled to the housing  322  using fasteners  396   a ,  396   b  and  397   a ,  397   b.    
     The cover sub-assembly may include the cover  312  and a trim member  360 . The sensing sub-assembly  370  may include a touch sensor  372 , an audio sensor  374 , and a connector  376 . The button sub-assembly  380  may include a sealing member  382 , a button retainer  384 , and a button member  388 . 
     The button member  388  may be movably coupled to the housing  322  such that the button member  388  may translate in response to a translational input to the cover  312 . The button member may be aligned with a passage  390   c  in the sidewall  322   a  that is aligned with the translation sensor  392 . As the button member  388  translates in response to a translational input, it may actuate the translation sensor  392 . In some cases, the components of the modular sensing assembly  310  do not move in response to a translational input, and the translation sensor  392  detects a force applied to the cover  312 . 
       FIG.  3 C  illustrates a cross-section view of the example electronic watch  300  of  FIG.  3 A , taken through section line B-B. As noted above, the modular sensing assembly  310  may be disposed in a recess  328   a  along the sidewall  322   a  of the housing  322 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 C , the cover  312  may include a recessed region  312   a  that may guide a user&#39;s finger to an appropriate portion of the input surface  314  to provide one or more inputs. For example, the recessed region  312   a  may align a user&#39;s finger with a fingerprint sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor of the touch sensor  372 ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 C , the crown  318  may include that includes a crown body  318   a  and a shaft  318   b . The housing  322  may define a passage  328   b  through which the shaft extends from an exterior surface of the sidewall  322   a  and into the interior volume. The crown body  318   a  may be attached and/or coupled to the shaft, and may be accessible to a user exterior to the housing  322 . 
     The crown body  318   a  may be user-rotatable, and may be manipulated (e.g., rotated, pressed) by a user to rotate or translate the shaft  318   b . The shaft  318   b  may be mechanically, electrically, magnetically, and/or optically coupled to components within the housing  322 . A user&#39;s manipulation of the crown body  318   a  and shaft  318   b  may be used, in turn, to manipulate or select various elements displayed on the display, to adjust a volume of a speaker, to turn the watch  300  on or off, and so on. The crown body  318   a  may be operably coupled to a circuit within the housing  322  (e.g., a processing unit), but electrically isolated from the housing  322 . The crown  318  may include a conductive electrode used to measure an ECG or other health-related measurement. 
     The retention bracket  394  may be positioned along an interior surface of the sidewall  322   a . The retention bracket  394 , along with fasteners  396   a ,  396   b  may be used to couple together the components of the modular sensing assembly  310 . The button retainer  384  may include coupling mechanisms for coupling the button sub-assembly  380  to the retention bracket  394  using fasteners  396   a ,  396   b . For example, the button retainer  384  may include female threaded connectors  386   a ,  386   b  configured to interface with threads of the fasteners  396   a ,  396   b  through passages  390   a ,  390   e . The button member  388  may include coupling mechanisms for coupling the button member  388  to the housing  322 . For example, the button member  388  may include female threaded connectors  387   a ,  387   b  configured to interface with threads of the fasteners  397   a ,  397   b  through passages  390   b ,  390   d.    
     The retention bracket  394  and the fasteners  396   a ,  396   b  may be used to secure the modular sensing assembly  310  to the housing  322 . Coupling the retention bracket  394  to the button retainer  384  may secure the modular sensing assembly  310  to the housing  322 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device  400  that may incorporate a modular sensing assembly. The electronic device may in some cases take the form of any of the electronic devices described with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 3 C , or other portable or wearable electronic devices. The electronic device  400  can include a display  412  (e.g., a light-emitting display), a processing unit  402 , a power source  414 , a memory  404  or storage device, an input device  406  (e.g., a modular sensing assembly), and an output device  410 . 
     The processing unit  402  can control some or all of the operations of the electronic device  400 . The processing unit  402  can communicate, either directly or indirectly, with some or all of the components of the electronic device  400 . For example, a system bus or other communication mechanism  416  can provide communication between the processing unit  402 , the power source  414 , the memory  404 , the input device(s)  406 , and the output device(s)  410 . 
     The processing unit  402  can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processing unit  402  can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein, the term “processing unit” is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitably configured computing element or elements. 
     It should be noted that the components of the electronic device  400  can be controlled by multiple processing units. For example, select components of the electronic device  400  (e.g., an input device  406 ) may be controlled by a first processing unit and other components of the electronic device  400  (e.g., the display  412 ) may be controlled by a second processing unit, where the first and second processing units may or may not be in communication with each other. In some cases, the processing unit  402  may determine a biological parameter of a user of the electronic device, such as an ECG for the user. 
     The power source  414  can be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to the electronic device  400 . For example, the power source  414  may be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power source  414  can be a power connector or power cord that connects the electronic device  400  to another power source, such as a wall outlet. 
     The memory  404  can store electronic data that can be used by the electronic device  400 . For example, the memory  404  can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals, control signals, and data structures or databases. The memory  404  can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory  404  can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices. 
     In various embodiments, the display  412  provides a graphical output, for example associated with an operating system, user interface, and/or applications of the electronic device  400 . In one embodiment, the display  412  includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive (e.g., single-touch, multi-touch) and/or force-sensitive display to receive inputs from a user. For example, the display  412  may be integrated with a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) and/or a force sensor to provide a touch- and/or force-sensitive display. The display  412  is operably coupled to the processing unit  402  of the electronic device  400 . 
     The display  412  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. In some cases, the display  412  is positioned beneath and viewable through a cover that forms at least a portion of an enclosure of the electronic device  400 . 
     In various embodiments, the input devices  406  may include any suitable components for detecting inputs. Examples of input devices  406  include audio sensors (e.g., microphones), optical or visual sensors (e.g., cameras, visible light sensors, or invisible light sensors), proximity sensors, touch sensors, force sensors, mechanical devices (e.g., crowns, switches, buttons, or keys), vibration sensors, orientation sensors, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers or velocity sensors), location sensors (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) devices), thermal sensors, communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), resistive sensors, magnetic sensors, electroactive polymers (EAPs), strain gauges, electrodes, and so on, or some combination thereof. Each input device  406  may be configured to detect one or more particular types of input and provide a signal (e.g., an input signal) corresponding to the detected input. The signal may be provided, for example, to the processing unit  402 . 
     As discussed above, in some cases, the input device(s)  406  include a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) integrated with the display  412  to provide a touch-sensitive display. Similarly, in some cases, the input device(s)  406  include a force sensor (e.g., a capacitive force sensor) integrated with the display  412  to provide a force-sensitive display. 
     The output devices  410  may include any suitable components for providing outputs. Examples of output devices  410  include audio output devices (e.g., speakers), visual output devices (e.g., lights or displays), tactile output devices (e.g., haptic output devices), communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), and so on, or some combination thereof. Each output device  410  may be configured to receive one or more signals (e.g., an output signal provided by the processing unit  402 ) and provide an output corresponding to the signal. 
     In some cases, input devices  406  and output devices  410  are implemented together as a single device. For example, an input/output device or port can transmit electronic signals via a communications network, such as a wireless and/or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, and Ethernet connections. 
     The processing unit  402  may be operably coupled to the input devices  406  and the output devices  410 . The processing unit  402  may be adapted to exchange signals with the input devices  406  and the output devices  410 . For example, the processing unit  402  may receive an input signal from an input device  406  that corresponds to an input detected by the input device  406 . The processing unit  402  may interpret the received input signal to determine whether to provide and/or change one or more outputs in response to the input signal. The processing unit  402  may then send an output signal to one or more of the output devices  410 , to provide and/or change outputs as appropriate. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses 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: 20200415
Publication Date: 20230117
Grant Date: 20230117
Priority Date: 20200415
Inventors: HIEMSTRA, DANIEL J.
DE JONG, ERIK G.
HOLZ, KEVIN F.
WITTENBERG, MICHAEL B.
KOCH, TIMOTHY D.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A61B5/02438", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1684", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A61B5/02438", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A61B5/681", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A61B5/681", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G21/025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G04G17/08", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A61B5/681", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A61B5/02438", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 75787272