PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9874965-B2
Application Number: US-201514851579-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Transparent strain sensors in an electronic device

Abstract:
An electronic device includes one or more transparent strain sensors configured to detect strain based on an amount of force applied to the electronic device, a component in the electronic device, and/or an input surface of the electronic device. The one or more transparent strain sensors may be included in or positioned below an input surface that is configured to receive touch inputs from a user. The area below the input surface can be visible to a user when the user is viewing the input surface. The one or more transparent strain sensors are formed with a nanostructure, including a nanomesh or nanowires.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronic device, comprising:
 an input surface configured to receive touch inputs; 
 a strain sensitive structure positioned below the input surface, the strain sensitive structure comprising:
 an insulating substrate, parallel to the input surface; 
 a first strain sensor formed with a metal nanostructure and positioned on a first surface of the insulating substrate; and 
 a second strain sensor formed with a metal nanostructure and positioned on a second surface of the insulating substrate; and 
 
 a processing device operably connected to the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor and configured to determine an amount of force applied to the input surface based on signals received from the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second strain sensors are aligned perpendicular to the input surface to produce a strain sensing element. 
     
     
       3. The electronic device of  claim 2 , wherein the processing device is configured to determine an amount of force applied to the input surface based on signals received from the strain sensing element. 
     
     
       4. The electronic device of  claim 3 , further comprising sense circuitry operably connected between the strain sensing element and the processing device. 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the first strain sensor is included in a first film layer comprising a first set of strain sensors. 
     
     
       6. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the metal nanostructure is formed with nickel. 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the metal nanostructure comprises a nanomesh. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the metal nanostructure comprises a nanowire. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the input surface comprises a touch sensitive display. 
     
     
       10. An electronic device, comprising:
 a display stack for a display, comprising:
 a cover glass; and 
 a strain sensitive structure positioned below the cover glass, the strain sensitive structure comprising:
 a first strain sensor positioned on a first surface of a substrate, the substrate parallel to the cover glass; and 
 a second strain sensor positioned on a second surface of the substrate, the first and second strain sensors positioned in an area that is visible when viewing the display and the first strain sensor and second strain sensor aligned perpendicular to the display stack to produce a strain sensing element, 
 
 
 wherein each of the first and second strain sensors is formed with a metal nanostructure. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the metal nanostructure comprises a nickel nanostructure. 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the metal nanostructure comprises a nanomesh. 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the metal nanostructure comprises a nanowire. 
     
     
       14. The electronic device of  claim 10 , further comprising sense circuitry operably connected to the strain sensing element. 
     
     
       15. The electronic device of  claim 14 , further comprising a processing device operably connected to the sense circuitry and configured to determine an amount of force applied to the cover glass based on signals received from the strain sensing element. 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 10 , further comprising a display layer positioned between the cover glass and the strain sensitive structure. 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 16 , further comprising a back light unit positioned below the strain sensitive structure. 
     
     
       18. A method of producing a strain sensitive structure in an electronic device, the method comprising:
 providing a set of strain gauges on first and second opposing surfaces of a substrate, wherein each strain gauge in the set is formed with a metal nanostructure, and a first strain gauge on the first surface is aligned with a second strain gauge on the second surface; and 
 positioning the strain sensitive structure below an input surface of the electronic device, with the substrate parallel to the input surface. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the metal nanostructure comprises a nickel nanostructure. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the input surface comprises a cover glass disposed over a display layer, wherein the strain sensitive structure is positioned below the display layer.

Description:
FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein generally relate to electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to one or more transparent strain sensors in an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Touch displays have become increasingly popular in electronic devices. Cell phones, tablet computing devices, computer monitors, and so forth, are increasingly equipped with displays that are configured to sense touch as a user input. The touch may be sensed in accordance with one of several different touch sensing techniques including, but not limited to, capacitive touch sensing. 
     Touch sensitive devices generally provide position identification of where the user touches the device. A touch may include movement, gestures, and other effects related to position detection. For example, touch sensitive devices can provide information to a computing system regarding user interaction with a graphical user interface (GUI) of a display, such as pointing to elements, reorienting or repositioning elements, editing or typing, and other GUI features. While the touch sensitive devices provide an input mechanism that provides an appearance that the user is interacting directly with element displayed in the GUI, the input is generally limited to the x-, y-positioning of the touch. In some cases, the input sensitivity has been increased to allow for multi-touch inputs, but this is still limited to positional constraints of the surface upon which the touch is sensed. Some applications and programs may benefit from additional input modes beyond that provided strictly by the touch sensing. 
     SUMMARY 
     One or more transparent strain sensors can be included in an electronic device and used to detect force and/or a change in force. In one embodiment, the strain sensor(s) are used to detect a force that is applied to the electronic device, to a component in the electronic device, such as an input button, and/or to an input region or surface of the electronic device. In one non-limiting example, a force sensing device that includes one or more transparent strain sensors may be incorporated into a display stack of an electronic device. The one or more transparent strain sensors can be positioned in an area of the display stack that is visible to a user when the user is viewing the display. The transparent strain sensors can be formed with one or more nanostructures, including a nanomesh structure and a nanowire structure. In one embodiment, the nanostructure is formed with nickel or a nickel alloy. 
     In one aspect, an electronic device can include an input surface configured to receive touch inputs and a strain sensitive structure positioned below the input surface. The strain sensitive structure may include a first transparent strain sensor formed with a nanostructure and positioned on a first surface of a transparent insulating substrate. A processing device can be operably connected to the first transparent strain sensor and configured to determine an amount of force applied to the input surface based on signals received from the first transparent strain sensor. In some embodiments, a second transparent strain sensor formed with a nanostructure is positioned on a second surface of the transparent insulating substrate. The second transparent strain sensor can align vertically with the first transparent strain sensor to produce a strain sensing element. The processing device can be configured to determine an amount of force applied to the input surface based on signals received from the strain sensing element. 
     In another aspect, an electronic device may include one or more strain sensors in a display stack of a display. The display stack can include a cover glass and a strain sensitive structure positioned below the cover glass. The strain sensitive structure may include a first set of transparent strain sensors positioned on a first surface of a transparent substrate and a second set of transparent strain sensitive elements positioned on a second surface of the transparent substrate. The first and second sets of transparent strain sensors are positioned in an area that is visible when viewing the display. The first and second sets of strain sensors can each include one or more strain sensors, and each transparent strain sensor in the first and second sets of transparent strain sensors is formed with a nanostructure. 
     In yet another aspect, a method of providing a transparent strain sensitive structure in an electronic device can include providing a set of transparent strain sensors each formed with a nanostructure and providing the set of transparent strain sensors on at least one surface of a transparent substrate to produce the strain sensitive structure. In some embodiments, the strain sensitive structure is produced by forming a first set of transparent strain sensors on a first surface of the transparent substrate and forming a second set of transparent strain sensors on a second surface of the transparent substrate. In one embodiment, each transparent strain sensor can be configured as a strain gauge formed with a nanostructure, such as a nanomesh or nanowires. The strain sensitive structure can then be positioned in the electronic device. 
    
    
     
       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 one example of an electronic device that can include one or more strain sensors; 
         FIG. 2  shows a plan view of an example strain sensitive structure that is suitable for use in a display stack of an electronic device; 
         FIGS. 3A-3B  show plan views of example strain sensors that may be used in the example strain sensitive structure depicted in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of the display taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows a simplified side view of the strain sensitive structure responding to force; 
         FIG. 6  shows a simplified schematic diagram of sense circuitry operably connected to a strain sensing device; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a flowchart of an example method of providing a strain sensitive structure in an electronic device; and 
         FIG. 8  shows a simplified block diagram of an electronic device that can utilize one or more strain sensors for force sensing. 
     
    
    
     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. 
     Embodiments described herein provide an electronic device that includes one or more transparent strain sensors configured to detect strain based on an amount of force applied to the electronic device, a component in the electronic device, and/or an input surface of the electronic device. The one or more transparent strain sensors may be included in or positioned below a user-viewable input surface that is configured to receive touch inputs from a user. The user can perform the touch inputs with a body part (e.g., a finger) or with a device, such as a stylus. In some embodiments, the one or more transparent strain sensors are located in an area of the electronic device that is visible to a user when the user is viewing the input surface. In one embodiment, the one or more transparent stain sensors comprise strain gauges formed with an optically transparent material. As used herein, “optically transparent” is defined broadly to include a material that is transparent, translucent, or is not visibly discernible by the human eye. 
     For example, the one or more transparent strain sensors can be incorporated into a display stack of an electronic device. At least a portion of the top surface of the display screen may be configured to be an input surface for the electronic device. The strain sensor(s) are formed with an optically transparent material or materials. In one embodiment, the one or more strain sensors are formed with one or more nanostructures, including a nanomesh structure or a nanowire structure. 
     A strain gauge formed with a nanostructure can be optically transparent to a user, which means the visibility of the strain gauge is not an issue when positioning the strain gauge in a location within an electronic device that is visible or viewable by a user. In one embodiment, the nanostructure is formed with a metal, such as nickel. A metal such as nickel has several properties that are advantageous when used in strain gauges. One property is the gauge factor of nickel. The gauge factor of a strain sensor represents the sensitivity of the material to strain. In other words, the gauge factor indicates how much the electrical resistance of the strain sensor changes with strain. The higher the gauge factor, the larger the change in resistance. Higher gauge factors allow a greater range of strain to be detected and measured. The magnitude of the gauge factor for nickel is relatively high and is negative. Thus, strain sensors formed with nickel (e.g., nickel nanowires or nanomesh) can be more sensitive to strain and permit a greater range of strain to be detected. 
     Another desirable property is the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), which defines the change in resistance as a function of ambient temperature. A positive TCR refers to a conductive material that experiences an increase in electrical resistance with an increase in temperature. Conversely, a negative TCR refers to a conductive material that experiences a decrease in electrical resistance with a decrease in temperature. Nickel has a positive TCR, which means the electrical resistance of a strain gauge formed with nickel increases as the temperature increases. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-8 . 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. 
     Directional terminology, such as “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “leading”, “trailing”, etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments described herein can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration only and is in no way limiting. When used in conjunction with layers of a display or device, the directional terminology is intended to be construed broadly, and therefore should not be interpreted to preclude the presence of one or more intervening layers or other intervening features or elements. Thus, a given layer that is described as being formed, positioned, disposed on or over another layer, or that is described as being formed, positioned, disposed below or under another layer may be separated from the latter layer by one or more additional layers or elements. 
       FIG. 1  shows one example of an electronic device that can include one or more strain sensors. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device  100  is implemented as a smart telephone. Other embodiments can implement the electronic device differently. For example, an electronic device can be a laptop computer, a tablet computing device, a wearable computing device, a smart watch, a digital music player, a display input device, a remote control device, and other types of electronic devices that include one or more force sensors. 
     The electronic device  100  includes an enclosure  102  surrounding a display  104  and one or more input/output (I/O) devices  106  (shown as button). The enclosure  102  can form an outer surface or partial outer surface for the internal components of the electronic device  100 , and may at least partially surround the display  104 . The enclosure  102  can be formed of one or more components operably connected together, such as a front piece and a back piece. Alternatively, the enclosure  102  can be formed of a single piece operably connected to the display  104 . 
     The display  104  can be implemented with any suitable display, including, but not limited to, a multi-touch sensing touchscreen device that uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, or organic electro luminescence (OEL) technology. 
     In some embodiments, the I/O device  106  can take the form of a home button, which may be a mechanical button, a soft button (e.g., a button that does not physically move but still accepts inputs), an icon or image on a display, and so on. Further, in some embodiments, the button can be integrated as part of a cover glass of the electronic device. Although not shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  can include other types of I/O devices, such as a microphone, a speaker, a camera, and one or more ports such as a network communication port and/or a power cord port. 
     Strain sensors can be included in one or more locations of the electronic device  100 . For example, in one embodiment one or more strains sensors may be included in the I/O device  106 . The strain sensor(s) can be used to measure an amount of force and/or a change in force that is applied to the I/O device  106 . In another embodiment, one or more strain sensors can be positioned under at least a portion of the enclosure to detect a force and/or a change in force that is applied to the enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, one or more strains sensors may be included in a display stack for the display  104 . The strain sensor(s) can be used to measure an amount of force and/or a change in force that is applied to the display or to a portion of the display. As described earlier, a strain sensor includes a strain sensitive element and at least one strain signal line physically or directly connected to the strain sensitive element. 
     In one non-limiting example, the entire top surface of a display may be an input surface that is configured to receive one or more touch and force inputs from a user.  FIG. 2  depicts a plan view of an example strain sensitive structure that is suitable for use in a display stack. The strain sensitive structure  200  can include a grid of independent optically transparent strain sensors  204  that are formed in or on a substrate  202 . The strain sensors  204  may be formed in or on at least a portion of one or both surfaces of the substrate  202 . The substrate  202  can be formed of any suitable material or materials. In one embodiment, the substrate  202  is formed with an optically transparent material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). 
     As discussed earlier, the strain sensors  204  are configured to detect strain based on an amount of force applied to the input surface of the display. The strain sensors  204  may be formed with a transparent conductive material or materials such as, for example, nickel nanowire, nickel nanomesh, other metallic nanostructures, and the like. In certain embodiments, the strain sensors  204  may be selected at least in part on temperature characteristics. For example, the material selected for transparent strain sensors  204  may have a negative temperature coefficient of resistance such that, as temperature increases, the electrical resistance decreases. 
     In this example, the transparent strain sensors  204  are formed as an array of rectilinear sensing elements, although other shapes and array patterns can also be used. In many examples, each individual strain sensor  204  may have a selected shape and/or pattern. For example, in certain embodiments, a strain sensor  204  may be deposited in a serpentine pattern, such as the pattern shown in  FIG. 3A  or  FIG. 3B . A strain sensor  204  can have a different pattern or configuration in other embodiments. 
     The strain sensor  204  may include at least two electrodes  300 ,  302  that are configured to be physically or directly connected to one or more strain signal lines (not shown). The strain signal line(s) can be connected to a conductive contact  206 , which operably connects the strain sensor  204  to sense circuitry (not shown). The conductive contact  206  may be a continuous contact or can be formed in segments that surround or partially surround the array of strain sensors  204 . In other embodiments, a strain sensor  204  may be electrically connected to sense circuitry without the use of electrodes. For example, a strain sensor  204  may be connected to the sense circuitry using conductive traces that are formed as part of a film layer. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a cross-sectional view of the display taken along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 1 . The cross-sectional view illustrates a display stack  400  for the display  104 . A cover glass  401  is positioned over a front polarizer  402 . The cover glass  401  can be a flexible touchable surface that is made of any suitable material, such as, for example, a glass, a plastic, sapphire, or combinations thereof. The cover glass  401  can act as an input surface for a touch sensing device and a force sensing device by receiving touch and force inputs from a user. The user can touch the cover glass  401  with one or more fingers or with another element such as a stylus. 
     An adhesive layer  404  can be disposed between the cover glass  401  and the front polarizer  402 . Any suitable adhesive can be used in the adhesive layer, such as, for example, an optically clear adhesive. A display layer  406  can be positioned below the front polarizer  402 . As described previously, the display layer  406  may take a variety of forms, including a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. In some embodiments, the display layer  406  can be formed from glass or have a glass substrate. Embodiments described herein include a multi-touch touchscreen LCD display layer. 
     Additionally, the display layer  406  can include one or more layers. For example, a display layer  406  can include a VCOM buffer layer, a LCD display layer, and a conductive layer disposed over and/or under the display layer. In one embodiment, the conductive layer may comprise an indium tin oxide (ITO) layer. 
     A rear polarizer  408  may be positioned below the display layer  406 , and a strain sensitive structure  410  below the rear polarizer  408 . The strain sensitive structure  410  includes a substrate  412  having a first set of independent strain sensors  414  on a first surface  416  of the substrate  412  and a second set of independent strain sensors  418  on a second surface  420  of the substrate  412 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second surfaces  416 ,  420  are opposing top and bottom surfaces of the substrate  412 , respectively. An adhesive layer  422  may attach the substrate  412  to the rear polarizer  408 . 
     As described earlier, the strain sensors may be formed as an array of rectilinear strain sensing elements. Each strain sensor in the first set of independent strain sensors  414  is aligned vertically with a respective one of the strain sensors in the second set of independent strain sensors  418 . In many embodiments, each individual strain sensor may take a selected shape. For example, in certain embodiments, the strain sensors may be deposited in a serpentine pattern, similar to the serpentine patterns shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     A back light unit  424  can be disposed below the strain sensitive structure  410 . The back light unit  424  may be configured to support one or more portions of the substrate  412  that do not include strain sensors. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the back light unit  424  can support the ends of the substrate  412 . Other embodiments may configure a back light unit differently. 
     The strain sensors are typically connected to sense and processing circuitry  426  through conductive connectors  428  (e.g., signal routing lines). In one embodiment, the sense and processing circuitry  426  is configured to receive signals from the strain sensors and detect changes in an electrical property of each of the strain sensors based on the signals. In this example, the sense and processing circuitry  426  may be configured to detect changes in the resistance of the strain sensors, which can be correlated to an amount of force that is applied to the cover glass  401 . In some embodiments, the sense and processing circuitry  426  may also be configured to provide information about the location of a touch based on the relative difference in the change of resistance of the strain sensors  414 ,  418 . 
     For example, as discussed earlier, the strain sensors can be configured as strain gauges that are formed with a piezoresistive nanostructure. When a force is applied to an input surface (e.g., the cover glass  401 ), the planar strain sensitive structure  410  is strained and the resistance of the piezoresistive nanostructure changes in proportion to the strain. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the force F can cause the strain sensitive structure  410  to bend slightly. The bottom  500  of the strain sensitive structure  410  elongates while the top  502  compresses. The strain gauges measure the elongation or compression of the surface, and these measurements can be correlated to the amount of force applied to the input surface. 
     Two vertically aligned strain sensors (e.g.,  430  and  432 ) form a strain sensing element  434 . The sense and processing circuitry  426  may be adapted to receive signals from each strain sensing element and determine a difference in an electrical property of each strain sensing element  434 . For example, as described above, a force may be received at the cover glass  401 , which in turn causes the strain sensitive structure  410  to bend. The sense and processing circuitry  426  is configured to detect changes in an electrical property (e.g., resistance) of the one or more strain sensing elements  434  based on signals received from the strain sensing elements  434 , and these changes can be correlated to the amount of force applied to the cover glass  401 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a gap  436  exists between the strain sensitive structure  410  and the back light unit  424 . Strain measurements intrinsically measure the force at a point on the top surface  416  of the substrate  412  plus the force from the bottom at that point on the bottom surface  420  of the substrate  412 . When the gap  436  is present, there are no forces on the bottom surface  420 . Thus, the forces on the top surface  416  can be measured independently of the forces on the bottom surface  420 . In alternate embodiments, the strain sensitive structure  410  may be positioned above the display layer when the display stack  400  does not include the gap  436 . 
     Other embodiments can configure a strain sensitive structure differently. For example, a strain sensitive structure can include only one set of transparent strain sensors on a surface of the substrate. A processing device may be configured to determine an amount of force, or a change in force, applied to an input surface based on signals received from the set of transparent strain sensors. Additionally or alternatively, one strain sensor in a strain sensing element may be made of a material or materials that differ from the material(s) used to form the other strain sensor in the strain sensing element. 
       FIG. 6  shows a simplified schematic diagram of sense circuitry operably connected to a strain sensing element. The two-vertically aligned strain sensors in the strain sensing element  600  (e.g.,  434  in  FIG. 4 ) can be modeled as two resistors R SENSE  configured as a voltage divider. A reference voltage divider  602  includes two reference resistors R REF . As one example, the strain sensing element  600  and the reference voltage divider  602  may be modeled as a Wheatstone full bridge circuit, with the strain sensing element  600  forming one half bridge of the Wheatstone bridge circuit and the reference voltage divider  602  forming the other half bridge of the Wheatstone full bridge circuit. Other embodiments can model the strain sensors and the reference resistors differently. For example, a strain sensitive structure may include only one set of strain sensors and a particular strain sensor and a reference resistor can be modeled as a Wheatstone half bridge circuit. 
     A first reference voltage (V REF   _   TOP ) is received at node  604  and a second reference voltage (V REF   _   Bar ) is received at node  606 . Sense and processing circuitry  612  is operably connected to the strain sensing element  600  and the reference voltage divider  602  at nodes  608 ,  610 , respectively. The sense and processing circuitry  612  receives a force signal at node  608  and a reference signal at node  610 . The sense and processing circuitry  612  is configured to detect changes in an electrical property (e.g., electrical resistance) of the strain sensing element  600  based on the differences in the force and reference signals of the two voltage dividers. The changes can be correlated to the amount of force applied to a respective input surface in an electronic device (e.g., the cover glass  401  in  FIG. 4 ). 
     In one embodiment, the sense and processing circuitry  612  can include a multiplexer (not shown) operably connected between the strain sensing element  600  and an amplifier (not shown), such as, for example, a differential programmable gain amplifier. The output of the amplifier may be operably connected to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (not shown). A processing device (not shown) can be operably connected to the output of the ADC. Other embodiments can include additional or different components in the sense and processing circuitry. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a flowchart of an example method of providing a strain sensitive structure in an electronic device. Initially, as shown in block  700 , one or more strain sensors are provided on at least one surface of a substrate to produce a strain sensitive structure. For example, in the display stack shown in  FIG. 4 , the first and second sets of independent strain sensors  414 ,  418  are formed on two respective surfaces  416 ,  420  of the substrate  412 . In one embodiment, the strain sensors are strain gauges that are included in a film layer formed over a surface of the substrate. As described earlier, the strain gauges can be formed with a nanostructure, such as a nanomesh structure or a nanowire structure that includes multiple nanowires. In one embodiment, the nanostructure is formed with nickel or a nickel alloy. 
     Next, as shown in block  702 , the strain sensitive structure is operably connected to sense circuitry (e.g., sense and processing circuitry  426  in  FIG. 4 ). For example, the sense circuitry can be operably connected each strain sensing element (e.g., two vertically aligned strain sensors) in the strain sensitive structure. In one embodiment, the sense circuity can be configured as multiple channels with each channel receiving force signals from two or more strain sensing elements (e.g.,  434  in  FIG. 4 ). Each channel can include a multiplexer operably connected between the strain sensing elements and an amplifier, such as, for example, a differential programmable gain amplifier. The output of the amplifier may be operably connected to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). 
     The number of channels may be determined, at least in part, by the number of multiplexers and the number of ADCs that will be included in the system. For example, in one embodiment a system can include eight channels with the sense circuitry including four M:1 multiplexers and eight ADCs. Alternatively, in another embodiment a system may include four channels with the sense circuitry including eight M:1 multiplexers and four ADCs. 
     Next, as shown in block  704 , the sense circuitry may be operably connected to a processing device. For example, the output of the ADC in each channel in the sense circuitry can be operably connected to a processing device. The processing device is configured to receive the digital force signals from the sense circuity and to correlate the digital force signals (representing a change in an electrical property) to an amount of force. 
     Next, as shown in block  706 , the strain sensitive structure, the sense circuitry, and the processing device can be included in an electronic device. The strain sensitive structure can be positioned below an input surface and the sense circuitry and processing device may be positioned at the same location or a different location as the strain sensitive structure. In some embodiments, the strain sensitive structure may be part of an input device configured to receive user inputs, such as a button or display. In other embodiments the strain sensitive structure can itself be an input device. As one example, a strain sensitive structure may be positioned below a portion of the enclosure of an electronic device (e.g., below a side surface of an enclosure). 
       FIG. 8  shows a simplified block diagram of an electronic device that can utilize one or more strain sensors for force sensing. The illustrated electronic device  800  can include one or more processing devices  802 , memory  804 , one or more input/output (I/O) devices  806 , a power source  808 , one or more sensors  810 , a network communication interface  812 , and a display  814 , each of which will be discussed in more detail. 
     The one or more processing devices  802  can control some or all of the operations of the electronic device  800 . The processing device(s)  802  can communicate, either directly or indirectly, with substantially all of the components of the device. For example, one or more system buses  816  or other communication mechanisms can provide communication between the processing device(s)  802 , the memory  804 , the I/O device(s)  806 , the power source  808 , the one or more sensors  810 , the network communication interface  812 , and/or the display  814 . At least one processing device can be configured to determine an amount of force and/or a change in force applied to an I/O device  806 , the display, and/or the electronic device  800  based on a signal received from one or more strain sensors. 
     The processing device(s)  802  can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the one or more processing devices  802  can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or combinations of multiple such devices. As described herein, the term “processing device” is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitably configured computing element or elements. 
     The memory  804  can store electronic data that can be used by the electronic device  800 . For example, the memory  804  can store electrical data or content such as audio files, document files, timing and control signals, operational settings and data, and image data. The memory  804  can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, memory  804  can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements, in any combination. 
     The one or more I/O devices  806  can transmit and/or receive data to a user and from a user. Example I/O device(s)  806  include, but are not limited to, a touch sensing device such as a touchscreen or track pad, one or more buttons, a microphone, a haptic device, a speaker, and/or a force sensing device  818 . The force sensing device  818  can include one or more strain sensors. The strain sensor(s) can be configured as one of the strain sensors discussed earlier in conjunction with  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     As one example, the I/O device  106  shown in  FIG. 1  may include a force sensing device  818 . As described earlier, the force sensing device  818  can include one or more strain sensors that are configured according to one of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . An amount of force that is applied to the I/O device  106 , and/or a change in an amount of applied force can be determined based on the signal(s) received from the strain sensor(s). 
     The power source  808  can be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to the electronic device  800 . For example, the power source  808  can be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries, or a connection cable that connects the electronic device to another power source such as a wall outlet. 
     The electronic device  800  may also include one or more sensors  810  positioned substantially anywhere on or in the electronic device  800 . The sensor or sensors  810  may be configured to sense substantially any type of characteristic, such as but not limited to, images, pressure, light, heat, touch, force, temperature, humidity, movement, relative motion, biometric data, and so on. For example, the sensor(s)  810  may be an image sensor, a temperature sensor, a light or optical sensor, an accelerometer, an environmental sensor, a gyroscope, a health monitoring sensor, and so on. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors  810  can include a force sensing device that includes one or more strain sensors. The strain sensor(s) can be configured as one of the strain sensors discussed earlier in conjunction with  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     As one example, the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1  may include a force sensing device  820  in or under at least a portion of the enclosure  102 . The force sensing device  820  can include one or more strain sensors that may be configured as one of the strain sensors discussed earlier in conjunction with  FIGS. 2-4 . An amount of force that is applied to the enclosure  102 , and/or a change in an amount of applied force can be determined based on the signal(s) received from the strain sensor(s). 
     The network communication interface  812  can facilitate transmission of data to or from other electronic devices. For example, a network communication interface can transmit electronic signals via a wireless and/or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared, RFID, Ethernet, and NFC. 
     The display  814  can provide a visual output to the user. The display  814  can be implemented with any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, a multi-touch sensing touchscreen that uses liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. In some embodiments, the display  814  can function as an input device that allows the user to interact with the electronic device  800 . For example, the display can include a touch sensing device  822 . The touch sensing device  822  can allow the display to function as a touch or multi-touch display. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the display  814  may include a force sensing device  824 . In some embodiments, the force sensing device  824  is included in a display stack of the display  814 . The force sensing device  824  can include one or more strain sensors. An amount of force that is applied to the display  814 , or to a cover glass disposed over the display, and/or a change in an amount of applied force can be determined based on the signal(s) received from the strain sensor(s). The strain sensor(s) can be configured as one of the strain sensors discussed earlier in conjunction with  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     It should be noted that  FIG. 8  is exemplary only. In other examples, the electronic device may include fewer or more components than those shown in  FIG. 8 . Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device can be included in a system and one or more components shown in  FIG. 8  is separate from the electronic device but in communication with the electronic device. For example, an electronic device may be operatively connected to, or in communication with a separate display. As another example, one or more applications or data can be stored in a memory separate from the electronic device. In some embodiments, the separate memory can be in a cloud-based system or in an associated electronic device. 
     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: 20150911
Publication Date: 20180123
Grant Date: 20180123
Priority Date: 20150911
Inventors: PEDDER JAMES E.
KANG SUNGGU
MEYER DAVID J.
ZHONG JOHN Z.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F2203/04103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/045", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01L1/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01L1/205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01L1/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0414", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01L1/205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01L1/18", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/045", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04103", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 56940444