PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10503271-B2
Application Number: US-201514936421-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Proximity detection for an input mechanism of an electronic device

Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an electronic device having a proximity sensor for determining whether an object, such as a user&#39;s finger, is in proximity to or in contact with an input mechanism of the electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A wearable electronic device, comprising:
 a rotatable crown, electrically connected to a shaft; 
 a housing, electrically isolated from the rotatable crown and the shaft; and 
 a proximity sensing component operative to determine when an object exterior to the wearable electronic device is in proximity to the rotatable crown, 
 wherein: 
 the housing acts as a first electrode of the proximity sensing component and is electrically connected to the proximity sensing component; 
 the rotatable crown and the shaft act as a second electrode of the proximity sensing component, the shaft is electrically connected to the proximity sensing component, and the shaft extends through an opening in the housing; and 
 the proximity sensing component is configured to determine a proximity of the object to the rotatable crown based on a change in a capacitance between the housing and the rotatable crown. 
 
     
     
       2. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the proximity sensing component is part of a display stack contained within the housing. 
     
     
       3. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the proximity sensing component is integrated with a force sensing device. 
     
     
       4. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is electrically isolated from the rotatable crown by at least one insert separating the housing and the rotatable crown. 
     
     
       5. The wearable electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one insert supports the shaft of the rotatable crown. 
     
     
       6. The wearable electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the proximity sensing component is configured to indicate the object is proximate to the rotatable crown when the change in capacitance exceeds a capacitance change threshold. 
     
     
       7. The wearable electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the proximity sensing component triggers a change in a state of the wearable electronic device when the change in capacitance exceeds the capacitance change threshold. 
     
     
       8. A wearable electronic device, comprising:
 a proximity sensor operative to determine when an object exterior to the wearable electronic device is in proximity to at least a portion of the wearable electronic device; 
 an input mechanism having an exterior contact surface that is electrically connected to the proximity sensor and acts as a first electrode of the proximity sensor; and 
 a housing of the wearable electronic device that is electrically connected to the proximity sensor and acts as a second electrical component electrode of the proximity sensor, 
 wherein:
 the housing is electrically isolated from the input mechanism; 
 the input mechanism extends through an opening in the housing; 
 the input mechanism is operable to be moved in a direction toward the housing; and 
 the proximity sensor is configured to determine when the object is in proximity to the input mechanism based on a change in a capacitance between the housing and the input mechanism. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The wearable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the input mechanism is a rotatable crown. 
     
     
       10. The wearable electronic device of  claim 8 , wherein the housing comprises an insert that electrically isolates the input mechanism and the housing. 
     
     
       11. The wearable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the insert is one of plastic, ceramic, or rubber. 
     
     
       12. A method for determining proximity of an object to an input mechanism of a wearable electronic device, the object being exterior to the wearable electronic device, the method comprising:
 causing the input mechanism of the wearable electronic device to act as a first electrode of a proximity sensor, the input mechanism having an exterior contact surface that is electrically connected to the proximity sensor; 
 causing a housing of the wearable electronic device to act as a second electrode of the proximity sensor, wherein the housing is electrically connected to the proximity sensor and is electrically isolated from the input mechanism; and 
 measuring, by the proximity sensor, a change in a capacitance between the input mechanism and the housing; 
 wherein the input mechanism is operable to be moved in a direction toward the housing. 
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , further comprising altering output provided on a display of the wearable electronic device when the change in the capacitance exceeds a threshold. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 causing the input mechanism to remain in an active state when the change in the capacitance exceeds a threshold; and 
 causing the input mechanism to transition to an inactive state when the change in the electrical signal is below the threshold. 
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the input mechanism comprises a rotatable crown that is electrically connected to a shaft that extends through the housing; and 
 the user contact surface is on the rotatable crown.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/235,068, filed Sep. 30, 2015 and titled “Proximity Detection for an Input Mechanism of an Electronic Device,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to proximity sensing. More particularly, the described embodiments are directed to determining proximity of an object to an input mechanism of a wearable electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many electronic devices include one or more input devices for receiving input from a user and one or more output devices for providing output to the user. These input devices may include keyboards, mice, trackpads, buttons, knobs, microphones, and so on. Example output devices include display screens, speakers, haptic devices, and so on. 
     As input is received on the input device, the output provided on the output device may change. However, it may be difficult to determine when the input device is intentionally actuated such as, for example, by a finger of a user, or whether the input device is inadvertently actuated. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed are various implementations for determining whether an object, such as a user&#39;s finger, is in proximity to, and/or in contact with, an input mechanism for an electronic device. When the object is in proximity to or contacting the input mechanism, a state of the input mechanism, and/or the electronic device, may change. For example the state of the input mechanism or the electronic device may change from an inactive state to an active state. 
     Accordingly, disclosed herein is an electronic device that incorporates a proximity sensor to detect when an object is in proximity to an input mechanism. More specifically, the electronic device may be a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic may include a rotatable crown that is used to provide input for the wearable electronic device. The rotatable crown may be electrically isolated from a housing of the wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device may also include a proximity sensing component that is operative to determine when an object is in proximity to, or in contact with, the rotatable crown. 
     Also disclosed is a wearable electronic device having a proximity sensor operative to determine when an object is in proximity to at least a portion of the electronic device. The electronic device includes an input mechanism that acts as a first component of the proximity sensor and a housing that acts as a second component of the proximity sensor. The housing is electrically isolated from the input mechanism. 
     The present disclosure also describes a method for determining the proximity of an object to an input mechanism of a wearable electronic device. This method includes causing the input mechanism of the wearable electronic device to act as a first component of a proximity sensor and causing a housing of the wearable electronic device to be electrically isolated from the input mechanism and to act as a second component of the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor then measures a change in an electrical signal between the input mechanism and the housing. 
    
    
     
       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 an example electronic device that may use or incorporate a proximity sensor; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a cross-section view of a first configuration of components in the example electronic device of  FIG. 1  taken along line A-A; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an example schematic diagram of a resistive sensor that may be incorporated into an example electronic device; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a cross-section view of the first configuration of components in the example electronic device of  FIG. 1  taken along line A-A in which the input mechanism has been actuated; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a cross-section view of a second configuration of components in the example electronic device of  FIG. 1  taken along line A-A; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an example schematic diagram of a capacitive sensor that may be incorporated into an example electronic device; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section view of a third configuration of components in the example electronic device of  FIG. 1  taken along line A-A; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-section view of a fourth configuration of components in the example electronic device of  FIG. 1  taken along line A-A; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-section view of a fifth configuration of components in the example electronic device of  FIG. 1  taken along line A-A; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates an example electronic device having sensors for detecting movement of the electronic device in a first direction; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates an example electronic device having sensors for detecting movement of the electronic device in a second direction; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a method for determining whether an object is touching or is in proximity to an input mechanism of an electronic device; and 
         FIG. 9  illustrates example components of an electronic device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The embodiments described herein are directed to determining whether an object is in proximity to, or is in contact with, an input mechanism of an electronic device. More specifically, the described embodiments are directed to a wearable electronic device that incorporates a proximity sensor to determine whether an object, such as a user&#39;s finger, is in proximity to or is in contact with the input mechanism. 
     In one implementation, the proximity sensor is a resistive sensor operative to detect a change in resistance between two components of the electronic device. In another implementation, the proximity sensor is a capacitive sensor operative to detect a change in capacitance as an object approaches or contacts the electronic device. In each of these implementations, a first component of the electronic device may act as a first component of the proximity sensor and a second component of the electronic device may act as a second component of the proximity sensor. 
     For example, an input mechanism of the electronic device may act as the first component of the proximity sensor and the housing of the electronic device may act as the second component of the proximity sensor. Thus, when an object, such as a user&#39;s finger, approaches or contacts the input mechanism, the proximity sensor detects a change in an electric signal between the input mechanism and the housing thereby signaling proximity and/or contact. 
     In other embodiments described herein, proximity is detected by an optical sensor. For example, an optical sensor is positioned within the housing of the electronic device and determines, based on a sensed amount of light, when an object is approaching and/or contacting the input mechanism. 
     In still yet other embodiments, the electronic device incorporates one or more movement sensors, such as, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope and the like. These movement sensors detect when the electronic device moves in given direction. More specifically, the movement sensors detect when the electronic device moves in a particular direction in response to a user contacting the input mechanism of the electronic device. The electronic device may also include one or more force sensors that detect whether an object is contacting the input mechanism. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-9 . 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  illustrates an example electronic device  100  that incorporates a proximity sensor. The electronic device  100  may include a housing  110 , a display  120  a first input mechanism  130  and a second input mechanism  140 . The first input mechanism  130  may be a rotatable crown. The second input mechanism  140  may be a button. Although a rotatable crown and a button are mentioned, each of the first input mechanism  130  and the second input mechanism  140  may be any type of input mechanism that provides input to the electronic device  100 . 
     As will be described below, the electronic device  100  may include one or more proximity sensors operable to detect contact with or proximity to the first input mechanism  130 , the second input mechanism  140 , the display  120  and/or the housing  110 . More specifically, the proximity sensor is operative to detect whether a user&#39;s finger (or other object) is in contact with the first input mechanism  130  and/or whether the user&#39;s finger is in proximity to the first input mechanism  130 . 
     In some embodiments, proximity to, or contact with, the first input mechanism  130  may alter an operating state of the electronic device  100 . In another embodiment, proximity to, or contact with, the first input mechanism  130  may alter an operating state of the first input mechanism  130 . 
     For example, a user may operate the first input mechanism  130  to alter a graphical user interface that is output on the display  120  of the electronic device  100 . More specifically, a displayed element on the graphical user interface may be alterable by manipulation of the first input mechanism  130 . As such, the displayed element may be changed using different manipulations of the first input mechanism  130 . These manipulations may include pressing inward on the first input mechanism  130 , rotating the first input mechanism  130  in a first direction, rotating the first input mechanism  130  in a second direction and so on. 
     However, in order to prevent inadvertent actuation of the first input mechanism  130  (or the second input mechanism  140 ), the graphical user interface may not be alterable and/or displayed unless the user&#39;s finger is in proximity to or in contact with the first input mechanism  130 . In another example, the graphical user interface may not be presented until the user&#39;s finger is in contact with or in proximity to the first input mechanism  130 . Continuing with the example, the display  120 , and more specifically the electronic device  100 , may be in a sleep state or other low power state. The display  120  and/or the electronic device  100  may change from a low power state to an active state (e.g., show the graphical user interface) when contact or proximity is detected. 
     In another example embodiment, an operating state of the first input mechanism  130  may also be altered or changed based on contact or proximity to a user&#39;s finger or other object. For example, if proximity or contact is not detected, rotation or actuation of the first input mechanism  130  will not register a change on the graphical user interface. Thus, if the first input mechanism  130  was inadvertently actuated, the electronic device  100  will not power up, register the received input and/or change the user interface. 
     In another example, the operating state of the first input mechanism  130  will not change so long as proximity or contact is detected. Thus, as long as proximity or contact with the first input mechanism  130  is detected, the first input mechanism  130 , and more specifically the electronic device  100 , is ready to register received input. 
     For example, if a user ceases to actuate the first input mechanism  130  for a period of time, but keeps her finger in proximity to or in contact with the first input mechanism  130 , the state of the first input mechanism  130  and/or the electronic device  100  will not change (e.g., the electronic device  100  will not enter a low power or sleep state). However, once contact or proximity is no longer detected (or in embodiments when a change in an electrical signal falls below a change threshold such as will be described below) the state of the first input mechanism  130  and/or the electronic device  100  may change. For example, the electronic device  100  may enter a low power state or a sleep state. 
     Although a finger is specifically mentioned in the examples above, the present disclosure is not so limited. The proximity sensors described herein may be able to detect contact or proximity of other objects including, for example, a stylus or other such input device. 
     Although the electronic device  100  is illustrated and described as a wearable electronic device, it is understood that this is an example. In various implementations, the electronic device  100  may be a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a fitness monitor, a digital media player, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a display, a printer, a mobile computing device, a tablet computing device, and/or any other electronic device without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
       FIGS. 2A-6  illustrate various cross-section views taken along line A-A of the example electronic device  100  shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . Although different reference numbers may be used to reference similar components in the description below, like components in these figures may be configured to operate in a similar manner. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates various components of an electronic device  200  arranged in a first configuration. The electronic device  200  may include an input mechanism  210  such as, for example, a rotatable crown. The input mechanism  210  may be moveable with respect to a housing  220 . In some embodiments, a portion of the input mechanism  210  (e.g., a shaft of the input mechanism  210 ) extends through the housing  220 . 
     The electronic device  200  also includes a display  230 . The display  230  may be used as both an input device and an output device. For example, the display may include one or more touch sensors that determine a location of a user&#39;s touch on a surface of the display  230 . The display  230  may also include or otherwise be associated with one or more force sensors  260  operative to determine an amount of force provided on the display  230 . 
     The electronic device  200  may also include at least one proximity sensor  240  such as shown in  FIG. 2B . The proximity sensor  240  is operative to determine whether an object, such as a user&#39;s finger, is in proximity to or is in contact with the input mechanism  210 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B , the proximity sensor  240  is a resistive sensor that detects a change in an electric signal between two components of the electronic device  200 . More specifically, the proximity sensor  240  is comprised of a resistance monitor  280  that is electrically coupled to the input mechanism  210  and the housing  220 . 
     For example, one or more electrical contacts may be positioned in and/or on the input mechanism  210 . The electrical contacts extend through the shaft of the input mechanism  210  and are connected to the resistance monitor  280 . The resistance monitor  280  is also electrically coupled to the housing  220 . As such, the input mechanism  210  acts as a first component of the proximity sensor  240  and the housing  220  acts as a second component of the proximity sensor  240 . 
     In some embodiments, the input mechanism  210  and the housing  220  are made from metal, gold, aluminum, titanium or other such materials. In addition and as shown in  FIG. 2A , the input mechanism  210 , or a portion of the input mechanism  210 , may extend through the housing  220 . As such, and in order for the input mechanism  210  and the housing  220  to act as components of the proximity sensor  240 , the input mechanism  210  and the housing  220  may be electrically isolated from one another. Accordingly, the electronic device  200  may also include an insert  250  that electrically isolates the two components. 
     The inserts  250  may be ceramic, rubber, plastic or other such suitable material. The inserts  250  may be coupled to a portion of the housing  220  such as shown in  FIG. 2A . The inserts  250  may be integrated with or formed in the housing  220 . In addition, the inserts  250  may extend from an inner portion of the housing  220  to an outer surface of the housing  220 . For example, the inserts  250  may extend from the inner portion of the housing  220  to a bottom surface of the housing  220  that contacts a user&#39;s arm and to a top surface of the housing  220  near the display  230 . 
     As discussed above, the inserts  250  electrically isolate the components of the electronic device  200 . Therefore, even if contaminants (e.g., sweat, water, or other contaminants) enter a gap that exists between the input mechanism  210  and the housing  220 , the inserts  250  prevent these contaminants from shorting the path between the housing  220  and the input mechanism  210 . 
     When the input mechanism  210  and the housing  220  act as components of the proximity sensor  240  and are electrically isolated from one another, the proximity sensor  240 , and more specifically the resistance monitor  280 , can more accurately determine proximity or contact with the input mechanism  210  and/or the housing  220 . 
     For example, a user&#39;s finger or other object may act as a resistor  270  and close a path between the input mechanism  210  and the housing  220 . More specifically, as the resistor  270  approaches or contacts the input mechanism  210 , the resistance monitor  280  of the proximity sensor  240  detects a change in resistance between the input mechanism  210  and the housing  220 . Proximity or contact may then be determined based on the detected change. 
     In some embodiments, the proximity sensor  240  will not register proximity or contact until the detected change in resistance meets or exceeds a resistance change threshold. Further, the proximity sensor  240  may not register proximity or contact until the detected change in resistance meets or exceeds the resistance change threshold over a given time threshold. Using these thresholds, the proximity sensor  240  may be able to better distinguish between deliberate proximity and/or deliberate contact with the input mechanism  210  versus inadvertent proximity and/or inadvertent contact with the input mechanism  210 . 
     When the proximity sensor  240  registers proximity or contact, an operating state of the electronic device  200  may change. In another embodiment, detected proximity or contact with the input mechanism  210  may change an operating state of the input mechanism  210 . 
     For example, if the electronic device  200  is in a sleep state and proximity or contact is detected, the electronic device  200  may transition from the sleep state to an active state. In another example, the electronic device  200  may be in an active state while the input mechanism  210  is in an inactive state (e.g., actuation of the input mechanism  210  does not register a change on a user interface). Once proximity or contact is detected, the state of the input mechanism  210  may change. 
     In another example, a state of the electronic device  200  and/or the input mechanism  210  may not change while proximity and/or contact is detected. For example, if the electronic device  200  is an active state and proximity or contact is detected, the electronic device  200  will remain in the active state. Likewise, if input mechanism  210  is in an active state and proximity or contact is detected, the input mechanism  210  will remain in the active state. The electronic device  200  and/or the input mechanism  210  will not change state until proximity or contact is no longer detected (e.g., when the change in electric signal no longer exceeds the resistance change threshold). 
     As discussed above, the electronic device  200  may also include or otherwise incorporate one or more force sensors  260 . The force sensors  260  may also be used to determine proximity and/or contact with the input mechanism  210  and/or the housing  220 . 
     For example, as a user&#39;s finger or other object contacts the input mechanism  210  and/or the housing  220 , the force sensor  260  may also be actuated such as, for example, by a periphery of the object or the finger. Although the actuation of the force sensor  260  may be inadvertent as the user is intending to actuate the input mechanism  210 , the sensed amount of force may be used to determine that an object is contacting the input mechanism  210 . 
       FIG. 2C  illustrates a cross-section view of the example electronic device of  FIG. 1  taken along line A-A in which the input mechanism  210  has been actuated. The input mechanism  210  may be actuated in an inward direction (e.g., in a direction toward the housing  220 ). As the input mechanism  210  moves toward the housing  220 , the proximity sensor  240  may detect a change in resistance that indicates that the input mechanism  210  has been inwardly actuated. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a cross-section view of a second configuration of components in an example electronic device  300 . The cross-section shown in  FIG. 3  may be taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1 . 
     In this example embodiment, the electronic device  300  may include an input mechanism  310 , a housing  320  and a display  330 . Each of these components may operate in similar manner as described above. For example, the input mechanism  310  may be a rotatable crown that extends, at least partially, into the housing  320 . Actuation of the input mechanism  310  may alter output that is provided on the display  330 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , the electronic device  300  may also include a proximity sensor  340 . However, in this embodiment, the proximity sensor  340  is a capacitive sensor. More specifically, the proximity sensor  340  includes a capacitance monitor  380  that is operative to detect a change in capacitance between the input mechanism  310  and the housing  320 . 
     In this implementation, the capacitance monitor  380  may be electrically coupled to the input mechanism  310  and the housing  320 . More specifically, the proximity sensor  340  may be coupled to the input mechanism  310  such that the input mechanism  310  acts as an electrode of the proximity sensor  340 . 
     For example, an inner portion of the input mechanism  310  and/or the outer portion of the input mechanism may be conductive or made from a conductive material. As an object approaches and/or contacts the input mechanism  310 , the capacitance monitor  380  detects a change in capacitance. In some embodiments, the measured change in capacitance may be self-capacitance or mutual capacitance. 
     In another embodiment, the housing  320  may act as the electrode of the proximity sensor  340 . In yet other embodiments, both the input mechanism  310  and the housing  320  may act as electrodes. In these embodiments, the housing  320  and/or the input mechanism  310  are used to determine a change in capacitance such as described above. 
     In response to the detected change in capacitance, an operating state of the electronic device  300  and/or the input mechanism  310  may change such as described above. For example, when the change in capacitance exceeds a capacitance change threshold, the state of the electronic device  300  and/or the input mechanism  310  may change. 
     Like the embodiment shown and described with respect to  FIG. 2A , the embodiment of  FIG. 3A  also includes one or more inserts  350 . The inserts  350  provide electric isolation between the input mechanism  310  and the housing  320 . The inserts  350  may extend from the inner portion of the housing  320  to the outer portion of the housing  320  such as described above. 
     In another implementation, the inserts  350  and/or the housing  320  may act as both an isolation component and a conductive component. For example, the inserts  350  may isolate the input mechanism  310  from the housing  320 . However, contact or proximity to the input mechanism  310  modulates the housing  320  thereby eliminating any parasitic capacitance between the housing  320  and the input mechanism  310 . This helps prevent a change in capacitance when liquid or other contaminants enter a gap or a space that may be present between the input mechanism  310  and the housing  320 . In embodiments in which the electronic device  300  is a wearable electronic device, this configuration may prevent a change in capacitance when the wearable electronic device is worn on a wrist of a user or when the user&#39;s wrist inadvertently contacts the input mechanism  310 . 
     The electronic device  300  may also include a force sensor  360 . The force sensor  360  may include one or more capacitive elements that cause a change in capacitance as the two elements approach each other (e.g., in response to an applied force). In addition to determining an the amount of received force, these capacitive elements may be used, either separately or in combination with the proximity sensor  340 , to detect a change in capacitance as an object approaches or contacts the housing  320  or the input mechanism  310 . 
     For example, one or more capacitive elements of the force sensor  360  may be capacitively coupled with the input mechanism  310 . As a finger or other object approaches or contacts the input mechanism  310 , the force sensor  360  and/or the proximity sensor  340  may detect the resulting change in capacitance. Thus a determination may be made that an object is proximate to, or is in contact with, the input mechanism  310 . 
     In certain embodiments, the proximity sensor  340  may also determine a change in capacitance as the input mechanism  310  moves in an inward direction such as described above with respect to  FIG. 2C . For example, as the input mechanism  310  moves toward the housing  320  in response to being actuated, the proximity sensor  340  may detect a change in capacitance caused by the components being moved closer together thereby signaling actuation of the input mechanism. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section view of a third configuration of components in an example electronic device  400 . The cross-section shown in  FIG. 4  may be taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1 . 
     In this example embodiment, the electronic device  400  may include an input mechanism  410 , a housing  420  and a display  430 . Each of these components may operate in similar manner as described above. The electronic device  400  also includes a display stack  440 . The display stack  440  may include one or more touch sensors to determine a location of input received on the display  430 . 
     More specifically, the display stack  440  may include one or more capacitive elements that detect a location of the user&#39;s finger on the display  430 . However, one or more of the capacitive elements disposed on an edge of the display stack  440  (e.g., an edge closest to the input mechanism  410 ) may be boosted in order to detect proximity and/or contact of an object to the input mechanism  410 . For example, the edge pixels of the display stack may be operative to detect a change in capacitance as an object, such as a user&#39;s finger, contacts or is in proximity to the input mechanism  410 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-section view of a fourth configuration of components in an example electronic device  500 . The cross-section shown in  FIG. 5  may be taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1 . 
     In this example embodiment, the electronic device  500  may include an input mechanism  510 , a housing  520  and a display  530 . Each of these components may operate in similar manner as described above. 
     The proximity sensor in this particular implementation is an optical sensor  540 . The optical sensor  540  may include a light source and an optical window or lens. The optical sensor  540  may be positioned in a cavity  550  formed around an inner perimeter of the display  530 . In one particular embodiment, the optical sensor  540  may be positioned underneath the display  530  in the cavity  570  such as shown and oriented toward a surface of the display  530  and toward the input mechanism  510 . 
     The light source of the optical sensor  540  may be an LED, an infrared light such as, for example an infrared LED, a laser diode, a light bulb and any other such light source. The light from the light source is transmitted though the (optional) optical window and through the display  530 . When an object, such as a user&#39;s finger, contacts or is in proximity to the input mechanism  510 , the optical sensor  540  detects an amount of light reflected by the user&#39;s finger and, as a result, determines proximity or contact. In another implementation, the optical sensor may be operative to sense an amount of ambient light received through the display  530 . When an amount of detected light changes (e.g., when a user&#39;s finger blocks light from being received by the optical sensor as the finger moves toward the input mechanism  510 ), a determination may be made that an object is in proximity to or contact with the input mechanism  510 . When proximity is detected, an operating state of the electronic device  500  and/or the input mechanism  510  may change such as described above. 
     In some embodiments, the optical sensor  540  may also be able to determine whether the input mechanism  510  is actuated, either by being rotated or by moving in an inward direction such as described above with respect to  FIG. 2C . For example, the input mechanism  510  may include one or more patterns, ridges, scallops or other such surface features on an inner side. As the input mechanism  510  rotates or is moved inwardly, the light that is reflected off of the surface pattern may change thereby signaling actuation of the input mechanism  510 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-section view of a fifth configuration of components in an example electronic device  600 . The cross-section shown in  FIG. 6  may be taken along line A-A of  FIG. 1 . 
     In this example embodiment, the electronic device  600  may include an input mechanism  610 , a housing  620  and a display  630 . Each of these components may operate in similar manner as described above. The electronic device  600  may also include a proximity sensor  640  disposed in a channel  650  of the display  630 . 
     The proximity sensor  640  may be a capacitive sensor operative to detect a change in capacitance as an object, such as a user&#39;s finger, approaches and/or contacts the input mechanism  610 . In this particular embodiment, the proximity sensor  640  may be comprised of a flexible substrate having one or more capacitive sensing components arranged thereon. The flexible substrate is oriented to face the input mechanism  610  (e.g., has a field a view that encompasses at least a portion of the input mechanism  610 ) in order to better sense a change in capacitance as the user&#39;s finger approaches or otherwise contacts the input mechanism  610 . 
     In some embodiments, the proximity sensor  640  may work in conjunction with the capacitive sensors in a display stack, such as, for example, display stack  440  shown and described above with respect to  FIG. 4 . More specifically, the change in capacitance sensed by the proximity sensor  640  may be combined with a change in capacitance sensed by the display stack in order to determine a location of an object in three-dimensional space. For example, if a change in capacitance detected by the proximity sensor  640  and the change in capacitance detected by the display stack exceed a threshold, a determination may be made that an object may be near or contacting the input mechanism  610  as well as a current location of the object with respect to the input mechanism  610  or a direction the object is approaching from. However, if the change in capacitance detected by one or both of these components does not exceed a threshold, the change in capacitance may be rejected. 
     In another embodiment, the proximity sensor  640  may be an extension from the display stack. For example a substrate, plate or other material may extend from the display stack and be coupled to the channel  650 . The plate may have one or more capacitive sensors or elements that are oriented to face the input mechanism  610 . These capacitive elements are used to detect proximity of a user&#39;s finger or other object to the input mechanism  610 . In yet another embodiment, the proximity sensor  640  may work in conjunction with the force sensor  360  to detect a change in capacitance such as previously described. 
       FIGS. 7A-7B  illustrate an example electronic device  700  device having sensors for detecting movement of the electronic device  700  in a first direction and in a second direction respectively. The electronic device  700  includes an input mechanism  710  moveably coupled to a housing  720  and a display (not shown). 
     The electronic device  700  also includes a first movement sensor  730  and a second movement sensor  740 . The movement sensors  730  and  740  may be located within the housing  720  of the electronic device  700 . The movement sensors  730  and  740  may be an accelerometer, a gyroscope or any other suitable sensor that detects movement. 
     As input is received on the input mechanism  710  (e.g., such as shown by arrow  750  in  FIG. 7A ) the movement sensors  730  and  740  may detect movement of the housing  720  such as shown by the arrows associated with each movement sensor  730  and  740  Likewise, when input is received on the input mechanism  710  shown by arrow  750  in  FIG. 7B , the housing  720  of the electronic device  700  may move in the direction indicated by the arrows associated with the movement sensors  730  and  740 . 
     When the housing  720  of the electronic device  700  moves in these directions (or other similar directions) a determination may be made that an object, such as a user&#39;s finger, is contacting the input mechanism  710 . 
     In additional embodiments, the movement sensors  730  and  740  may be configured to detect movement of the housing  720  that is below a movement threshold. For example, when a user contacts the input mechanism  710 , the user&#39;s finger may have a natural tremor. The movement sensors  730  and  740  may be operative to sense movement of the housing  720  caused by the tremor and, as a result, determine that a user is contacting the input mechanism  710 . Because the movement caused by the tremor may be slight, the movement sensors  730  and  740  may be able to distinguish movement associated with the tremor from movement caused by the user walking, riding in a car, etc. and therefore make a determination that contact has been made. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a method  800  for determining whether an object is contacting or is in proximity to an input mechanism of an electronic device. The method  800  may be used by an electronic device, such as, for example, any of the electronic devices described herein. 
     Method  800  begins at operation  810  in which an input mechanism of the electronic device is operative to act as a first component of a force sensing device. In some embodiments, the input mechanism is a rotatable crown or other such input mechanism of the electronic device. The input mechanism may be electrically connected to a proximity sensor such as, for example, a resistive sensor or a capacitive sensor. For example, in some implementations, the input mechanism has one or more contacts disposed on a surface. In another implementation, the input mechanism acts as an electrode for the proximity sensor. 
     Flow then proceeds to operation  820  and a housing of the electronic device is operative to act as a second component of the proximity sensor. Like the input mechanism described above, the housing may also be electrically connected to the proximity sensor. 
     Flow then proceeds to operation  830  and the housing and the input mechanism are electrically isolated from one another. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by placing an insert into the housing at a location where the input mechanism is coupled to (or through) the housing. The insert may be made of plastic, rubber, ceramic or other suitable material. 
     In operation  840 , the proximity sensor detects a change in an electrical signal as an object, such as, for example, a user&#39;s finger, approaches or contacts the input mechanism. For example, if the proximity sensor is a resistive sensor, the electrical signal detected by the proximity sensor may change when the user&#39;s finger contacts the input mechanism. If the proximity sensor is a capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor may detect a change in capacitance when the user&#39;s finger is in proximity to or contacting the input mechanism. 
     Although a resistive sensor and capacitive sensor are specifically described herein, other proximity sensors, such as those described above, may also utilize method  800 , or various operations of the method  800 , to determine proximity to or contact with the input mechanism of the electronic device. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates various components and modules that may be present in an example electronic device  900 . More specifically, the components and modules shown and described with respect to  FIG. 9  may be used or incorporated with the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the electronic device  900  includes at least one processor  905  or processing unit configured to access a memory  910 . The memory  910  may have various instructions, computer programs, or other data stored thereon. The instructions may be configured to perform one or more of the operations or functions described with respect to the electronic device  900 . For example, the instructions may be configured to control or coordinate the operation of the display  935 , one or more input/output components  915 , one or more communication channels  920 , one or more sensors  925 , a speaker  930 , and/or one or more haptic actuators  940 . 
     The processor  905  may be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processor  905  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. 
     The memory  910  can store electronic data that can be used by the electronic device  900 . For example, the memory  910  can store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing and control signals or data for the various modules, data structures or databases, and so on. The memory  910  may also store instructions for determining changes in resistance, capacitance, detected light and so on such as described above. 
     The memory  910  may be any type of memory such as, for example, random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements, or combinations of such devices. 
     As briefly discussed above, the electronic device  900  may include various input and output components represented in  FIG. 9  as Input/Output  915 . Although the input and output components are represented as a single item, the electronic device  900  may include a number of different input components, including buttons, input surfaces, microphones, switches, rotatable crowns and dials for accepting user input. The input and output components may include one or more touch sensor and/or force sensors such as described above. For example, the display  935  may be comprised of a display stack that includes one or more touch sensors and/or one or more force sensors that enable a user to provide input to the electronic device  900 . 
     The electronic device  900  may also include one or more communication channels  920 . These communication channels  920  may include one or more wireless interfaces that provide communications between the processor  905  and an external device or other electronic device. In general, the one or more communication channels  920  may be configured to transmit and receive data and/or signals that may be interpreted by instructions executed on the processor  905 . In some cases, the external device is part of an external communication network that is configured to exchange data with other devices. Generally, the wireless interface may include, without limitation, radio frequency, optical, acoustic, and/or magnetic signals and may be configured to operate over a wireless interface or protocol. Example wireless interfaces include radio frequency cellular interfaces, fiber optic interfaces, acoustic interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, Near Field Communication interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP/IP interfaces, network communications interfaces, or any conventional communication interfaces. 
     The electronic device  900  may also include one or more sensors  925 . Although a single representation of a sensor  925  is shown in  FIG. 9 , the electronic device  900  may have many sensors. These sensors may include resistive sensors, light sensors, capacitive sensors, biometric sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, barometric sensors, moisture sensors and so on. 
     One or more one or more acoustic modules or speakers  930  may also be included in the electronic device  900 . The speaker  930  may be configured to produce an audible sound or an acoustic signal. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 9 , the electronic device  900  may include one or more haptic actuators  940 . The haptic actuators  940  may be any type of haptic actuator including rotational haptic devices, linear haptic actuators, piezoelectric devices, vibration elements, and so on. The haptic actuator  940  is configured to provide punctuated and distinct feedback to a user of the electronic device  900 . 
     In certain embodiments, the electronic device  900  may include an internal battery  945 . The internal battery  945  may be used to store and provide power to the various components and modules of the electronic device  900  including the haptic actuator  940 . The battery  945  may be configured to be charged using a wireless charging system although a wired charging system may also be used. 
     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: 20151109
Publication Date: 20191210
Grant Date: 20191210
Priority Date: 20150930
Inventors: ELY, COLIN M.
ROTHKOPF, FLETCHER R.
GOWREESUNKER, BABOO V.
HOLENARSIPUR, PRASHANTH S.
ISIKMAN, SERHAN O.
SHEDLETSKY, ANNA-KATRINA
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F1/3231", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04108", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/038", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/3231", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04101", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/038", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/045", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0304", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04101", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/02", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04108", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02D10/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58282133