Biometric keys including textured ceramic covers

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a biometric key including a textured ceramic cover. The present disclosure provides an electronic device having a keyboard including a biometric input device. The biometric input device may be a biometric key or button. The cap of the biometric key or button may include a textured ceramic cover, such as a textured sapphire cover. The cap may also include a rear decorative coating and a front anti-reflective coating disposed on or above the textured ceramic cover. The cap may have one or more visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of adjacent keys of the keyboard.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application is a patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application 62 / 933,839, filed on November 11, 2019, entitled “Biometric Key Including aTextured Ceramic Cover,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments generally relate to electronic devices including biometric input devices (such as biometric keys or buttons). More specifically, the embodiments relate to electronic devices having biometric input components that are provided as part of a keyboard and include a textured ceramic cover. Background Art

[0004] An electronic device may include one or more input components. For example, an input component may be in the form of a button or key that can be pressed to activate one or more functions or operations of the electronic device. In some cases, the button or key may include a biometric sensor that may limit control (and / or access) of an associated function or operation of the electronic device. Summary of the invention

[0005] Biometric keys and buttons including textured ceramic covers are disclosed herein. The biometric key or button may be part of a keyboard of an electronic device and typically includes a biometric sensor that can be used to control and / or limit access to functions or operations of the electronic device by one or more authorized users. For example, the biometric sensor may be a fingerprint sensor, and the biometric button may be a power button or key. Keyboards typically also include keys that do not include a biometric sensor. An electronic device including a biometric key or button is also disclosed herein.

[0006] The biometric key or button may include a cap that defines an input surface and includes a textured ceramic cover. The other keys of the keyboard may have a polymer keycap, which may be a plastic keycap in some cases. In some embodiments, the cap of the biometric key or button is configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to those of the polymer keycap. For example, the ceramic cover may be textured and coated as described herein to obtain desired visual and / or tactile properties. In some cases, the front surface of the cap may have a color, gloss, reflection haze, and / or reflectivity similar to the color, gloss, reflection haze, and / or reflectivity of an adjacent polymer keycap. The cap and the textured ceramic cover may each be configured to provide desired visual and / or tactile properties to the biometric key or button without substantially reducing the performance of the biometric sensor.

[0007] In some embodiments, one or more textures of the ceramic cover can be configured to provide a matte appearance and / or a relatively low gloss level to the cap. For example, the gloss level of the cap can be lower than the gloss level of a polished ceramic cap. The textured ceramic cover is typically light transmissive and can be substantially transparent. In some cases, the textured ceramic cover can be formed of a single crystal such as single crystal aluminum oxide (e.g., sapphire). In some cases, the textured ceramic cover defines a front surface, a side surface, and a curved surface (alternatively, a curved edge) extending from the front surface to the side surface.

[0008] The cap may also include one or more coatings on or above one or more surfaces of the textured ceramic cap. In some embodiments, the cap may include a coating on or above the back surface of the textured ceramic cap that contributes to the desired color and / or opacity of the cap. When the textured ceramic cap is substantially light-transmissive and / or transparent, the coating on the back surface of the cap may be configured to absorb one or more wavelengths of visible light, thereby helping to provide the desired color to the cap. For example, the coating on the back surface may help to provide a dark color to the cap.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cap may include one or more coatings on or above the front surface of the textured ceramic cap. For example, the coating on the front surface of the cap may be configured to reduce the amount of light reflected from the cap, thereby acting as an anti-reflective coating. In some cases, the anti-reflective coating may also contribute to the perceived color of the cap.

[0010] The present disclosure provides a computing device, which includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion including an upper housing and a display positioned in the upper housing, the lower portion including a lower housing coupled to the upper portion by a hinge, and the lower portion including a keyboard. The keyboard includes an array of keys, each key in the array of keys having a plastic keycap; and a biometric power button positioned adjacent to one or more keys in the array of keys. The biometric power button includes a sapphire cover, an inorganic multilayer coating disposed on a rear surface of the sapphire cover, a biometric sensor positioned below the sapphire cover, and a switch positioned below the biometric sensor. The sapphire cover defines a textured front surface and a rounded edge extending from the textured front surface to a side surface.

[0011] The present disclosure also discloses a computing device, which includes an upper part and a lower part, the upper part including an upper housing and a display positioned in the upper housing, and the lower part including a keyboard and a lower housing rotatably coupled to the upper housing. The keyboard includes a key group, each key in the key group includes a biometric input key and a keycap formed of a polymer material. The biometric input key includes a textured cap, the textured cap includes a transparent cover formed of aluminum oxide, a biometric sensor positioned below the transparent cover, and an electromechanical switch, which is positioned below the biometric sensor and is configured to actuate in response to a press on the biometric input key. The transparent cover defines a front surface, which includes: a surface feature group, the surface feature group is configured to diffusely reflect light from the front surface; a side surface; and a curved surface extending between the front surface and the side surface. The textured cap also includes a first coating covering the front surface and including a plurality of inorganic dielectric layers configured to cause destructive interference between light reflected from the first coating and light reflected from the front surface of the transparent cover; and a second coating covering the rear surface of the transparent cover and configured to absorb visible light.

[0012] In addition, the present disclosure provides a computing device including a keyboard, which includes a biometric button and a key group. The biometric button includes a cap having a sapphire cover, an anti-reflective coating disposed above the front surface of the sapphire cover and including a plurality of inorganic dielectric layers, and an optically dense coating disposed above the rear surface of the sapphire cover and including a plurality of inorganic dielectric layers and a plurality of metal layers. The biometric button also includes a conductive support positioned below the cap and coupled to the cap, a biometric sensor positioned below the cap, and a switch positioned below the biometric sensor. The sapphire cover defines a front surface having a first texture configured to provide a first matte appearance; a side surface; and a curved edge between the front surface and the side surface, the curved edge having a second texture. Each key in the key group includes a polymer keycap having a second matte appearance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present disclosure will be more readily understood through the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0014] Figure 1A An exemplary electronic device including a biometric input component is shown.

[0015] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A Partial diagram of the biometric input component.

[0016] Figure 1C Another example of an electronic device including a biometric input component is shown.

[0017] Figure 1D Shows Figure 1C Partial diagram of the biometric input component.

[0018] Figure 2A An exploded view of the biometric input component including the spring plate is shown.

[0019] Figure 2B An exploded view of the biometric input components including the scissor mechanism is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a biometric input component is shown.

[0021] Figure 4A Another cross-sectional view of a biometric input component is shown.

[0022] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A The biometric input component moves in response to a downward force.

[0023] Figure 5A A top view of a cap for a biometric input component is shown.

[0024] Figure 5B A side view of a cap for a biometric input component is shown.

[0025] Fig. 6A A partial cross-sectional view of a cap for a biometric input component is shown.

[0026] Figure 6B Shows Fig. 6A A partial view of the cap.

[0027] Fig. 7A Shows Fig. 6A A partial cross-sectional view of the cap.

[0028] Figure 7B Shows Fig. 7A A partial cross-sectional view of the cap.

[0029] Figure 8 Shows Fig. 6A Another partial cross-sectional view of the cap.

[0030] Fig. 9 A flow chart showing a process for manufacturing a textured cap for a biometric input component.

[0031] Fig.10 A block diagram of a sample electronic device that may incorporate a biometric input component with a textured cap is shown.

[0032] The use of cross-hatching or shading in the drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the drawings. Thus, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not express or indicate any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element sizes, commonality of similar illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, property, or attribute of any element shown in the drawings.

[0033] Furthermore, it should be understood that the proportions and sizes (relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, spacings, and positional relationships presented therebetween are provided in the accompanying drawings solely to facilitate understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and therefore may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for the embodiments illustrated to exclude the embodiments described in conjunction therewith. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference will now be made specifically to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a preferred specific implementation. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included in the present disclosure and within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

[0035] The following disclosure relates to an electronic device including a biometric input component (such as a biometric key or button). The biometric input component may include a cap that defines an input surface of the biometric input component and includes a textured ceramic cover. In some cases, the cap of the biometric input component may be configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of an adjacent keycap that is primarily formed of a different material (e.g., a polymer material). For example, the front surface of the cap may have a color, gloss, reflection haze, and / or reflectivity similar to the color, gloss, reflection haze, and / or reflectivity of an adjacent keycap. The ceramic cover may be textured and coated as described herein to obtain desired visual and / or tactile properties.

[0036] Each of the cap and the textured ceramic cap may be positioned above the biometric sensor. In addition, each of the cap and the textured ceramic cap may be configured so that they do not substantially interfere with the operation of the biometric sensor. For example, the texture of the ceramic cap and the composition and thickness of any coating applied to the textured ceramic cap may be configured so that they do not substantially interfere with the operation of the biometric sensor. The cap typically has a texture, which is at least partially due to the texture of the ceramic cap and the texture of any coating applied on or above the front surface of the textured ceramic cap. Therefore, the cap may be referred to as a textured cap herein.

[0037] In some embodiments, one or more textures of the ceramic cover may be configured to provide a matte appearance and / or a relatively low gloss level to the cap. Typically, the gloss level of the cap is lower than the gloss level of the polished ceramic cover. For example, the front surface of the textured ceramic cover may define a texture that is configured to provide a gloss level similar to the gloss level of an adjacent keycap. In addition, a curved surface extending from the front surface of the ceramic cover to the side surface may define a texture that is configured to provide a gloss level similar to the gloss level of the front surface. At least one surface of the ceramic cover may be configured to provide a specified level of reflective haze or diffuse reflectance.

[0038] In some cases, the texture of the front surface of the ceramic cover is configured to diffusely reflect incident light. The surface features can define any of a range of shapes or configurations that can diffuse or scatter incident light. FIG. 6A to FIG. 8 Surface texture, surface features, and roughness parameters are described in further detail and are generally applicable herein.

[0039] In some cases, the front surface of the ceramic cap defines a first texture, and the curved surface defines a second texture. The first texture may include a first surface feature group, and the second texture may include a second surface feature group. In some cases, the front surface and the curved surface may be textured by different methods, so the first texture and the second texture do not need to be the same. However, the first texture and the second texture may be similar enough to provide visual and / or tactile properties similar to the textured cap. For example, each of the first surface feature group and the second surface feature group may be configured to diffusely reflect incident light. In addition, the first texture and / or the second texture may be controlled so that the front surface and / or the curved surface are not overly rough.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cap includes a coating on or above the rear surface of the textured ceramic cover that contributes to the desired color and / or opacity of the cap. When the ceramic cover is substantially light transmissive and / or transparent, the coating on the rear surface can be configured to absorb one or more wavelengths of visible light, thereby helping to provide the desired color to the cap. The color of the cap can be similar to the color of an adjacent keycap. The coating can also be configured so that it does not substantially interfere with the performance of the underlying biometric sensor. In some embodiments, the coating on the rear surface is an inorganic multilayer coating, rather than a conventional paint coating or other polymer-based decorative layer. Relative FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B Inorganic multilayer coatings are described in further detail, and that description generally applies herein.

[0041] In some embodiments, the cap may include one or more coatings on or above the front surface of the textured ceramic cap. For example, the coating on the front surface of the cap may be configured to reduce the amount of light reflected from the cap, thereby acting as an anti-reflective coating. In some cases, the anti-reflective coating may also contribute to the perceived color of the cap. The one or more coatings above the front surface of the textured ceramic cap may be configured to have a durability suitable for use on the input surface of the biometric input component.

[0042] In some embodiments, the anti-soiling coating may be applied over the anti-reflective coating. Figure 7B Anti-reflective coatings and anti-soiling coatings are described in further detail and are generally applicable herein.Typically, the cap includes a combination of one or more coatings on or over the textured front surface and one or more coatings on or over the back surface of the ceramic cap.

[0043] In addition to the textured cap and the biometric sensor, the biometric input component typically includes other components. For example, the biometric input component may include a switch, such as an electromechanical switch. Figure 1A To Figure 4 and Fig.10 Typical components of a biometric input component are described in further detail and this description applies generally to this document.

[0044] The following references Figures 1A to 10 These and other embodiments are discussed. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0045] Figure 1AAn exemplary electronic device 100 is shown including a biometric input component 146, the biometric input component including a textured ceramic cover. The biometric input component can be a biometric power button or key. Alternatively, the biometric input component can be a biometric button or key that controls another function of the electronic device.

[0046] like Figure 1A As shown, the electronic device 100 is a notebook computing device (alternatively, a notebook computer) or a laptop computing device (alternatively, a laptop computer). In additional embodiments, the electronic device 100 can be a mobile phone (alternatively, a cell phone), a tablet computing device (or a tablet computer), a tablet computing device with a keyboard, a portable media player, a wearable device, or another type of portable electronic device.

[0047] Figure 1A The electronic device 100 is shown in an open configuration. Figure 1A As shown, the electronic device 100 includes a first portion or upper portion 102 and a second portion or lower portion 104. Typically, the first portion 102 is coupled to the second portion 104. Figure 1A As shown, the electronic device may include a coupling portion 106. In some cases, the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 may be rotatably or pivotally coupled, such as by a hinge within the coupling portion 106. The rotatable coupling of the first portion 102 and the second portion 104 allows the first portion 102 to be rotated toward the second portion 104 to place the electronic device 100 in a closed configuration. However, in other embodiments, the second portion 104 may be coupled to the first portion 102 in a different manner and / or may be removable relative to the first portion 102.

[0048] The electronic device 100 also includes a first housing or upper housing 112 and a second housing or lower housing 114. The first housing 112 is part of the first portion 102, and the second housing 114 is part of the second portion 104. The first housing 112 at least partially encloses a display 122. The display 122 can be a main display for the electronic device. The display can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an LED backlit LCD display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, an active layer organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display, etc. The display can be covered by a transparent cover, which can include one or more glass layers, ceramic layers, or polymer layers.

[0049] The lower portion 104 includes a keyboard 132. Figure 1A As shown, the keyboard 132 includes a biometric input component 146 and a key group 142. As previously described, the biometric input component may have a cap (e.g., Figure 1BThe cap 156 is configured to have a shape similar to that of an adjacent keycap (e.g., Figure 1B The cap 156 may be configured to have one or more visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of the adjacent keycap 152. For example, the front surface of the cap 156 may be configured to have a color, gloss, reflective haze, and / or reflectivity similar to the color, gloss, reflective haze, and / or reflectivity of the adjacent keycap 152.

[0050] Typically, the keycap 152 is a polymer keycap, and the ceramic cover of the cap 156 is textured and coated to obtain one or more visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of the polymer keycap 152. For example, the keycap 152 may be translucent or opaque, and may be textured to provide a low gloss appearance. In addition, the body of the keycap 152 (e.g., a structure that supports or surrounds a symbol or glyph disposed on the keycap) may have a color imparted by a dye or pigment in the polymer material of the keycap. In some cases, the keycap 152 may have a dark color having an L* value of about 20 to about 40, about 20 to about 35, or about 20 to about 30.

[0051] As mentioned herein, a polymer keycap may include essentially a polymer material, but may also include dyes, pigments, metals, or other marking materials applied to the input surface of the keycap to form markings such as symbols or glyphs on the keycap. A polymer keycap may be essentially formed of a polymer material. The polymer material includes a polymer, but may also include additives such as a colorant (e.g., a dye or pigment dispersed in the body of the keycap) and / or other additives to facilitate the manufacture of the keycap and / or produce the desired properties of the keycap. The polymer material may be a thermoplastic polymer material (also referred to herein as plastic), and thus the polymer keycap may be referred to as a plastic keycap. For example, the polymer material of the keycap may include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyoxymethylene (POM), and the like.

[0052] The biometric input component 146 may be a biometric power button or key or another type of biometric button or key. The biometric key may also be referred to herein as a biometric input key. Figure 1A In the example of FIG. 1 , the biometric input component 146 is positioned between the key group 142 and the coupling portion 106, but it should be understood that the biometric input component 146 can be located at another location of the second portion 104, such as between the key group 142. The key group 142 can define an array and / or multiple rows of keys. Each of the keys 142 can be depressible. Each of the keys 142 can also have a key cap 152 ( Figure 1B). The keyboard 132 may also include a key 144 positioned between the key group 142 and the coupling portion 106. The keyboard 132 may be positioned in the recessed portion 116 of the second housing 114. In some cases, a user of the electronic device 100 may use the keyboard 132 to interact with a user interface at least partially presented on the display 122.

[0053] The biometric input component 146 may include a biometric sensor (FIG. 2 and Figure 3 ), which can be used, such as by attaching a cap 156 ( Figure 1B ) to authenticate the identity of the user interacting with the biometric input component 146. The biometric sensor can be used to limit access by one or more authenticated users to electronic device features or operations associated with the biometric input component 146. Therefore, the biometric input component 146 may also be referred to as a "restricted access" button or key. Functions or operations that require user authentication may be referred to as "restricted functions" or "restricted operations." In some cases, one or more functions associated with the biometric input component 146 may be restricted functions, while other functions of the biometric input component 146 may be unrestricted functions (which are not limited to authenticated users).

[0054] In some embodiments, the biometric input component 146 can be used as a power button or key. In some cases, the biometric input component 146 can be used as a multi-modal power button or key. For example, the multi-modal power button or key can be configured to change the power state of the electronic device 100 and / or the power state of the keyboard 132.

[0055] When the biometric input component 146 is used as an access-restricted button, one or more functions associated with the biometric input component 146 may be restricted functions that can only be performed by authorized users. For example, turning on or off an electronic device may be a restricted function that can only be performed by an authorized user or user group. In some cases, when the biometric input component 146 is pressed, an image of a fingerprint may be acquired and compared with a previously acquired fingerprint image of a limited set of authorized users. If it is determined that the acquired image matches one of the previously acquired fingerprint images of a limited set of authorized users, the electronic device may perform an operation associated with the biometric input component 146 (e.g., opening, closing, entering a standby state, etc.). Alternatively, if it is determined that the acquired image does not match one of the previously acquired fingerprint images of a limited set of authorized users, the electronic device may not perform an operation associated with the biometric input component 146. In some cases, the electronic device may notify the user that access is denied. In other cases, the electronic device may not respond in any way.

[0056] In some embodiments, when the user presses the biometric input component 146, the keyboard 132 may send a signal to the electronic device 100 indicating that the button (or key) is pressed. In response to this, the electronic device 100 may be converted to different power states, such as but not limited to: a power-on state, a power-off state, a standby power state, a low-power state, or any other suitable power state. One or more functions of the biometric input component 146 may be restricted functions, while other functions of the biometric input component 146 may be unrestricted functions. More specifically, the operations performed by the electronic device 100 in this example to convert between various power states may be restricted actions or may be unrestricted actions. In one example, the conversion from the power-off state to the power-on state may be an unrestricted action, while the conversion from the power-on state to the power-off state may be a restricted action. In another non-limiting statement, the electronic device 100 may allow any user to turn on the electronic device 100 or another associated electronic device, while only allowing certain users to turn off the electronic device 100.

[0057] When the user presses the biometric input component 146, the electronic device 100 may first determine whether the action or function attempted by the electronic device 100 or the keyboard 132 is a restricted action or an unrestricted action. If the action is a restricted action, the fingerprint sensor of the biometric input component 146 may acquire an image of the fingerprint. The acquired fingerprint image may then be compared with each fingerprint image (or template) in a set of previously acquired fingerprint images (or templates) to determine whether the user pressing the biometric input component 146 is authorized to perform the requested function. In some cases, the electronic device may utilize fingerprint data (such as an image) as one of multiple factors to authenticate the user. Alternatively, if the action is an unrestricted action, the electronic device 100 may perform the action without first acquiring a fingerprint image.

[0058] In other embodiments, the biometric input component 146 can be configured to operate in a different manner. For example, the biometric input component 146 can be configured to record and / or log the identity of the last user who touched the biometric input component 146 and / or information related to unrecognized fingerprints obtained by the biometric input component 146.

[0059] In some cases, the operation of acquiring a fingerprint image and comparing the fingerprint to a set of known images may be performed by the electronic device 100. In some examples, the operation may be performed within the biometric input component 146, such as by a processor or circuit disposed within the biometric input component 146. In other examples, the operation may be performed at least in part by a processor or circuit coupled to the biometric input component 146.

[0060] After the fingerprint acquired by the fingerprint sensor of the biometric input component 146 is recognized, one of various operations may be performed by the electronic device 100, the keyboard 132, or the biometric input component 146. For example, in one embodiment, after the fingerprint image acquired by the fingerprint sensor of the biometric input component 146 is recognized, the keyboard 132 may send a signal to the electronic device 100 instructing the electronic device 100 to perform the requested action. In another embodiment, after the fingerprint image acquired by the fingerprint sensor of the biometric input component 146 is recognized, the keyboard 132 may send an encrypted signal, a security certificate, a password, or other information to the electronic device 100, thereby notifying the electronic device 100 that the keyboard 132 has recognized the user. The electronic device 100 may analyze the received information to determine whether the user is authorized to perform the requested task.

[0061] In other embodiments, the electronic device 100 and / or the keyboard 132 may utilize a fingerprint sensor independently of a button containing the sensor. For example, fingerprint image data may be obtained from a user of the electronic device 100 without pressing a button containing a fingerprint sensor. In other cases, the fingerprint sensor may be configured to image the user's fingerprint independently of the activation of a corresponding button or associated action. More specifically, a button may have a default function that can be performed by the electronic device 100, which may be changed, updated, reinforced, or enhanced only after a fingerprint image is later identified. For example, in these embodiments, a fingerprint image may be taken after the button is fully pressed. As mentioned herein, a fingerprint "image" need not be a visual representation of a fingerprint, but may be an array of sensor values ​​that provide a signature corresponding to the fingerprint, such as a two-dimensional array of sensor values ​​that provide a signature corresponding to the fingerprint.

[0062] In many cases, the electronic device 100 and / or keyboard 132 may require both a full button press and an authenticated fingerprint in order to perform a task. For example, if the biometric input component 146 is a power button (or key), a full press of the cap by an authenticated user may be required to turn on the electronic device 100 or keyboard 132. Thus, two different types of input are required to power the electronic device.

[0063] In other embodiments, the electronic device 100 and / or keyboard 132 may utilize a fingerprint sensor within the biometric input component 146 in a manner that is decoupled from various functions and / or operations of the biometric input component 146. For example, the electronic device 100 may periodically request a user of the electronic device 100 or keyboard 132 to authenticate the user's identity by placing the user's fingertip on the biometric input component 146. The electronic device 100 may request the user of the electronic device 100 to authenticate his or her identity in order to, but not limited to: grant access rights to an application or program executed by the electronic device 100, grant access rights to features of an application or program executed by the electronic device 100, complete an electronic purchase, access confidential information and / or private information stored on the electronic device 100 or otherwise accessible to the electronic device 100, access system-level files and / or directories stored on the electronic device 100 or otherwise accessible to the electronic device 100, approve or deny the establishment of a communication link between the electronic device 100 and another local electronic device or a remote electronic device, apply settings associated with a particular user to the electronic device 100 or an application or program operating on the electronic device, etc.

[0064] like Figure 1A As shown, the electronic device 100 also includes an input device 148. The input device 148 may include a touch-sensitive display. In some cases, the touch-sensitive display may be used to present a set of indicia corresponding to a set of commands or functions that may be selected by a user of the electronic device 100. The input device 148 may respond to user touch, thereby allowing the user to select one or more commands or functions from a set of commands or functions. The touch-sensitive display may be generally rectilinear in form and may have a front surface 158 ( Figure 1B ). The input device 148 can be positioned above the topmost group of keys on the keyboard 132, replacing the traditional function row on a conventional keyboard. In some cases, the input device 148 can be used to perform the same functions as the traditional function row, and to perform the expanded and diverse command and function sets as described herein.

[0065] An input device 148 including a display may be configured to display a set of visual indicia corresponding to an input mode of a keyboard 132 of an electronic device 100. For example, the input device 148 may be configured to display a set of virtual keys. The indicia on the display may correspond to one or more of the following: a hardware-related input mode for controlling one or more devices or hardware elements of the keyboard 132 or electronic device 100; a software-related input mode for controlling one or more aspects of a software program being executed on the electronic device 100; a user-defined mode that can be configured by a user of the electronic device 100 or keyboard 132; and other input mode examples described herein. The display of the input device 148 may be used to present a set of static indicia, one or more animated indicia, or a combination of static and animated indicia.

[0066] The display of the input device 148 may be integrated with one or more touch sensors and / or force sensors configured to detect various combinations of user touch and force inputs on the front surface 158 of the input device 148. The touch sensors and / or force sensors may provide a touch-sensitive surface configured to detect the location of a touch, the magnitude and / or direction of an applied force, and / or the movement of a touch along the input device 148. The touch sensors and / or force sensors may be used alone or in combination to interpret various user inputs, such as, but not limited to: touch-based gestures, force-based gestures, touch patterns, tap patterns, single-finger gestures, multi-finger gestures, multi-force gestures, and the like.

[0067] like Figure 1A As shown, the electronic device 100 also includes a force and / or touch-sensitive trackpad 138 that also serves as an input component. Electronic devices typically include one or more additional components, such as memory, processors, control circuits, batteries, output devices, communication ports, accessories (such as cameras), and additional sensors. One or more of these additional components may interface or interoperate directly or indirectly with the biometric input component 146. Fig.10 The descriptions of electronic device components provided are generally applicable herein and are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0068] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A A partial view of the biometric input component 146 (e.g., Figure 1A AA in the local image). Figure 1B As shown, the biometric input component 146 includes a cap 156 that defines an input surface of the biometric input component 146. In addition, the key 142 includes a key cap 152 that defines an input surface of the key 142.

[0069] Cap 156 of biometric input component 146 may include a ceramic cap. Caps for biometric input components, such as cap 156, may also be collectively referred to herein as cap assemblies. In some examples, the ceramic cap may be substantially or essentially composed of single crystal aluminum oxide, such as single crystal alpha aluminum oxide or sapphire. Cap 156 may have a texture at least in part due to the texture of the ceramic cap, and may therefore be referred to as a textured cap. FIG. 6A to FIG. 8 An example of a ceramic cover is shown in a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 6A to FIG. 8 The description of the ceramic cover provided is generally applicable herein and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0070] The cap 156 of the biometric input component 146 can be textured to help provide the cap with desired visual and / or tactile properties. In some embodiments, the cap 156 includes one or more coatings applied to the front side of the textured ceramic cap and one or more coatings applied to the back side of the textured ceramic cap. These front and back coatings can also contribute to one or more of the desired visual and / or tactile properties of the cap. FIG. 6A to FIG. 8 The description of the front coating and the back coating of the ceramic cover provided is generally applicable herein and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0071] In some embodiments, cap 156 may be configured to have one or more visual properties similar to the visual properties of an input surface of another input component, such as key 142, key 144, and / or input device 148. In some cases, the front surface of cap 156 may be configured to have one or more visual properties similar to the visual properties of the front surface of keycap 152. For example, the front surface of cap 156 may have a color, gloss, reflective haze, and / or reflectivity that is similar to the color, gloss, reflective haze, and / or reflectivity of the front surface of another input component, such as the front surface of keycap 152. The textured ceramic cover may have visual and / or tactile properties that are different from the visual and / or tactile properties of a conventional polished ceramic cover. Relative FIG. 6A to FIG. 8 The texture and visual characteristics of the cap 156 are discussed in more detail. FIG. 6A to FIG. 8 The description provided generally applies herein and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0072] In some cases, the front surface of the cap 156 can be aligned with and substantially coplanar with the front surface of another input component. For example, the front surface of the cap 156 can be aligned with and substantially coplanar with the front surface of the keycap 152. In some cases, the front surface of the cap 156 can be positioned below the front surface 118 of the second housing 114 so that the front surface is recessed relative to the front surface 118. However, the front surface of the cap 156 is generally elevated relative to the bottom of the recessed portion 116. The front surface of the cap 156 may also be referred to herein as an exterior surface because it faces away from the interior of the second portion 104 of the electronic device.

[0073] In some cases, the cap 156 of the biometric input component 146 is spaced apart from the cap 152 of the adjacent key 142. For example, the spacing or gap G between the cap 156 and the cap 152 of the adjacent key 142 may be about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm or about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In addition, the cap 156 of the biometric input component 146 may be spaced apart from the front surface 158 of the input device 148, and the spacing or gap may be about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm or about 1 mm to about 5 mm.

[0074] Figure 1C Another example of an electronic device 101 including a biometric input component 146 is shown, which can be a biometric button or key. Figure 1A to Figure 1B As described, the cap 156 of the biometric input component 146 includes a textured ceramic cover and can be configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of an adjacent keycap of the electronic device.

[0075] The electronic device 101 does not include the input device 148 of the electronic device 100, instead, the keyboard 133 includes additional keys 144. At least some of the keys 144 can be "function keys" associated with one or more functions of the electronic device 101. Each of the first portion 102, the second portion 105, the coupling portion 106, the first housing 112, the second housing 115, the recessed portion 117, the front surface 119, the display 122, the keyboard 133, the force-sensitive trackpad and / or the touch-sensitive trackpad 138, the keys 142 and 144, and the biometric input component 146 can be similar to the corresponding elements 102, 104, 106, 112, 114, 116, 118, 122, 132, 138, 142, 144, and 146 previously described for the electronic device 100, and for the sake of brevity, the description is not repeated here.

[0076] Figure 1D Shows Figure 1C The biometric input component 146 (e.g., Figure 1C A local map of the region DD in FIG. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As described above, the cap 156 of the biometric input component 146 can be configured to have one or more visual characteristics similar to the visual characteristics of the keycap 152 of the key 142. In addition or alternatively, the cap 156 can be configured to have one or more visual characteristics similar to the visual characteristics of the keycap 154 ​​of the key 144.

[0077] In some cases, the cap 156 of the biometric input component 146 is spaced apart from the cap 154 ​​of the adjacent key 144. The spacing between the cap 156 and the keycap 154 ​​of the adjacent key 144 can be similar to the spacing previously described with respect to Figure 1B The distance between the cap 156 and the adjacent key 142.

[0078] Figure 2A An exploded view of the components of a biometric input component 246 including a biometric sensor 254 and a cap 256 including a textured ceramic cover is shown. The biometric input component 246 can be a biometric button or key. The cap 256 of the biometric input component 246 can be configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of an adjacent keycap of an electronic device. Figure 2A As shown, the biometric input component 246 includes a cap 256, a support 255, a biometric sensor 254, a circuit layer 253, a switch 252, and a key assembly 251. The key assembly 251 defines a spring plate. The cap 256, the support 255, the biometric sensor 254, the circuit layer 253, the switch 252, the key assembly 251, and the fasteners 273 and 274 can be collectively referred to as a "button assembly" or "key assembly". The biometric input key 246 can be an example of the biometric input key 146 or any other biometric input key described herein.

[0079] Figure 2A A portion of the second housing 214 is also shown. The second housing 214 defines a top surface 218, a first recess 216, a second recess 226, and an aperture 224. The button assembly can be configured to be coupled to the second housing 214 such that at least some elements of the button (or key) assembly are received within the recess 226. Figure 2A As shown, the cap 256, the biometric sensor 254, the circuit layer 253, and the switch 252 are positioned on the outside of the housing 214, and the key assembly 251 is positioned on the inside of the housing 214. The protrusion 266 of the support member 255 can pass through the hole 224 and can be fastened to the key assembly 251 by the fastener 274. The fastener 273 can fasten the key assembly 251 to the second housing 214. The fastener 273 can pass through the hole 263 in the key assembly 251, and the fastener 274 can pass through the hole 264 in the key assembly 251.

[0080] The biometric input component 246 includes a cap 256. As previously described with respect to Figure 1A to Figure 1B As described above, cap 256 may include a ceramic cap (such as a sapphire cap), one or more coatings applied to the front side of the cap, and one or more coatings applied to the back side of the cap. Cap 256 may be configured to provide one or more desired visual and / or tactile properties. Figure 1B Figure 5 to Figure 8 The descriptions of ceramic lids and caps provided are generally applicable herein and are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0081] like Figure 2A As shown, the biometric input component 246 also includes a support member 255. The cap 256 is generally coupled to the support member 255, such as Figure 3 As shown. For example, cap 256 can be directly coupled to support 255 by an adhesive. The textured ceramic cover included in cap 256 is also typically coupled to support 255. In other embodiments, support 255 can have a different form or can be omitted.

[0082] like Figure 2A As shown, the support member 255 may include a frame portion 265 and a plurality of raised features (eg, bosses) 266 coupled to the frame portion 265. The frame portion 265 may define a central opening 267, and the cap 256 may span the central opening 267. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 2 , the entirety of frame portion 265 is positioned below cap 256. In some cases, frame portion 265 and raised feature 266 can be formed as a single piece. Support member 255 can be formed of a conductive material such as a metal (including a metal alloy).

[0083] As previously described, the biometric input component 246 includes a biometric sensor 254. The biometric sensor 254 can be positioned at least partially within a central opening 267 defined by the frame portion 265. The biometric sensor 254 can be directly coupled to the cap 256, such as by an adhesive.

[0084] The biometric sensor 254 may be configured to acquire one or more forms of biometric data. In some embodiments, the biometric sensor 254 may capture one or more fingerprint images, and thus may be referred to herein as a "fingerprint sensor." As used herein, the term "image" encompasses an actual graphical image of a fingerprint (or portion thereof) as well as a data set representing certain aspects of a fingerprint, such as a mathematical construct derived from various aspects of a user's fingerprint. The biometric sensor 254, alone or in combination with processing circuitry, may generate a two-dimensional representation of a fingerprint, which may be a two-dimensional representation of a portion of a fingerprint.

[0085] The fingerprint sensor may be implemented with any suitable fingerprint imaging or detection technology, including but not limited to capacitive sensing, optical sensing, electrical impedance sensing, acoustic impedance sensing, etc. In some embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may include an electrode array, such as a capacitive sensor, an electrical impedance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc. For example, the fingerprint sensor may be capacitance-based, and the biometric input component may be configured so that one or more capacitive sensors / electrodes can be capacitively coupled to the user's finger through the cap 256. For example, the ceramic cover of the cap 256 may be appropriately thinner, such as 100 microns to 750 microns, 100 microns to 400 microns, or 200 microns to 500 microns. In other embodiments, the biometric data may alternatively or in addition include heart rate, blood oxygenation, respiratory rate, intra-arterial pressure, galvanic skin response, vein characteristics, etc. The description of the biometric sensor 254 is generally applicable to the biometric sensors described herein.

[0086] like Figure 2A As shown, the biometric input component 246 also includes a circuit layer 253. The circuit layer 253 may be coupled to the biometric sensor 254, such as by an adhesive. The circuit layer 253 may include a flexible circuit. In addition, the circuit layer 253 may be configured to send signals to the biometric sensor and / or receive signals from the biometric sensor. In some cases, the circuit layer 253 may include a processing circuit. For example, the processing circuit may transmit signals to or from the biometric sensor, may be configured to process signals from the biometric sensor, or may connect the biometric sensor 254 to an additional processing circuit. In some cases, the circuit layer is electrically connected to the fingerprint sensor and is configured to generate a two-dimensional representation of the fingerprint features (an "image" of the fingerprint). In some cases, a power supply may be coupled to the circuit layer and / or the biometric sensor 254.

[0087] Biometric input component 246 also includes switch 252. In some cases, switch 252 can be an electromechanical switch, such as a tactile switch (tactile switch). The electromechanical switch may include a compliant component and / or a biasing component, such as a compressible dome, spring, beam, or other structure. For example, the electromechanical switch may be a dome switch that includes one or more compressible dome structures. In some cases, the compliant component and / or biasing component (e.g., Figure 3 The compliant member 363 shown may be disposed on the underside of the switch 252, facing the housing 216. When the biasing member collapses, it may complete the circuit, thereby generating an actuation signal.

[0088] More generally, the biometric input component 246 may replace the switch 252 with a force sensor. Such a force sensor may provide an electrical response indicating the magnitude of the force applied to the force sensor and / or the cap 256. The force sensor may detect the magnitude of the force by capacitive force sensing, ultrasonic force sensing, strain gauge technology, optical technology, resistive technology, or piezoelectric technology. In some cases, the force sensor may be configured to compare the magnitude of the applied force to a plurality of threshold levels and provide an output signal accordingly.

[0089] like Figure 2A As shown, the biometric input component 246 also includes a key mechanism 251 that helps control the downward displacement of the cap 256. The key mechanism 251 can also provide an upward biasing force to the cap 256. Figure 2A As shown, the key mechanism 251 defines a spring plate. The key mechanism 251 can be configured to provide an upward biasing force to the cap 256, as described in further detail below. Figure 2A The key mechanism 251 can cooperate with a compliant member and / or a biasing member (e.g., a collapsible dome) to control the movement of the cap 256. Such a compliant member and / or a biasing member can be provided as part of the switch 252. Figure 2A The examples are not limiting, and in additional examples, the key mechanism may include a scissor mechanism (eg Figure 2B As shown), butterfly mechanism, compliant membrane, collapsible dome, spring or a combination of these. In addition, in some embodiments, the biometric input component can be configured to respond to pressure on the cap without requiring significant travel of the cap.

[0090] The key mechanism 251 may be formed of metal (including metal alloys), plastic, or the like suitable for providing a biasing force. For example, the key assembly 251 may be formed of steel (including tempered steel). Figure 2A As shown, the key assembly 251 can be formed as a plate having two oppositely oriented cutout portions forming two separate "tongues". However, Figure 2A The specific geometry of the key assembly 251 shown is merely an example, and other configurations of the key assembly 251 may also be suitable.

[0091] like Figure 2A As shown, one portion of the key assembly 251 may be coupled to the inner surface of the housing 214, and another portion of the key assembly 251 may be coupled to the cap 256. Figure 2AAs shown, the central portion 261 of the key assembly 251 can be attached to the housing 214 using fasteners 273. The fasteners 273 can pass through the holes 263 in the key assembly 251. The peripheral portion 262 of the key assembly 251 can be attached to the protrusion 266 of the support 255 using fasteners 274. The fasteners 274 can pass through the holes 264 in the key assembly 251. When a force is applied to the cap 256, the peripheral portion 262 of the key assembly coupled to the protrusion 266 can deflect away from the interior surface of the housing 214 (e.g., Figure 4B In some cases, when a force is applied to the cap 256, the protrusion 266 may protrude from the hole 224 (as shown in FIG. Figure 4B When the force is removed from the cap 256 (eg, when the user no longer applies force to the cap), the key assembly 251 can provide an upward biasing force to return the cap 256 to its initial position.

[0092] Figure 2B An exploded view of the elements of a biometric input component 247 including a biometric sensor 254 and a cap 256 including a textured ceramic cover is shown. The biometric input component 247 can be a biometric button or key. The cap 256 of the biometric input component 247 can be configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of an adjacent keycap of an electronic device. Figure 2B As shown, the biometric input component 247 includes a cap 256, a support 257, a biometric sensor 254, a circuit layer 253, a key mechanism 258, and a switch 259. The cap 256, the support 257, the biometric sensor 254, the circuit layer 253, the switch 259, the key mechanism 258, and the support plate 279 can be collectively referred to as a "button assembly" or a "key assembly". The biometric input key 247 can be an example of the biometric input key 146 or any other biometric input key described herein. Each of the cap 256, the biometric sensor 254, the circuit layer 253, and the switch 259 can be similar to the corresponding elements 256, 254, 253, and 252 previously described for the biometric input component 246, and for the sake of simplicity, the description is not repeated here.

[0093] like Figure 2B As shown, the button mechanism 258 defines a scissor mechanism. The button mechanism 258 can also cooperate with a compliance member and / or a biasing member (e.g., a collapsible dome 283) to control the movement of the cap 256. The compliance member and / or the biasing member can be provided as part of the switch 259. Figure 2B The example is not limiting, and in additional examples, the key mechanism may include a spring plate (such as Figure 2AAs shown), butterfly mechanism, compliant membrane, collapsible dome, spring or a combination of these. In addition, in some embodiments, the biometric input component can be configured to respond to pressure on the cap without requiring significant travel of the cap.

[0094] like Figure 2B As shown, the button mechanism 258 includes an external scissor member 265 and an internal scissor member 266. The external scissor member 265 may include a retaining feature (e.g., retaining feature 291 and 294), and the internal scissor member 266 may include a retaining feature (e.g., retaining feature 292 and 295) that allows the scissor members 265 and 266 to be coupled to the frame portion 268 and the support plate 279, as described in more detail below. The internal scissor member 266 may also define one or more engagement features that engage with the external scissor member 265 to allow the internal scissor member 266 to rotate relative to the external scissor member 265. The external scissor member 265 may include a corresponding engagement feature, which may be a notch or slot configured to receive the engagement feature. The rotation of the internal scissor member 266 relative to the external scissor member 265 may change the height spanned by the scissor mechanism 258.

[0095] The inner scissor member 266 can define an opening 276. The opening 276 can be configured to receive the compliant member 283 of the switch 259 (e.g., similar to Figure 3 The scissor mechanism 258 is disposed below the cap 256 and is configured to support the cap 256 and the support 257 during travel of the cap 256. For example, the height spanned by the scissor mechanism 258 is reduced to allow the cap 256 to be pressed downward, and as the cap 256 returns to its resting position (e.g., by the action of the compliant member), the height spanned by the scissor mechanism increases. Figure 2B The examples of the outer scissor member 265 and the inner scissor member 266 shown are not limiting, and each of the outer scissor member 265 and the inner scissor member 266 may have different Figure 2B Shape and / or size shown.

[0096] like Figure 2BAs shown, the support member 257 may include a frame portion 268. The frame portion 268 may define a central opening 269, and the cap 256 may be positioned within the central opening 269 and substantially fill the central opening 269. The frame portion 268 may be configured to interface with the external scissor member 265 and the internal scissor member 266. For example, the frame portion 268 may include one or more retaining components or features (e.g., retaining features 281) that are configured to cooperate with the external scissor member 265 and the internal scissor member 266. For example, the underside of the frame portion 268 may include a retaining feature 281 that is configured to pivotally couple a first portion of one of the external scissor member 265 and the internal scissor member 266 to the frame portion 268. The underside of the frame portion 268 may also be configured to allow a second portion of the other of the external scissor member 265 and the internal scissor member 266 to slide and move. Figure 2B In the example of FIG. 2 , the entirety of the frame portion 268 is positioned below the cap 256. The support member 257 may be formed of a conductive material such as a metal (including a metal alloy).

[0097] In some cases, one of the outer scissor member 265 and the inner scissor member 266 may be pivotally coupled to the support plate 279, and the other of the outer scissor member 265 and the inner scissor member 266 may be slidably coupled to the support plate 279. For example, the support plate 279 may include one or more retaining features 284 configured to allow pivotal movement and one or more retaining features 285 configured to allow sliding movement. In some cases, the switch 259 may be coupled to the support plate 279 and a compliant member disposed on an upper side of the switch 259 facing the cap 256. In additional examples, the switch 259 may be coupled to the support 279, and the compliant member may be disposed on a lower side of the switch 259 facing the third housing 215. The support plate 279 may be positioned below the recess 217 of the third housing 215.

[0098] Figure 2B Also shown is a portion of a third housing 215. The third housing 215 defines a top surface 219 and a recess 217. The button assembly can be configured to be coupled to the third housing 215 such that at least some elements of the button (or key) assembly are received within the recess 217.

[0099] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of a biometric input component 346 including a biometric sensor 354 and a cap 356 including a textured ceramic cover is shown. The biometric input component 346 can be a biometric button or key. The cap 356 of the biometric input component 346 can be configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of an adjacent keycap of an electronic device. The biometric input component can be a biometric power button or key or another type of biometric input component. Figure 3 It can be shown Figure 1A to Figure 1B An example of an electronic device 100 and a biometric input component 146, wherein the cross section is taken along BB. The biometric input component 346 is coupled to the housing 314. Figures 1A to 1D The description of the biometric input components and biometric sensors provided in and FIG. 2 are generally applicable to this document and are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0100] like Figure 3 As shown, cap 356 is coupled to the front side of support 355, and switch 352 is coupled to the back side of support 355. Biometric sensor 354 is coupled to cap 356, and circuit layer 353 is coupled between biometric sensor 354 and switch 352. In some cases, the coupling can be achieved using an adhesive.

[0101] exist Figure 3 In the example of , the switch is an electromechanical switch that includes a compliant component 363. In some cases, the electromechanical switch may include multiple compliant components. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 3 , the compliant member 363 is dome-shaped and contacts the protrusion 315 positioned within the recess 326 of the housing 314 .

[0102] The key assembly 351 is attached to the interior surface of the housing 314 using fasteners 358. The support member 355 may include a boss similar to the boss 266, and an additional fastener similar to the fastener 257 may couple the support member 355 to the key assembly 351 (in a manner similar to that of the fastener 257). FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B Cap 356, support member 355, biometric sensor 354, circuit layer 353, switch 352 and button assembly 351 may be similar to cap 256, support member 255, biometric sensor 254, circuit layer 253, switch 252 and button assembly 251, and for the sake of brevity, the description is not repeated here.

[0103] like Figure 3 As shown, the cap 356 may define a front surface 372, a side surface 374, and a rounded or curved surface 376 extending between the front surface 372 and the side surface 374. In some embodiments, the rounded or curved surface 376 may be referred to as a rounded edge or a rounded corner. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 3 , the side of the cap 356 is generally aligned with (and flush with) the side 378 of the support member 355. However, in some cases, the lateral dimension of the cap 356 (e.g., Figure 5B The L) may be larger than the lateral dimension of the support member 355 so that the side 374 of the cap 356 protrudes (alternatingly extends) beyond the side 378 of the support member 355.

[0104] Typically, the front surface 372 of the cap 356 is textured. The rounded surface 376 may also be textured. In some cases, the texture of the front surface 372 may be similar to the texture of the rounded surface 376. FIG. 6A to FIG. 8 The description of the texture of the front surface and the rounded surface provided in the partial figure is generally applicable to this article and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0105] like Figure 3 As shown, support member 355 is positioned below cap 356 so that cap 356 will be positioned between support member 355 and the user's finger. As previously described, support member 355 may be formed of a conductive material. For example, the fingerprint sensor may be based on capacitance, and the biometric input component may be configured so that support member 355 may also be capacitively coupled to the user's finger through cap 356. For example, the textured ceramic cover of the cap may be appropriately thinner, such as 100 microns to 750 microns, 100 microns to 400 microns, or 200 microns to 500 microns. In some cases, support member 355 may be coupled to a circuit ground. In other cases, a voltage may be applied between support member 355 and circuit ground. The voltage may be a direct current (DC) voltage or an alternating current (AC) voltage. The voltage applied between support member 355 and circuit ground may have a different magnitude, sign, and / or phase from the voltage applied between the capacitive sensor / electrode and circuit ground of the biometric sensor.

[0106] Figure 4A Another cross-sectional view of a biometric input component 446 including a biometric sensor and a cap 456 including a textured ceramic cover is shown. The cap 456 of the biometric input component 446 can be configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of an adjacent keycap of an electronic device. Figure 4A It can be shown Figure 1A An example of an electronic device 100 and a biometric input component 146, wherein the cross section is taken along CC. The biometric input component 446 can be a biometric power button or key or another type of biometric input component. The biometric input component 446 is coupled to the second housing 414 and is at least partially positioned in the recess 426 of the housing.

[0107] Figure 4AThe cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 through the protrusion (boss) 466 of the support member 455 and the frame portion 465. Figure 3 Some parts of the button or key assembly shown in Figure 4A 464 are not visible in the cross-sectional view of 465 because they are hidden by the frame portion 465. For illustration purposes, the compliant member (eg, dome) 463 of the switch and the protrusion 415 from the bottom of the recess 426 are shown in phantom.

[0108] Compared with the previous Figure 2A In a similar manner, the central portion 461 of the key assembly 451 can be attached to the housing 414 using fasteners 458. The peripheral portion 462 of the key assembly 451 can be attached to the protruding portion 466 (boss) of the support member 455 using fasteners 457.

[0109] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A The biometric input component 446 of the embodiment of the present invention is responsive to the downward force 490. When the downward force 490 is applied to the cap 456, the compliance component 463 may at least partially collapse against the protrusion 415, thereby allowing the cap 456 to move downward. In addition, the peripheral portion 462 of the key assembly coupled to the protrusion (boss) 466 may be deflected away from the inner surface of the housing 414. In some cases, when the downward force 490 is applied to the cap 456, the protrusion (boss) 466 may protrude from the hole 422. When the downward force 490 is removed from the cap 456 (for example, when the user no longer applies force to the cap), the key assembly 451 may provide an upward biasing force to return the cap 456 to its initial position. More generally, the biometric input component may not include a key assembly, but may include another type of mechanism that allows the cap to be pressed down, such as a scissor mechanism or a butterfly mechanism.

[0110] Figure 5A A top view of a cap 556 for a biometric input component such as a biometric button or key is shown. The cap 556 includes a ceramic cover 580. The cap 556 of the biometric input component can be configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of an adjacent keycap of an electronic device. The cap 556 can be an example of the cap 156 or any other biometric input key cap described herein. FIG. 6A to FIG. 8 The ceramic cover is described in more detail and with respect to FIG. 6A to FIG. 8 The description provided is generally applicable to this article. FIG. 6A to FIG. 8 As shown in more detail in the cross-sectional view of , the cap 556 may also include one or more coatings applied to the front surface of the ceramic cap and one or more coatings applied to the back surface of the ceramic cap. FIG. 6A to FIG. 8The descriptions of these coatings provided are generally applicable herein and are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0111] exist Figure 5A In the example of FIG. 5 , the front surface 572 of the cap 556 is generally shaped as a square with rounded corners. However, it should be understood that Figure 5A The examples are not limiting, and the front surface of cap 556 may have another shape, such as a rectangle (with or without rounded corners), a circle, an oval, a rectangle, a polygon (with or without rounded corners), etc. In some cases, the shape of the front surface of cap 556 may be similar to the shape of adjacent keys of a keyboard.

[0112] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A An example of a side view of the cap 556 is shown. Figure 5B As shown, the cap 556 has a thickness T and a lateral dimension L (eg, Figure 5A The width or length of the square shape). For example, the thickness T can be 100 microns to 750 microns, 100 microns to 400 microns, or 200 microns to 500 microns. For example, the lateral dimension can be about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm or about 0.5 cm to 2 cm. Figure 5B The cap 556 includes a front surface 572, a side surface 574, and a curved surface 576 extending between the front surface 572 and the side surface 574. In some cases, the side surface of the cap (such as the side surface 574) may be simply referred to herein as the side of the cap. In some embodiments, the rounded surface or curved surface 576 may be referred to as a rounded edge or a rounded corner. The rounded surface 576 may be characterized by a radius of curvature, such as relative to Fig. 6A As further explained in detail in the partial diagram of Fig. 6A The descriptions provided of rounded surfaces apply generally herein.

[0113] Fig. 6A A partial cross-sectional view of a cap 656 for a biometric input component such as a biometric button or key is shown. For example, the cross section may be along Figure 5A EE in region FF of the keycap 656. The cap 656 includes a ceramic cap 680 and can be configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to those of an adjacent keycap of an electronic device. Fig. 6A Schematically, the front surface 682 and the curved surface 686 of the ceramic cover 680 are textured. A cover disposed over a biometric input component, such as the ceramic cover 680, may also be collectively referred to herein as a covering member, a cap member, or simply a member. The cap 656 may be an example of a cap for the cap 156 or any other biometric input key described herein.

[0114] The curved surface 686 of the ceramic cover 680 may define a radius of curvature R. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature is about 0.05 mm to about 0.3 mm, about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm, or about 0.1 mm to about 0.2 mm. In some cases, the average radius of curvature is about 0.05 mm to about 0.3 mm, about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 0.25 mm, or about 0.1 mm to about 0.2 mm. The radius of curvature R may vary at least in part due to the texture of the curved surface 686. In some cases, the variation of the radius of curvature along the curved surface is controlled within 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% of the target radius of curvature or the average radius of curvature. For example, the tolerance of the radius of curvature of the curved edge can be 0% to 5%, 0% to 10%, 0% to 15%, 0% to 20%, 0% to 25%, 0% to 30%, 0% to 35%, or 0% to 40% of the target radius of curvature. Controlling the radius of curvature along the curved surface can help provide a uniform visual appearance for the cap 656. The curved surface 686 extends between the front surface 682 and the side surface 684.

[0115] The ceramic cover 680 comprises a ceramic material and may consist substantially or essentially of a ceramic material. Ceramic materials can be dielectric and electrically insulating materials. Ceramic materials typically transmit visible light (are light-transmissive) and in some cases may have a transmittance of at least 75%, 80%, or 85% in the visible spectrum. Ceramic materials can also be transparent or substantially transparent when polished, textured, or both. Ceramic materials are typically crystalline and may consist substantially or essentially of a single crystal. In some cases, ceramic materials may consist substantially or essentially of single crystal aluminum oxide (e.g., single crystal alpha alumina or sapphire). Relative Fig. 9 The description of the crystal orientation of single crystal sapphire provided is generally applicable herein and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity. Sapphire may appear substantially transparent and colorless, or may contain dopants to provide a desired color cast or coloration (e.g., red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, or mauve).

[0116] like Fig. 6A As shown, a rear coating 692 is disposed over the rear surface 688 of the ceramic cap 680. The rear coating 692 may cover the rear surface 688. In some embodiments, the rear coating 692 is configured to impart one or more visual characteristics to the cap 656 and may be referred to as a decorative coating or a decorative coating. The rear coating 692 may be configured to absorb one or more wavelengths of visible light, thereby contributing to the perceived color of the cap 656. For example, the rear coating 692 may absorb over a broad band of the visible spectrum and may have a dark appearance.

[0117] In some cases, the back coating 692 can be optically dense. For example, the optical density of the back coating 692 can be determined by OD=log 10 (initial intensity / transmitted intensity) and can be greater than or equal to 1, greater than or equal to 2, or greater than or equal to 3, from about 2 to about 5, from about 3 to about 5, or from about 3 to about 4. In some cases, the thickness of the back coating 692 can be 0.5 microns to 2.5 microns, 0.5 microns to 2 microns, 1 micron to 2 microns, or 0.5 microns to 1.5 microns. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The description provided applies generally to this document.

[0118] The post-coating 692 may be a multi-layer coating including a plurality of layers, such as Figure 6B For example, the post-coating layer may be an inorganic multilayer coating. In some cases, the inorganic multilayer coating includes multiple dielectric layers and multiple metal layers and may be referred to as a metal dielectric coating. Figure 6B Additional description of post-coating is provided and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0119] The cap 656 also includes a front coating 694 disposed over the front surface 682 of the ceramic cap 680. The front coating 694 can cover the front surface 682. In some cases, the front coating 694 includes or consists of an anti-reflective coating. For example, the anti-reflective coating can be configured to produce destructive interference of light reflected from the coating and light reflected from the ceramic cap 680, and can thereby provide an anti-reflective effect.

[0120] The anti-reflective coating included in the front coating 694 may include an inorganic dielectric material. For example, the front coating 694 may include an oxide (e.g., a metal oxide, such as aluminum oxide or silicon oxide) or a nitride (e.g., a metal or silicon nitride). The front coating 694 may be a multilayer coating, such as an inorganic multilayer coating. For example, the multilayer anti-reflective coating may have two layers, three layers, four layers, five layers, six layers or more layers. In some embodiments, the anti-reflective coating includes a first layer including a first inorganic dielectric material and a second layer including a second inorganic dielectric material. The refractive index of the first inorganic dielectric material may be less than the refractive index of the ceramic cover, and the refractive index of the second inorganic dielectric material may be greater than the refractive index of the ceramic cover. In some cases, the anti-reflective layer may also include a third inorganic dielectric material that is different from the first inorganic dielectric material and the second inorganic dielectric material. For example, the refractive index of the third inorganic dielectric material may be substantially similar to the refractive index of the ceramic cover. With respect to Fig. 9 The additional description of dielectric materials provided is generally applicable herein and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0121] In some cases, the anti-reflective coating may have a thickness of about 50 nm to about 200 nm, about 75 nm to about 150 nm, about 50 nm to about 125 nm, or about 25 nm to about 100 nm. Each layer of the anti-reflective coating may be thin, such as 1 nm to 200 nm, 5 nm to 150 nm, or 10 nm to 75 nm. The anti-reflective coating included in the front coating 694 may have a thickness less than the arithmetic mean height (or root mean square height) of the surface features defining the texture of the ceramic cap 680. For example, the thickness of the anti-reflective coating may be about 0.1 to about 0.5 times or about 0.2 to about 0.5 times the arithmetic mean height (or root mean square height) of the surface features.

[0122] In some cases, front coating 694 also includes an anti-fouling coating. Figure 7B The partial figure of shows an example of an antifouling coating disposed above the antireflective coating. In some cases, the antifouling coating may include a fluorinated material such as a fluorinated oligomer or polymer to impart oleophobic and / or hydrophobic properties. For example, the contact angle of the oil on the coating may be greater than or equal to about 65 degrees or about 70 degrees. For another example, the contact angle of the water on the coating may be greater than or equal to 90 degrees. The fluorinated material may include a linear (non-branched) fluorinated molecule, such as a linear fluorinated oligomer or a linear fluorinated polymer.

[0123] like Fig. 6A As shown, the front surface 682 of the ceramic cover 680 includes a plurality of surface features 683 defining a first texture of the ceramic cover. Similarly, the curved surface 686 of the ceramic cover 680 includes a plurality of surface features 687 defining a second texture of the ceramic cover. In some embodiments, the surface features 683 and 687 are not individually visually perceptible. FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B An example of a partial view of surface features on the front surface 682 is shown, and Figure 8 An exemplary partial view of surface features on the curved surface 686 of the ceramic cover 680 is shown. FIG. 7A to FIG. 8 The descriptions of surface features provided are generally applicable herein and are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0124] Surface features 683 and 687 may be configured to provide specific optical properties to one or more surfaces of ceramic cover 680 and contribute to one or more optical properties of cap 656. For example, surface features 683 and 687 may be configured to provide specific values ​​of such optical properties such as gloss to ceramic cover 680. In some cases, the texture defined by the surface of ceramic cover 680 may make ceramic cover 680 appear translucent rather than transparent. The translucent surface of the ceramic cover may more closely resemble the surface of the keycap of another key. In addition, front coating 694 and / or rear coating 692, in combination with the textured surface of ceramic cover 680, may be configured to provide specific values ​​of such optical properties (such as gloss, reflective haze, reflectivity, color, and combinations thereof) to cap 656.

[0125] In some cases, surface features 683 and 687 can be configured to diffusely reflect incident light. Surface features 683 and 687 can define any of a range of shapes or configurations that can diffuse or scatter incident light. For example, surface features 683 and / or 687 can define protrusions and / or depressions. Surface features 683 and / or 687 can also define multiple groups of hills and valleys. The first texture defined by surface features 683 and the second texture defined by surface features 687 can also be configured to diffusely reflect incident light.

[0126] The texture of the surface of the ceramic cover 680, such as the first texture of the front surface 682 and / or the second texture of the curved surface 686, can be configured to provide a specified gloss level to the surface. In some embodiments, the textured surface of the ceramic cover 680 may have a gloss value of about 5 to about 20 or about 10 to about 20 (in the case where there is no rear coating and no front coating on the cover 680). In addition, the gloss of the textured front surface 672 of the cap 656 (in the case where there is a rear coating and a front coating as described herein) may be less than the gloss of the textured surface of the ceramic cover 680. In some cases, the gloss of the textured front surface 672 of the cap 656 may be about 1 to about 10 or about 2 to about 8. In some cases, the gloss can be measured using commercially available equipment and according to ASTM or ISO standard test methods. Gloss measurement can be referenced to a specific angle, such as 85 degrees, 60 degrees or 45 degrees. The angle measurement result can refer to the angle between the incident light and the vertical line of the surface.

[0127] The textured surface of the ceramic cover 680, such as the front surface 682 and / or the curved surface 686, can be configured to provide a specified level of reflective haze or diffuse reflectance (also referred to as diffuse reflectance) to the corresponding portion of the ceramic cover. In some cases, the reflective haze of the textured surface (e.g., the front surface 682 of the ceramic cover or the front surface 672 of the cap 656) can be measured using commercially available equipment and according to ASTM or ISO standard test methods. The measurement can use CIE standard illuminant A or standard illuminant C. The reflective haze of the front surface 672 of the cap 656 (e.g., with a rear coating and a front coating) can be about 30 to about 70, about 35 to about 60, or about 35 to about 55. As a non-limiting example, the reflective haze or diffuse reflectance can be measured using an SMS-1000 purchased from DM&S (Display-Messtechnik&Systeme). The transmission haze of the textured surface of the ceramic cover 680 (before applying the opaque rear coating) can also be measured.

[0128] The anti-reflective properties of a surface of the cap 656, such as the front surface 672, can be determined by its reflectance spectrum over a specified wavelength range, such as the visible spectrum of light (e.g., from about 380 nm to about 780 nm), also referred to as the visible spectrum. The reflectivity of the surface of the cap 656 (e.g., the front surface 672 of the cap 656) over the entire visible spectrum can be less than about 15%, from greater than or equal to 5% to less than about 15%, less than about 12%, from about 1% to about 15%, or from about 5% to about 12%. In contrast, the reflectivity of the polished ceramic cap can be greater than the reflectivity of the surface of the cap, such as at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 100%, at least 200%, from 25% to 500%, or from 50% to 500% greater than the reflectivity of the cap. The reflectivity can be measured using commercially available equipment.

[0129] In addition, coordinates in the CIEL*a*b* (CIELAB) color space can be used to characterize the color of a surface of the cap 656, such as the front surface 672. In the CIEL*a*b* (CIELAB) color space, L* represents lightness, a* represents a position between red / magenta and green, and b* represents a position between yellow and blue. The color of the surface can be determined using a wide-band illuminant or a half-wide-band illuminant. For example, a CIE illuminant or other reference illuminant can be used. The color of the surface can be determined by light reflected at a particular viewing angle (e.g., a viewing angle that is approximately aligned with or angled to the direction of the incident light).

[0130] In some cases, the cap 656 (or cap assembly) has a first color described by a first L* value; at least one keycap in the key array has a second color described by a second L* value; and the difference between the first L* value and the second L* value is less than 20, less than 10, less than or equal to 5, or less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less than or equal to 1. Similarly, the difference in a*, b*, and / or ΔE can be less than 20, less than 10, less than or equal to 5, less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or less than or equal to 1. For example, ΔE can be the square root of the sum of the squares of the differences in L*, a*, and b*. Each of the differences in L*, a*, and b* can be within one of the ranges given above. In some cases, the difference in a* can be less than the difference in L* and b*.

[0131] The textured surfaces of ceramic cover 680, such as front surface 682 and / or curved surface 686, can also be configured to provide a specified level of cleanability. For example, the texture can also be configured so that the size of any recessed surface features is large enough to facilitate cleaning.

[0132] Surface texture parameters include plane surface texture parameters, such as amplitude parameters, spatial parameters, and hybrid parameters. Surface filtering can be used to exclude surface noise and / or surface waviness before determining surface texture parameters. In addition, segmentation techniques can be used to determine feature parameters, such as maximum diameter, minimum diameter, area, and perimeter. These parameters can be calculated based on the shape of the feature projected onto a reference surface (e.g., a reference plane). An average value can be determined for a given class of surface features (e.g., a hill or valley). Surface texture parameters and methods for determining these parameters (including filtering and segmentation) are described in more detail in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 25178 (Product Geometric Specification (GPS)—Surface Texture: Plane). These surface texture parameters can be measured using commercially available equipment.

[0133] For example, the surface features (e.g., 683 and / or 687) of one or more surfaces of ceramic cover 680 can be characterized in part by the height of the surface features. The height can be measured relative to a reference surface (e.g., Fig. 7A730 in the figure schematically shows) such as the arithmetic mean of the surface. The height of the surface features (e.g., 683 and / or 687) may not be uniform, so that the surface features have a distribution of heights. The magnitude of the height of the surface features (683, 687) may fall within a range of zero to about 1 micron. The surface features 683, 687 may be characterized by a root mean square height Sq or an arithmetic mean height Sa of the surface (also referred to as an arithmetic mean height). The arithmetic mean height of the surface features 683, 687 may be greater than about 100 nm and less than or equal to about 700 nm, from about 150 nm to about 600 nm, from about 200 nm to about 500 nm, or from about 300 nm to about 700 nm.

[0134] Figure 6B Shows Fig. 6A A partial view of the cap. Figure 6B As shown, the rear coating 692 is disposed on the rear surface 688 of the ceramic cover 680. Figure 6B In the example of , the back coating 692 includes multiple layers. To simplify the description, Figure 6B Schematically illustrates a first set of layers (e.g., layers 692a, 692b, 692c) near the rear surface 688 of the cover 680, a second set of layers (e.g., layers 692n and 692n+1) near the interior surface of the coating, and gaps between the first and second sets of layers. More generally, however, the rear coating 692 may have a thickness greater than 100 nm. Figure 6B For example, the back coating 692 may include 1 to 100 layers, 10 to 75 layers, or 20 to 50 layers. Each coating may be thin, such as 1 nm to 200 nm, 1 nm to 150 nm, 1 nm to 100 nm, 1 nm to 10 nm, 1 nm to 5 nm, 5 nm to 50 nm, 10 nm to 75 nm, or 50 nm to 150 nm.

[0135] In some embodiments, at least some of the coatings may vary on the composition. For example, the rear coating 692 may include one or more layers of the first material and one or more layers of the second material different from the first material. In some cases, the first material is an inorganic dielectric material, and the second material is a metal. The dielectric material may be an oxide material (e.g., metal oxide or silicon oxide) or a nitride material (e.g., metal nitride or silicon nitride). The metal of the metal layer may include or be substantially composed of aluminum, chromium, cobalt, gold, molybdenum, nickel, silver, tin, etc. and their alloys and combinations thereof. The dielectric layer may be thicker than the metal layer. In addition, the rear coating 692 may include one or more layers of a third composition different from the first composition and the second composition. In some cases, at least some of the metal layers alternate with the dielectric layers in the rear coating 692. For example, each metal layer may be "sandwiched" between dielectric layers (e.g., between layers of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or a combination thereof).

[0136] Fig. 7A Shows Fig. 6A The cap 756 includes a ceramic cover 780 and can be configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to those of an adjacent keycap of an electronic device. Fig. 7A Can Fig. 6A Cap 756 can be an example of cap 156 or any other cap described herein. Fig. 7A As shown, front surface 782 of ceramic cover 780 defines surface feature set 783. Front coating 794 is disposed over surface feature set 783.

[0137] like Fig. 7A As shown, the front coating 794 can be thinner relative to the surface features 783 of the ceramic cover 780. The front coating 794 can include an anti-reflective coating. Fig. 6A The description of the anti-reflective coating provided is generally applicable to this article, and for the sake of simplicity, it is not repeated here. In some cases, the anti-reflective coating included in the front coating 794 may have a thickness of 50nm to about 200nm, about 75nm to about 150nm, about 50nm to about 125nm, or about 25nm to about 100nm. In addition, the anti-reflective coating may have a substantially uniform thickness. The ceramic cover 780 may be an example of the ceramic cover 680 or any other ceramic cover described herein. Similarly, the front coating 794 may be an example of the front coating 694 or any front coating described herein. The locals of these ceramic covers and front coatings are applicable to the ceramic cover 780 and the front coating 794, and for the sake of simplicity, it is not repeated here.

[0138] like Fig. 7A As shown, surface feature 783 may define one or more depressions, such as surface feature 734. The depressions may define the lowest points. Surface feature 783 may also define one or more protrusions, such as surface feature 732. The protrusions may define the highest points. Fig. 7A As shown schematically, the surface feature 783 may define a set of lowest points and a set of highest points. The set of highest points may also be referred to as a set of peaks. The surface feature 783 may define a set of recesses, each recess being positioned between adjacent peaks of the set of peaks. The shapes of the peaks and valleys are not limited to Fig. 7A Those shapes are shown schematically.

[0139] In some embodiments, the surface features 783 define a set of hills and valleys. The hills and valleys may be used as previously described with respect to Fig. 6AThe surface features 732 may correspond generally to mountain features, and the surface features 734 may correspond generally to valley features. In some embodiments, a group of mountain features and valleys have substantially uniform spacing between mountain features, valley features, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, a group of valleys may have uneven or irregular spacing between mountain features and / or valley features.

[0140] The height of surface features 783 can be measured relative to reference surface 730. For example, the height of a hill can be determined based on the highest point, and the height of a valley can be determined based on the lowest point. In some cases, the reference surface is the arithmetic mean of the surface.

[0141] Fig. 7A The examples of surface features 783 provided in the cross-sectional view of are not limiting, and in general, surface features 783 may define any of a range of shapes or configurations. Surface features 783 may have a variety of shapes, such as circular features or angular features. For example, surface features 783 may define circular, elliptical, polygonal, rectangular, or irregular surface profiles. In addition, surface features 783 may define protrusions, depressions, or combinations thereof, and may have any suitable shape, and may be pyramidal, conical, cylindrical, arched, and have a curved upper surface or a truncated shape such as a cone, etc.

[0142] Figure 7B Shows Fig. 7A A partial cross-sectional view of the cap. Figure 7B Can be Fig. 7A A local graph of region JJ. Figure 7B As shown, front surface 782 of ceramic cover 780 defines surface features 732 and 734. Front coating 794 includes anti-reflective coating 795 disposed over surface features 732 and 734. Anti-soiling coating 796 is disposed over anti-reflective coating 795.

[0143] like Figure 7B As shown, the anti-soiling coating 796 can be thin relative to the thickness of the anti-reflective coating 795 and the surface features 732, 734. In an embodiment, the anti-soiling layer 796 includes a fluorinated material layer that is about 5 nm to about 20 nm thick or about 10 nm to about 50 nm thick. In some cases, the fluorinated material layer is directly bonded to the anti-reflective layer. Fig. 6A The descriptions provided for anti-soiling coatings and anti-reflective coatings are generally applicable herein and are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0144] Figure 8 Shows Fig. 6AAnother partial cross-sectional view of a cap. Cap 856 includes a ceramic cover 880 and can be configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of an adjacent keycap of an electronic device. Figure 8 Can Fig. 6A Cap 856 can be an example of cap 156 or any other cap described herein. Figure 8 As shown, the curved surface 886 of the ceramic cover 880 defines a surface feature set 887. A front coating 894 is disposed over the surface feature set 887.

[0145] exist Figure 8 and Fig. 7A In the example of FIG. 1 , surface features 887 of curved surface 886 are different from surface features 783 of front surface 782. For example, surface features 887 of curved surface 886 can be different from surface features 783 of front surface 782 in shape and / or one or more roughness parameters. In some cases, the difference between surface features 887 of curved surface 886 and surface features 783 of front surface 782 can be caused by differences in the methods used to form the textures on curved surface 886 and front surface 782, such as with respect to Fig. 9 Explained in more detail.

[0146] Ceramic cover 880 can be an example of ceramic cover 680 or any other ceramic cover described herein. Similarly, front coating 894 can be an example of front coating 694 or any front coating described herein. The details of these ceramic covers and front coatings are applicable to ceramic cover 880 and front coating 894, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0147] Fig. 9 A flow chart of an exemplary process 900 for manufacturing a textured cap for a biometric input component is shown. The biometric input component can be a biometric button or key. The textured cap includes a textured ceramic cap and can be configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of an adjacent keycap of an electronic device. The textured cap can include a textured ceramic cap, one or more coatings applied to a rear surface of the ceramic cap, and one or more coatings applied to a textured front surface of the ceramic cap. Although Fig. 9 The example of describes texturing of a sapphire cap, but the operations of process 900 may also be applied to texturing of caps formed of ceramic materials other than sapphire.

[0148] like Fig. 9As shown, process 900 includes an operation 902 of forming a texture on a sapphire wafer. The sapphire wafer may have a lateral dimension that is larger than the individual sapphire caps to be formed. Typically, multiple sapphire caps are formed from a single sapphire wafer. Prior to operation 902, the sapphire wafer may have a surface roughness corresponding to the surface roughness of a polished surface, such as an Sa of less than about 1 nm or less than about 5 nm. The front and / or back side of the sapphire wafer may have a specific crystal orientation, such as a C-plane orientation, an A-plane orientation, an R-plane orientation, an M-plane orientation, or an orientation at a specified angle to one of these orientations. In some cases, the front and back sides of the sapphire wafer may have a common crystal orientation. The wafer may be thin, such as from 100 microns to 750 microns, from 100 microns to 400 microns, or from 200 microns to 500 microns. Relative to Fig. 6A The description of sapphire material provided is generally applicable herein and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0149] In some cases, the texture may be formed on only one of the major faces of the sapphire wafer. For example, the texture may be formed on the major face of the sapphire wafer that will become the front surface of the sapphire cap; this face is referred to herein as the front face of the sapphire wafer. The texture may be formed on substantially the entire front surface of the sapphire wafer.

[0150] In some embodiments, operation 902 may include applying a grinding process, also referred to herein as sandblasting, to the sapphire wafer. The grinding process may include directing a stream of abrasive particles at the sapphire wafer. When the texture is to be formed on the front side of the sapphire wafer instead of on the back side, a mask may be used to shield the other back side (and optionally the side surface) of the wafer. The grinding process may be a wet sandblasting process or a dry sandblasting process. These abrasive particles may include ceramic particles having an average size in the range of about 10 microns to about 75 microns. The ceramic particles may have a hardness greater than that of aluminum oxide (e.g., diamond particles or silicon carbide particles). After the grinding process, small pits, small cracks or other such features may be formed along the outer surface of the sapphire wafer. The sapphire wafer is typically washed after the grinding process. The sapphire wafer may also be annealed after the grinding process. The annealing temperature may be less than the melting temperature of the sapphire wafer, such as from about 1000°C to about 1500°C. The sapphire wafer may be annealed under oxidizing conditions, such as in an air atmosphere or an atmosphere containing a mixture of oxygen and a gas such as nitrogen, argon, etc., or annealed under inert conditions.

[0151] Process 900 also includes an operation 904 of forming additional texture on the sapphire wafer. In some embodiments, operation 904 forms the additional texture by a method other than abrasive processing. For example, operation 904 may include laser texturing the front side of the sapphire wafer. Operation 904 may include directing a sequence of laser pulses onto the front surface of the sapphire wafer. The laser pulses may be formed by a first laser.

[0152] The first laser may be operated under a first set of laser conditions. For example, the first laser may generate a wavelength in the infrared range (e.g., having a wavelength of about 1 μm to about 5 μm). The first laser may generate pulses having a duration in the picosecond range (such as about 1 ps to about 50 ps). The average power of the first laser may be from about 20 W to about 70 W. The repetition rate of the first laser may be from about 100 kHz to about 750 kHz. The scanning speed may vary as desired, and in some embodiments may be from about 250 mm / s to about 1250 mm / s. The spot size may be from about 10 microns to about 30 microns.

[0153] In some cases, each pulse of the laser beam can deliver energy to the sapphire wafer, including an exposed area on the surface of the sapphire wafer and an area of ​​the sapphire wafer within the focal region of the laser beam. In order to etch the surface of the sapphire wafer, sufficient energy is delivered to the sapphire wafer along the exposed area to cause ablation of the sapphire wafer. The sapphire wafer can have a specific energy content that can be determined based on the laser's fluence (J / cm 2 ) is used to describe the ablation threshold.

[0154] The ablation of sapphire may form ablated features along the surface of the sapphire wafer. The ablated features formed along the relatively flat surface of the sapphire wafer may include depressions (or pits) in the surface of the ceramic cap. As the surface of the sapphire wafer becomes rougher (e.g., as a result of previous surface ablation), the shapes of the ablated features may become less regular. In some cases, operation 904 may also form a curved surface (or rounded edge) of the sapphire cap. In other embodiments, a separate operation, such as a separate laser ablation operation, may be used to form the curved surface of the sapphire cap.

[0155] Process 900 also includes an operation 906 of cutting (also referred to as separating) the sapphire wafer into a plurality of portions to form one or more caps. Operation 906 may also form one or more remaining portions of the sapphire wafer (e.g., along the sides of the wafer). Operation 906 may include cutting or severing the sapphire wafer in one or more designated areas of the sapphire wafer (e.g., a separation area between two portions). Although Fig. 9Operation 906 is shown to follow operation 904, but this example is not limiting, and in some cases, operation 904 may follow operation 906. Furthermore, in some cases, operation 906 may also form a curved surface (or rounded edge) of the sapphire cap.

[0156] In some embodiments, operation 906 may include one or more laser processing steps. Operation 906 may include an operation of directing a beam from a second laser onto the separation region of the sapphire wafer. For example, the second laser may be configured to ablate sapphire material in the separation region (e.g., ablative cutting), or may be configured to generate filaments / holes in the separation region through nonlinear optical effects. In the latter case, the portions may be separated mechanically or by applying thermal energy (such as from a third laser).

[0157] The second laser may be operated under a second set of laser conditions. For example, the second laser may generate a wavelength in the infrared range (e.g., having a wavelength of about 1 μm to about 5 μm). The second laser may generate pulses having a duration in the picosecond range (such as about 1 ps to about 50 ps). The average power of the second laser may be from about 5 W to about 20 W. The repetition rate of the first laser may be from about 10 kHz to about 75 kHz. The scanning speed may vary as desired, and in some embodiments may be from about 25 mm / s to about 125 mm / s. The spot size may be from about 2 microns to about 10 microns. The third laser may be operated under a third set of laser conditions. For example, the third laser may be a carbon dioxide laser that may generate a wavelength in the infrared range (e.g., having a wavelength of about 9 μm to about 11 μm). In some embodiments, the third laser operates in a continuous mode rather than a pulsed mode.

[0158] Process 900 also includes an operation 908 of applying a coating to the rear surface of the sapphire cover. The coating may also be referred to as a rear coating. In some embodiments, the rear coating is configured to impart one or more visual characteristics to the textured sapphire cover and may be referred to as a decorative coating or a decorative coating. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B As described above, the back coating can be configured to absorb one or more wavelengths of visible light, thereby contributing to the perceived color of the textured sapphire cover. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B The description of the post-coating provided generally applies herein and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0159] In an embodiment, a coating may be applied to the rear surface of the sapphire cap using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique. Physical vapor deposition techniques include, but are not limited to, sputtering and evaporation techniques. Physical vapor deposition may be used to deposit layers of different components. These layers may be substantially dense (e.g., substantially non-porous). In some cases, the thickness of the rear coating may be 0.5 microns to 2.5 microns, 0.5 microns to 2 microns, or 1 micron to 2 microns.

[0160] In some cases, the post-coating may include multiple layers, such as Figure 6B As shown in the example of . For example, the back coating layer may include 1 to 100 layers, 10 to 75 layers, or 20 to 50 layers. Each coating layer may be thin, such as 1 nm to 200 nm, 1 nm to 150 nm, 1 nm to 100 nm, 1 nm to 10 nm, 1 nm to 5 nm, 5 nm to 50 nm, 10 nm to 75 nm, or 50 nm to 150 nm.

[0161] In some embodiments, at least some of the coatings of the post-coating layer may vary in composition. For example, the post-coating layer may include one or more layers of a first material and one or more layers of a second material different from the first material. In some cases, the first material is an inorganic dielectric material, and the second material is a metal. The dielectric material may be an oxide material (e.g., a metal oxide or silicon oxide) or a nitride material (e.g., a metal nitride or silicon nitride). The metal of the metal layer may include or be substantially composed of aluminum, chromium, cobalt, gold, molybdenum, nickel, silver, tin, etc., as well as their alloys and combinations thereof. The dielectric layer may be thicker than the metal layer. In addition, the post-coating layer may include one or more layers of a third composition different from the first composition and the second composition. For example, the post-coating layer may include one or more layers of a third material, which is a dielectric material different from the first material. The number of layers of the third material may be less than the number of layers of the first material and the second material. In some cases, at least some of the dielectric material layers may alternate with metal material layers, as previously described with respect to Figure 6B Additional description of the dielectric composition is provided below with respect to operation 910 and is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0162] Process 900 also includes an operation 910 of applying a coating to the front surface of the sapphire cover. For example, operation 910 may include disposing an anti-reflective coating over the front surface of the cover. In some cases, an adhesion layer may be applied to the front surface of the cover before the anti-reflective coating is disposed on the front surface. Additionally, operation 910 typically includes disposing an anti-soiling coating over the front surface of the cover. For example, the anti-soiling coating may be applied over the anti-reflective coating. Although Fig. 9Operation 910 is shown to be after operation 908, but this example is not limiting, and in some cases, operation 908 may be after operation 910 or may be between two steps of operation 910 (e.g., between the step of applying an anti-reflective coating and the step of applying an anti-fouling coating).

[0163] In some embodiments, the anti-reflective coating and / or adhesion layer may be applied to the front surface of the sapphire cap using physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques. Physical vapor deposition techniques include, but are not limited to, sputtering and evaporation techniques. Physical vapor deposition can be used to deposit layers of different compositions.

[0164] The anti-reflective coating may include an inorganic dielectric material. For example, the anti-reflective coating may include an oxide (e.g., a metal oxide or silicon oxide) or a nitride (e.g., a metal nitride or silicon nitride). The anti-reflective coating may be a multilayer coating. For example, the multilayer anti-reflective coating may have two, three, four, five, six or more layers. In some embodiments, the anti-reflective coating includes a first layer including a first inorganic dielectric material and a second layer including a second inorganic dielectric material. The refractive index of the first inorganic dielectric material may be less than the refractive index of the ceramic cover, and the refractive index of the second inorganic dielectric material may be greater than the refractive index of the ceramic cover. In some cases, the anti-reflective layer may also include a third inorganic dielectric material different from the first inorganic dielectric material and the second inorganic dielectric material.

[0165] The antireflective coating may have a thickness of about 50 nm to about 200 nm, about 75 nm to about 150 nm, about 50 nm to about 125 nm, or about 25 nm to about 100 nm. Each coating may be thin, such as 1 nm to 200 nm, 5 nm to 150 nm, 5 nm to 100 nm, 5 nm to 75 nm, or 5 nm to 50 nm. These layers may be substantially dense (e.g., substantially non-porous).

[0166] Suitable oxides include, but are not limited to, silicon oxide (e.g., SiO x , where x may be approximately 2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), niobium oxide (e.g., Nb2O5), titanium oxide (e.g., TiO2), tantalum oxide (e.g., Ta2O5), zirconium oxide (e.g., ZrO2), magnesium oxide (e.g., MgO), etc. Suitable nitrides include, but are not limited to, silicon nitride (SiN x , which may be greater than zero and less than or equal to about 1.3, Si x N y , where x may be approximately 3 and y may be approximately 4), silicon oxynitride (e.g., SiO x N y, whose composition can vary between SiO2 and Si3N4), etc. The inorganic dielectric material layer can be substantially transparent to visible light. The descriptions provided herein regarding silicon and metal oxides, nitrides, and oxynitrides are generally applicable to the dielectric layers described herein, including those included in the coating disposed over the rear surface of the ceramic cover.

[0167] In some embodiments, an adhesion layer is applied to the front surface of the sapphire cover to enhance adhesion between the sapphire cover and the anti-reflective coating. The adhesion layer can be thin, such as about 1 nm to about 25 nm, about 5 nm to about 15 nm, or about 5 nm to about 10 nm. The adhesion layer can be a metal oxide layer, and can include, for example, aluminum oxide (Al2O3), silicon dioxide (SiO2), or mixed oxides such as (AlO x -SiO y ).

[0168] Typically, an anti-fouling coating is applied over the anti-reflective layer. Figure 6B The antifouling coating may have hydrophobic and / or oleophobic properties. The antifouling coating may also contain a fluorinated material. The fluorinated material layer may be formed by a wet chemical method or a vapor deposition method.

[0169] Fig.10 A block diagram of a sample electronic device that can incorporate a biometric input component having a textured cap is shown. The textured cap includes a textured ceramic cap and can be configured to have visual and / or tactile properties similar to the visual and / or tactile properties of an adjacent keycap of the electronic device. The biometric input component can be a biometric button or key. Fig.10 The schematic diagram depicted in may correspond to the above-mentioned Figures 1A to 9 However, Fig.10 Other types of electronic devices having a cap assembly as described herein may also be more generally represented.

[0170] In an embodiment, the electronic device 1000 may include a sensor 1020 to provide information about the configuration and / or orientation of the electronic device in order to control the output of the display. For example, when all or part of the visible area of ​​the display 1008 is blocked or substantially obscured, a portion of the display 1008 may be turned off, disabled, or placed in a low energy state. For another example, the display 1008 is adapted to rotate the display of the graphical output based on the orientation change (e.g., 100 degrees or 180 degrees) of the device 1000 in response to the rotation of the device 1000.

[0171] The electronic device 1000 also includes a processor 1006 operably connected to the computer-readable memory 1002. The processor 1006 may be operably connected to the memory 1002 via an electronic bus or a bridge. The processor 1006 may be implemented as one or more computer processors or microcontrollers configured to perform operations in response to computer-readable instructions. The processor 1006 may include a central processing unit (CPU) of the device 1000. In addition or alternatively, the processor 1006 may include other electronic circuits located within the device 1000, including application-specific integrated chips (ASICs) and other microcontroller devices. The processor 1006 may be configured to perform the functions described in the above examples.

[0172] The memory 1002 may include various types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. The memory 1002 is configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements.

[0173] The electronic device 1000 may include a control circuit 1010. The control circuit 1010 may be implemented in a single control unit and need not be implemented as different circuit elements. As used herein, a "control unit" will be used synonymously with a "control circuit". The control circuit 1010 may receive signals from the processor 1006 or from other elements of the electronic device 1000.

[0174] like Fig.10 As shown, the electronic device 1000 includes a battery 1014, which is configured to provide power to the components of the electronic device 1000. The battery 1014 may include one or more power storage units connected together to provide an internal power supply. The battery 1014 can be operably coupled to a power management circuit, which is configured to provide appropriate voltage and power levels for each component or group of components within the electronic device 1000. The battery 1014 can be configured to receive power from an external power source such as an AC power outlet via the power management circuit. The battery 1014 can store the received power so that the electronic device 1000 can operate for an extended period of time without being connected to an external power source, which period of time can range from several hours to several days.

[0175] In some embodiments, the electronic device 1000 includes one or more input devices 1018. The input device 1018 is a device configured to receive input from a user or the environment. For example, the input device 1018 may include, for example, a push button, a touch-activated button, a capacitive touch sensor, a touch screen (e.g., a touch-sensitive display or a force-sensitive display), a capacitive touch button, a dial, a crown, etc. In some embodiments, the input device 1018 may provide dedicated or primary functions, including, for example, a power button, a volume button, a home button, a scroll wheel, and a camera button.

[0176] The device 1000 may also include one or more sensors 1020, such as force sensors, capacitive sensors, accelerometers, barometers, gyroscopes, proximity sensors, light sensors, etc. The sensor 1020 may be operably coupled to a processing circuit. In some embodiments, the sensor 1020 may detect a change in deformation and / or configuration of an electronic device and may be operably coupled to a processing circuit that controls a display based on a sensor signal. In some specific implementations, the output from the sensor 1020 is used to reconfigure the display output to correspond to the orientation or folding / unfolding configuration or state of the device. Exemplary sensors 1020 for this purpose include accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and other similar types of positioning / orientation sensing devices. In addition, the sensor 1020 may include a microphone, an acoustic sensor, a light sensor, an optical facial recognition sensor, or other types of sensing devices.

[0177] In some embodiments, the electronic device 1000 includes one or more output devices 1004 configured to provide output to a user. The output device 1004 may include a display 1008 that presents visual information generated by the processor 1006. The output device 1004 may also include one or more speakers to provide audio output. The output device 1004 may also include one or more tactile devices configured to generate tactile or tactile output along the external surface of the device 1000.

[0178] Display 1008 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an LED backlit LCD display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, an active layer organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display, an organic electroluminescent (EL) display, an electrophoretic ink display, and the like. If display 1008 is a liquid crystal display or an electrophoretic ink display, display 1008 may also include a backlight component that can be controlled to provide variable display brightness levels. If display 1008 is an organic light emitting diode or organic electroluminescent type display, the brightness of display 1008 can be controlled by modifying the electrical signals provided to the display elements. In addition, information about the configuration and / or orientation of the electronic device can be used to control the output of the display, as described with respect to input device 1018. In some cases, the display is integrated with a touch sensor and / or a force sensor to detect touch and / or force applied along an external surface of device 1000.

[0179] The electronic device 1000 may also include a communication port 1012, which is configured to transmit and / or receive signals or electrical communications from an external device or a separate device. The communication port 1012 may be configured to be coupled to an external device via a cable, an adapter, or other type of electrical connector. In some embodiments, the communication port 1012 may be used to couple the electronic device 1000 to a host computer.

[0180] The electronic device 1000 may also include at least one accessory 1016, such as a camera, a flash for a camera, or other such device. The camera may be part of a camera assembly that may be connected to other parts of the electronic device 1000, such as the control circuit 1010.

[0181] As used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," "similar to," and the like are used to account for relatively small variations, such as variations of + / -10%, + / -5%, + / -2%, or + / -1%. In addition, the term "about" may be used with respect to an endpoint of a range to indicate a variation of + / -10%, + / -5%, + / -2%, or + / -1% of the endpoint value. Furthermore, disclosing a range in which at least one endpoint is described as "about" a particular value includes disclosing a range in which the endpoint is equal to the particular value.

[0182] The following discussion applies to electronic devices described herein to the extent that these devices can be used to obtain personally identifiable information data. It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0183] For the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments can be practiced without specific details. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are feasible.

Claims

1. A computing device, comprising: an upper portion comprising an upper housing and a display positioned in the upper housing; and a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a lower housing coupled to the upper portion by a hinge, the lower portion comprising a keyboard, the keyboard comprising: an array of keys, each key in the array of keys having a plastic keycap; and A biometric power button, the biometric power button being positioned adjacent to one or more keys in the key array, and the biometric power button comprising: A sapphire cover, wherein the sapphire cover defines: a textured front surface configured to diffusely reflect light; and a rounded edge extending from the textured front surface to a side surface; an inorganic multilayer coating disposed on the rear surface of the sapphire cover and having an optical density of at least 3; a biometric sensor positioned below the sapphire cover and the inorganic multilayer coating; and A switch is positioned below the biometric sensor.

2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein: The biometric power button also includes an anti-reflective coating disposed over the textured front surface of the sapphire cover and having a thickness of 75 nanometers to 150 nanometers, The textured front surface defines a surface roughness having an arithmetic mean height (Sa) of 300 nm to 700 nm, and The inorganic multilayer coating disposed on the rear surface of the sapphire cover has a thickness of 1 to 2 microns and includes a plurality of dielectric layers and a plurality of metal layers.

3. The computing device of claim 2, wherein: The inorganic multi-layer coating disposed on the rear surface of the sapphire cover has an optical density of 3 to 5.

4. The computing device of claim 2, wherein: The biometric sensor is a fingerprint sensor.

5. The computing device of claim 4, wherein: The biometric power button also includes a circuit layer that is in electrical communication with the fingerprint sensor and is configured to generate a signature corresponding to the fingerprint.

6. The computing device of claim 2, wherein: The lower portion of the computing device also includes a touch-sensitive display configured to display a set of virtual keys, and The touch-sensitive display is spaced apart from the biometric power button.

7. A computing device comprising: an upper portion comprising an upper housing and a display positioned within the upper housing; as well as a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a keyboard and a lower housing rotatably coupled to the upper housing, the keyboard comprising: A key group, each key in the key group including a key cap formed of a polymer material; and A biometric identification input key, the biometric identification input key comprising: A textured cap, the textured cap comprising: A transparent cover, the transparent cover being formed of aluminum oxide and defining: a front surface comprising a set of surface features configured to diffusely reflect light from the front surface; side surfaces; and a curved surface extending between the front surface and the side surface; a first coating covering the front surface and comprising a plurality of inorganic dielectric layers configured to cause destructive interference between light reflected from the first coating and light reflected from the front surface of the transparent cover; and a second coating covering the rear surface of the transparent cover and configured to absorb visible light; a biometric sensor positioned below the transparent cover and the second coating; and An electromechanical switch is positioned below the biometric sensor and is configured to actuate in response to a press on the biometric input key.

8. The computing device of claim 7, wherein: The textured cap has a reflectivity of less than 15% across the visible spectrum.

9. The computing device of claim 7, wherein: The textured cap has a reflective haze of 30 to 70.

10. The computing device of claim 7, wherein: The surface feature set is a first surface feature set, The curved surface includes a second set of surface features configured to diffusely reflect light from the curved surface, and The first coating covers the curved surface.

11. The computing device of claim 7, wherein: The curved surface defines a radius of curvature of 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm.

12. The computing device of claim 7, wherein: The biometric sensor is a capacitive-based fingerprint sensor, and The biometric input key also includes a metal support positioned below the textured cap and coupled to the textured cap.

13. The computing device of claim 7, wherein: The textured cap has a first color described by a first L* value, the keycap formed from the polymer material has a second color described by a second L* value, and The difference between the first L* value and the second L* value is less than 5.

14. The computing device of claim 7, wherein: The biometric input key also includes a key mechanism that defines a spring plate.

15. A computing device comprising: A keyboard, the keyboard comprising: A biometric button, the biometric button comprising: A cap, comprising: A sapphire cover, wherein the sapphire cover defines: a front surface having a first texture configured to provide a first matte appearance; side surfaces; and a curved edge between the front surface and the side surface, The curved edge has a second texture; an anti-reflective coating disposed on the front surface of the sapphire cover and comprising a plurality of first inorganic dielectric layers; and an optically dense coating disposed on the rear surface of the sapphire cover and comprising a plurality of second inorganic dielectric layers and a plurality of metal layers; a conductive support positioned below the cap and coupled to the cap; a biometric sensor positioned below the cap and the optically dense coating; and a switch positioned below the biometric sensor; and A key group, each key in the key group includes a polymer keycap having a second matte appearance.

16. The computing device of claim 15, wherein: Each of the cap and the polymer keycap has a gloss value of 2 to 8.

17. The computing device of claim 15, wherein: Each of the cap and the polymer keycap has an L* value of 20 to 30.

18. The computing device of claim 15, wherein: The side surface of the cap is flush with the side surface of the conductive support member, or the side surface of the cap extends beyond the side surface of the conductive support member.

19. The computing device of claim 15, wherein: The tolerance of the curvature radius of the curved edge is 0% to 35% of the target curvature radius.

20. The computing device of claim 15, wherein: The second texture is laser formed, and The second texture is configured to provide a third matte appearance to the curved edge of the sapphire cover.

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