Wearable device with bezel to sense touch input

Abstract

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a bezel as a first metal component, a dial as a second metal component to form a capacitor with the bezel, an inner ring as a dielectric disposed between the bezel and the dial, at least one processor configured to obtain a capacitance value generated by a touch input on the bezel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to detecting or sensing a touch input on an electronic device without using a pressure sensor and / or a mechanical button. BACKGROUND

[0002] Over the past few decades, technological progress has led to a variety of electronic devices on the market. These devices belong to all areas of life and are used by individuals for different tasks and needs. The range of applications of these devices is quite broad. For example, devices such as smart glasses provide users with real-time experiences about the environment. In addition, devices such as drones provide logistics and / or surveillance operations. Another example of a recently popular electronic device is a smartwatch.

[0003] Most of the above-mentioned devices support a touch-based interface. For example, a user provides a touch input to perform an operation at the device. The touch input and the operation in response to it are usually implemented by a pressure sensor and / or a mechanical button. The implementation of the pressure sensor and / or the mechanical button can be tedious, complex or challenging.

[0004] For example, it is important to implement compact and lightweight products for these devices in terms of marketing. However, the inclusion of a pressure sensor and / or a mechanical button can require design complexity. In addition, the implementation of the pressure sensor can be challenging for the design of the final product and can cause a lot of cost to the manufacturer.

[0005] In addition, the implementation of the mechanical button can not be sufficient for the complete operation of such devices. Taking, for example, a smartwatch operated by a bezel, a mechanical bezel is provided on the smartwatch to select a control action icon. However, selecting a control action icon requires an additional touch input, thus resulting in the additional installation of both mechanical and / or pressure sensors to support the operation.

[0006] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure. SUMMARY

[0007] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method of detecting a touch input on a wearable device is provided. The method includes detecting a touch input on a bezel based on a capacitance value generated by a capacitor formed between the bezel, an inner ring, and a dial of the wearable device; determining a position among a plurality of regions in the bezel; and performing an action corresponding to the determined position among the plurality of regions in the bezel, wherein, in the capacitor, the bezel corresponds to a first conductor, the dial corresponds to a second conductor, and the inner ring corresponds to a dielectric.

[0009] Advantages

[0010] According to aspects of the disclosure, a watch-type electronic device can be capable of providing a touch input made on a bezel and a corresponding function without installing a hardware button, in which a bezel and a dial installed inside a wearable device can constitute a capacitor to sense the touch input. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 A block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated;

[0013] Figure 2 An exploded view of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated;

[0014] Figure 3A An assembled view of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated;

[0015] Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated;

[0016] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated;

[0017] Figure 4B An equivalent capacitance model of a cross-sectional structure of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated;

[0018] Figure 4C A cross-sectional view of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated;

[0019] Figure 4D A sensing interface of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated;

[0020] Figure 4E A sensing interface of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated;

[0021] Figure 4F A sensing interface of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated;

[0022] Figure 4G A sensing interface of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated;

[0023] Figure 4H A sensing interface of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated;

[0024] Figure 4I A sensing interface of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0025] Figure 4J Components of a wrist watch type electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated;

[0026] Figure 4K An inner ring of a wrist watch type electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0027] Figure 5A Various operations of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated;

[0028] Figure 5B Another operation of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0029] Figure 5C Another operation of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0030] Figure 5D Another operation of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0031] Figure 5E Another operation of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0032] Figure 6 A flowchart for determining a type of input received at a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0033] Figure 7 A flowchart for detecting a touch input on a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated; and

[0034] Figure 8 Smart glasses having a touch sensitive capacitor formed in a frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0035] Throughout the drawings, the same drawing reference numerals will be understood to refer to the same parts, components and structures.

[0036] Best Mode

[0037] Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method of providing a bezel for a wearable device.

[0038] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by examination of the following or can be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0039] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method of detecting a touch input on a wearable device is provided. The method includes detecting a touch input on a bezel based on a capacitance value generated by a capacitor formed between the bezel, an inner ring, and a dial of the wearable device, determining a location among a plurality of regions in the bezel, and performing an action corresponding to the determined location among the plurality of regions in the bezel, wherein, in the capacitor, the bezel corresponds to a first conductor, the dial corresponds to a second conductor, and the inner ring corresponds to a dielectric.

[0040] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device can be a wearable device and the wearable device includes a bezel as a first metal component, a dial as a second metal component to form a capacitor with the bezel, an inner ring as a dielectric disposed between the bezel and the dial, and at least one processor configured to obtain a capacitance value generated by a touch input on the bezel.

[0041] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the wearable device is a watch-type electronic device, and the bezel, the dial, and the inner ring are circular.

[0042] In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least one of the bezel, the dial, or the inner ring has a non-uniform thickness to generate different capacitance values in response to a touch input on the bezel.

[0043] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one processor is configured to determine a location of the touch input based on the non-uniform thickness of at least one of the bezel, the dial, or the inner ring.

[0044] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the inner ring includes a plurality of segments each made of a different material.

[0045] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one processor is configured to determine a location of the touch input based on the plurality of segments of the inner ring.

[0046] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one processor is configured to assign a function corresponding to the location of the touch input.

[0047] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the bezel includes a plurality of segments each corresponding to each of the plurality of segments of the inner ring.

[0048] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the wearable device further includes a display, and the at least one processor is configured to display a plurality of applications on the display, locations of the plurality of applications corresponding to locations of each of the plurality of segments of the bezel.

[0049] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one processor is configured to highlight the application in response to a touch input on a section of the bezel corresponding to the application among the plurality of applications.

[0050] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the highlighting of the application includes enlarging an icon of the application.

[0051] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one processor is configured to execute the application based on a second touch input on a section of the bezel corresponding to the application.

[0052] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one processor is configured to control a scroll operation of a list of data displayed on the display of the wearable device based on the touch input on the section of the bezel.

[0053] In an embodiment of the disclosure, each of the plurality of sections of the bezel includes a numeric character or an alphabetic character to be selected by the touch input on the bezel.

[0054] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one processor is configured to display the numeric character or the alphabetic character on the display of the wearable device based on the touch input on the corresponding section of the bezel.

[0055] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the bezel includes a plurality of sections each made of a different material.

[0056] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one processor is configured to determine a location of the touch input based on the plurality of sections of the bezel.

[0057] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one processor is configured to assign a function corresponding to the location of the touch input.

[0058] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the bezel, the dial, and the inner ring are at least one of a square, a rectangle, or an ellipse.

[0059] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions can be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0061] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent in understanding of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0062] It will be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0063] As used herein, the terms "1st" or "first" and "2nd" or "second" can use corresponding components regardless of importance or order, and are used to distinguish one component from another component without limiting the components.

[0064] The accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features, and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. Herein, the present disclosure should be interpreted to extend to any changes, equivalents, and substitutes other than the specifically listed changes, equivalents, and substitutes in the accompanying drawings. Although the terms first, second, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, such elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are generally used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0065] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Figure 1 A block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0067] Referring to Figure 1The electronic device 100 can be, but is not limited to, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a smart television, smart glasses, a home appliance, a smart washing machine, a smart microwave, a light, a virtual reality (VR) device, or a drone. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device 100 can include a first metal component 102, a second metal component 104, and a third component 106. The first metal component 102 and the second metal component 104 can be made of any metal or an alloy from a combination of one or more metals. The third component 106 can be made of one or more dielectric materials such as porcelain (ceramic), mica, glass, plastic, and oxides of various metals. In an example, the third component can be made of a single dielectric material and can have a uniform thickness. In another example, the third component 106 can be made of a single dielectric material and can have a non-uniform thickness. In yet another example, the third component 106 can be made of one or more dielectric materials and can have a uniform / non-uniform thickness.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the third component 106 can be disposed between the first metal component 102 and the second metal component 104 to simulate a capacitor arrangement that generates a first capacitance between the first metal component 102 and the second metal component 104. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the third component 106 can be disposed such that there is an air gap between the first metal component 102, the third component 106, and the second metal component 104, and a uniform capacitance can exist between the first metal component 102 and the second metal component 104. However, in another embodiment of the disclosure, there can be no air gap between the first metal component 102, the third component 106, and the second metal component 104. For example, a user interaction of "pressing" a button of the electronic device or a touch-sensitive display can require a gap between the first metal component 102, the third component 106, and the second metal component 104. In another example, a user interaction of "hovering" and / or "touching" can not require an air gap between the first metal component 102, the third component 106, and the second metal component 104.

[0069] Since a capacitance is now generated according to the foregoing arrangement, a user input provided by a user can be detected without a specific pressure sensor and / or a mechanical button. Accordingly, it can no longer be necessary to implement a pressure sensor and / or a mechanical button in the electronic device 100.

[0070] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device 100 can further include an electronic board 112, which can include the capacitive sensor 108 and the processor 110. The capacitive sensor 108 can be electrically coupled to the second metal component 104 and can be configured to output a value of a capacitance existing between the first metal component 102 and the second metal component 104. As can be appreciated, the capacitive sensor 108 outputs the value of the first capacitance when no disturbance occurs with respect to the generated capacitance, i.e., the first capacitance.

[0071] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 110 can be electrically coupled to the capacitive sensor 108 and the memory 114. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 110 can continuously detect a value of a capacitance existing between the first metal component 102 and the second metal component 104. When there is no disturbance or interference in the first capacitance, the obtained value is equal to the value of the first capacitance. However, when a disturbance or interference occurs in the first capacitance, for example, by a user input on the first metal component 102, the value of the capacitance existing between the first metal component 102 and the second metal component 104 can change to a value of a second capacitance. The processor 110 can control the memory 114 to store data.

[0072] When the processor 110 continuously obtains or detects the value of the capacitance from the capacitive sensor 108, the processor 110 can detect a change in the capacitance from the first capacitance to the second capacitance. Subsequently, the processor 110 can determine a type of the user input based on the value of the second capacitance. The type of the user input can include, but is not limited to, a hovering input, a touch input, a push input, a drag input, a tap input, and a long press input.

[0073] In an example, to determine the type of the user input, the processor 110 can obtain the value of the second capacitance. Based on the second capacitance, the processor 110 can then determine a length of a body part of the user providing the user input with respect to the first metal component 102. Generally, the body part of the user can be a part of a finger of the user. In an example, to determine the length of the body part based on the second capacitance, the processor 110 can ascertain a magnitude of the change in the capacitance based on the user input. In an example, the processor 110 can detect the magnitude of the change in the capacitance by subtracting the value of the second capacitance from the value of the first capacitance. Once the magnitude of the change is determined, the processor 110 can access a magnitude-length mapping table stored in a database of the electronic device 100 or a remote server for determining the length of the body part. The magnitude-length mapping table can include a mapping between a plurality of capacitance values, a plurality of lengths, and a type of the user input. The magnitude-length mapping table is shown in Table 1 below.

[0074] [Table 1]

[0075]

[0076] Based on the length of the body part or the magnitude of the change in capacitance, the processor 110 can then determine the type of user input. Thus, as explained above, the processor 110 is configured to determine the type of user input as one of a touch input, a hover input, and a push input based on the distance of the body part. For example, if the length of the body part is determined to be very short based on the magnitude of the change in capacitance, the type of user input can be classified as a push input. If the length of the body part is determined to be relatively short based on the magnitude of the change in capacitance, the type of user input can be classified as a touch input. If the length of the body part is determined to be long based on the magnitude of the change in capacitance, the type of user input can be classified as a hover input.

[0077] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 110 can determine the type of user input as a long press input when the distance between the body part and the first metal component 102 is constant for a predetermined period of time.

[0078] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 110 can activate a user interface, such as a display or a touch interface, of the electronic device 100 when it is determined that the length of the body part is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Thus, the user can be provided with access to various control options and functions of the electronic device 100 via the aforementioned touch interface.

[0079] The metal bezel of a smart watch can be used as the first metal component 102, and the metal housing or the metal dial of the smart watch can be used as the second metal component 104. Further, a dielectric ring therebetween can be provided in the smart watch according to the aforementioned aspects, and the dielectric ring can be used as the third component 106 and the dielectric existing between the two electrodes which are the metal bezel and the metal housing, respectively. It can be understood from the foregoing that a capacitance is formed between the metal bezel and the metal housing with the dielectric, the dielectric ring, interposed therebetween.

[0080] When the user attempts to provide a touch input by moving his finger near the bezel of the smart watch, the capacitance sensor 108 can output a change in capacitance. The change in capacitance occurs by a capacitance disturbance caused by the user's finger. Based on the change in capacitance, the processor 110 can determine the type of user input as one of a hover input, a touch input, a push input, and a long press input.

[0081] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the location of the user input can also be detected in the electronic device 100. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third component 106 can be manufactured or formed asymmetrically. Examples of the dimensions can include, but are not limited to, width and height. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third component 106 can have a continuously varying width and / or a continuously varying height.

[0082] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 110 can determine the location of the user input on a portion of the electronic device 100 based on the second capacitance, the first capacitance, and a predetermined mapping between a plurality of capacitance values formed between the first capacitance and the second capacitance. The location of the user input can be detected on the first metal component 102 or on the second metal component 104. Generally, because the bezel is generally exposed to the user, the first metal component 102, the location of the user input can be determined on any one of the first metal component 102.

[0083] Table 2 illustrates a mapping between a plurality of capacitance values and a plurality of segments of the first metal component 102.

[0084] [Table 2]

[0085] Capacitance value (second capacitor) Segment of first metal component 102 [C0-C1] [S1] [C2-C3] [S2] [C4-C5] [S3] [C6-C7] [S4] [C8-C9] [S5] [C 10 -C 11 ]]> [S6]

[0086] As can be seen, in determining the second capacitance, the processor 110 can be configured to access the aforementioned mapping table. Based on the mapping table, the processor 110 can identify the range of capacitance values into which the second capacitance falls. Once the range is identified, the processor 110 can then identify the segment of the first metal component 102. According to Table 2, the first metal component 102 is divided into six (6) segments, each of which can occupy 60 degrees around the bezel of the electronic device 100, respectively. The identified segment can be determined as the location of the user input on the first metal component 102.

[0087] In an embodiment of the disclosure, when a continuous change in the location of the user input is detected, the processor 110 can determine the type of the user input as a swipe gesture input. For example, when the processor 110 determines that the value of the second capacitance continuously changes from C0 to C5. Accordingly, the processor 110 can determine that the user input has moved from segment S1 to S3, and that the user input is a swipe gesture input. In yet another example embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 110 can also be configured to determine the direction of the swipe gesture input based on the continuous change in the location. For example, if a change in the location from S1 to S3 is detected, the processor 110 can determine that the user input is moving in a clockwise or left-to-right direction. Accordingly, based on the predetermined mapping, the direction of the swipe gesture input can be determined by the processor 110.

[0088] In another example embodiment of the disclosure, the processor 110 can perform a control operation based on the type of the user input and the location of the user input. By determining the magnitude of the change, the processor 110 determines the type of the input, and by determining the value of the second capacitance, the processor 110 detects the location of the user input. Accordingly, the processor 110 can perform a control operation based on the type of the user input and the location of the input.

[0089] For example, the processor 110 can provide an identification of applications that the user can want to select at least one of, based on a location of the user input. Also, the processor 110 provides a selection of the application based on a type of the user input.

[0090] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device 100 can be a wearable device such as a smart watch or smart glasses. The first metal component 102 is a metal bezel, the second metal component 104 is a metal housing or a metal dial, and the third component 106 is a dielectric ring. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the capacitive sensor 108 is electrically coupled to the second metal component 104 using an electrical wire. Other wired and / or wireless connection means can also be implemented for connecting the capacitive sensor 108 to the second metal component 104.

[0091] Although not shown in Figure 1 , the electronic device 100 can further include a display for displaying various applications and operations thereon.

[0092] Figure 2 An exploded view of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0093] Referring to Figure 2 , a watch-type electronic device 201 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as "device 201") can include a device body 200 having a plurality of components. The device body 200 can include a back case 202, a main board 203, a dial 204, a front case 205, an inner ring 206, a bezel 207, and a cover glass 208. In an example, the inner ring 206 can be discontinuous or can have a variable thickness. The variable thickness of the inner ring 206 facilitates detection of a plurality of touch points on the bezel. Also, the inner ring 206 can include a plurality of protrusions. For example, the inner ring 206 can include one or more rectangular protrusions on an inner surface or an outer surface thereof. The dial 204 can be electrically connected to the main board 203 to transfer a sensed capacitance value to a processor.

[0094] The front case 205 can be a component of the dial 204 and can be disposed along a proximal circumference of the dial 204. The front case 205 can include gaps at regular intervals, which can fit the rectangular protrusions provided on the inner surface of the inner ring 206. Also, the bezel 207 can have a discontinuous or variable thickness and can include horizontal grooves on an inner surface of the bezel 207 or at inner side edges of the bezel 207, which can fit the rectangular protrusions on the outer surface of the inner ring 206.

[0095] The device 201 can further include a printed circuit board (2001, PCB) located on the main board 203. A processor implemented on the main board 203 or the PCB 2001 can receive the capacitance change sensed by the capacitance sensor 108. Further, the dial 204 can be operatively connected to the main board 203 or the PCB 2001 on the main board 203. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the operative connection between the dial 204 and the main board 203 can be made through the wire 209.

[0096] Figure 3A An assembly view of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0097] Referring to Figure 3A , an assembly view 300 of a wristwatch-type electronic device 201 is illustrated. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a main board 203 (not illustrated in Figure 3A ) is mounted on a rear case 202. The main board 203 is disposed between a dial 204, a front case 205, an inner ring 206, and a bezel 207 (not illustrated in Figure 3A ). Further, a cover glass 208 (not illustrated in Figure 3A ) can be mounted on the front case 205.

[0098] The inner ring 206 is located above the dial 204, thereby surrounding the front case 205. The bezel 207 is mounted above the dial 204 and the front case 205, so that an air gap can be maintained between the bezel 207 and the inner ring 206. As Figure 3A illustrated, the PCB 2001 and / or the main board 203 are operatively connected to the dial 204 through the wire 209.

[0099] Figure 3B A cross-section of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0100] Referring to Figure 3B , the inner ring 206 serving as a dielectric is disposed between the bezel 207 and the inner ring 206. The bezel 207 and the inner ring can serve as a first electrode and a second electrode, respectively, to form a capacitance. The main board 203 is implemented on the rear case 202.

[0101] Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0102] Referring to Figure 4AThe scale 204, inner ring 206, and bezel 207 constitute the sensing interface of the watch-type electronic device 201. In an embodiment of the invention, a horizontal groove at the inner edge or inner surface of the bezel 207 is shown arranged relative to the inner ring 206 to leave an air gap 400. As a result, the bezel 207, scale 204, inner ring 206, and air gap 400 form a single capacitor 401. The bezel 207 serves as a first conductive plate, the front housing 205 of the scale 204 serves as a second conductive plate, and the inner ring 206 serves as the dielectric between the two electrodes. In another example, the bezel 207 is the first conductive plate and the scale 204 is the second conductive plate.

[0103] In this example, the dial 204 and the bezel 207 can be made of metal. Additionally, in this example, the inner ring 206 can be made of plastic. In another example, the inner ring 206 can be made of several segments, each segment made of a different material with a different dielectric constant. For example, the inner ring 206 is divided into six segments with dielectric constants e0, e1, e2, e3, e4, e5, and e6, respectively.

[0104] Figure 4B An equivalent capacitance model of the cross-sectional structure of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0105] Reference Figure 4B It depicts the reference Figure 4A The equivalent capacitance model of the cross-sectional structure is shown. The frame 207 can act as the first electrode and the scale 204 can act as the second electrode to form a capacitor (Cm) 2005 to detect touch input on the frame 207.

[0106] Figure 4C A cross-sectional view of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0107] Reference Figure 4C A single connection 403 is shown between the scale 204 and the motherboard 203. Specifically, a PCB 2001 mounted on the motherboard 203 can be operatively connected to the scale 204 via the single connection 403. It will be understood that capacitance changes can be measured by operatively connecting the scale 204 and the PCB 2001 via the single connection 403. The processor 110 can be mounted on either the motherboard 203 or the PCB 2001.

[0108] During operation, the user can contact the bezel 207 of the watch-type electronic device 201. Examples of contact include, but are not limited to, touching, swiping, pushing, squeezing, or any combination thereof. In another operation, the user can perform contactless interaction with the bezel within a predetermined distance. Examples of contactless interaction include, but are not limited to, hovering and tilting.

[0109] Figure 4D A sensing interface of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0110] Referring to Figure 4D A user can touch the bezel 207 of the watch-type electronic device 201. In response, the processor 110 mounted on the main board 203 (not shown) can detect a change in capacitance at a capacitor formed at least with the bezel 207 and the dial 204 (not shown), and thus, can determine an operation of the watch-type electronic device 201. In an example, the capacitance of parallel conductive plates can be measured by using the equation:

[0111]

[0112] Here, C is the capacitance in farads, ε is the permittivity of a dielectric (absolute, not relative), A is the plate overlap area in square meters, and d is the distance between the plates in meters. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, ε can be determined by the material of the inner ring 206 (not shown), and A and d can be determined by the size and length of the bezel 207 and the dial 204. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, sections (parts) of the inner ring 206, the bezel 207, and / or the dial 204 can be made of different materials, and thus, the capacitance value generated by the same touch input can result in different values for each section. For example, the inner ring 206 can be divided into 4 sections having different dielectric materials having ε1, ε2, ε3, and ε4, respectively. Each area corresponding to each section can have a different capacitance value from other areas, so that the electronic device generates different functions or operations.

[0113] Figure 4E A sensing interface of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0114] Referring to Figure 4E A user can push the bezel 207 of the watch-type electronic device 201. In operation, the processor 110 can detect a change in the capacitance value based on the push input on the bezel 207. The change in the capacitance value can occur in response to a change in the air gap 400 due to the translation of the bezel 207 with respect to the dial 204 as a result of the user's push. In addition to detecting the change in the capacitance value, the position of the push input on the bezel 207 can be detected based on the discontinuous or varying thickness of the inner ring 206. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the position of the push input on the bezel 207 can be detected based on the discontinuous or varying thickness of the bezel 207.

[0115] Figure 4F A sensing interface of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0116] Referring toFigure 4F The inner ring 206 can or can not have a uniform thickness. Referring to FIG. 2B, the inner ring 206 has a varying thickness, which can provide different capacitance values for different portions of the inner ring 206. Figure 4F The inner ring 206 has a varying thickness, which can provide different capacitance values for different portions of the inner ring 206. Because the capacitance value can vary for each of the different portions of the inner ring 206 due to the varying thickness, the corresponding locations of the inner ring 206 and / or the corresponding locations of the bezel 207 can be identified based on the different capacitance values of the different portions of the inner ring 206.

[0117] Figure 4G A sensing interface of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 2B, the inner ring 206 has a varying thickness, which can provide different capacitance values for different portions of the inner ring 206. Figure 4F As a result of pushing the bezel 207, the air gap width t0 can change to an air gap width t'. In an example, due to the change in the air gap width, the capacitance value can also change based on Equation 1.

[0119] Figure 4H A sensing interface of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 2B, the inner ring 206 has a varying thickness, which can provide different capacitance values for different portions of the inner ring 206. Figure 4H A user can touch both the bezel 207 and the dial 204 of the watch-type electronic device 201. In operation, a change in the capacitance value can be detected.

[0121] Figure 4I A sensing interface of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 2B, the inner ring 206 has a varying thickness, which can provide different capacitance values for different portions of the inner ring 206. Figure 4I A user can hover his fingertip over the bezel 207 of the watch-type electronic device 201. In operation, the user's fingertip can be positioned at a predetermined distance close to the bezel, thereby activating a predetermined operation of the watch-type electronic device 201. Based on the movement or hovering of the fingertip, a change in the capacitance value can occur, and in response, the processor 110 can detect the change in the capacitance value. As a result, the detection of the change in the capacitance value can cause the predetermined operation to be performed in the watch-type electronic device 201.

[0123] In another embodiment of the disclosure, a user can slide his fingertip across the bezel 207 of the watch-type electronic device 201. In operation, in response to the sliding gesture of the user's fingertip, a change in the capacitance value can be detected. The changed capacitance value can be used to detect the sliding action on the bezel 207. For example, when the change in the capacitance value is detected, it can be determined that the user is sliding his fingertip across the bezel 207.

[0124] Figure 4J Components of a watch-type electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure are illustrated.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 2B, the inner ring 206 has a varying thickness, which can provide different capacitance values for different portions of the inner ring 206.Figure 4J The dial 204 of the watch-type electronic device 201 can have a certain area 2041 having a different material from other areas of the dial 204. The capacitance value detected on the area 2041 can be different from the capacitance values of the other areas due to the material difference. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bezel 207 can also have four (4) segments each having a different material. The bezel 207 has different materials such as material 1 2071, material 2 2073, material 3 2075, and material 4 2077. Each material has a different electrical conductivity, which can result in different capacitance values for each segment corresponding to material 1 2071, material 2 2073, material 3 2075, and material 4 2077. Due to the different capacitance values, the device 201 can determine the location among the four segments on which a touch input is made.

[0126] Figure 4K An inner ring of a watch-type electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0127] Referring to Figure 4K The inner ring 206 can be divided into four (4) segments, and each segment is made of a different material such as material 1 2061, material 2 2063, material 3 2065, and material 2067. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bezel 207 can be divided into four (4) segments having the same material, but each of the four segments of the bezel 207 corresponds to the four segments of the inner ring 206. Although a user can not be able to identify the locations of the four segments of the inner ring 206, it can be able to be identified via the locations of the four segments of the bezel 207 exposed to the user. Due to the material difference of the four segments of the inner ring 206, the capacitance values detected on each of the four segments of the bezel 207 can be different from each other. Each of the four segments of the inner ring 206 has a different electrical conductivity, which can result in different capacitance values. Due to the different capacitance values, the device 201 can determine the location among the four segments of the bezel 207 on which a touch input is made. Although the number of segments is four in the foregoing embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of segments can vary according to the manufacturer's choice.

[0128] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the inner ring 206 has a non-uniform shape as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the device 201 can determine the location of a touch input based on the non-uniform shape of the inner ring, since the non-uniform shape of the inner ring 206 can bring about a non-uniform electrical conductivity, thus can result in different capacitance values of a touch input on each area of the bezel 207. Not only the inner ring 206 but also the bezel 207 and / or the dial 204 can have a non-uniform thickness to affect the capacitance values. Figure 4F

[0129] Figure 5A ​Various operations of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0130] Referring to Figure 5A , a first example operation 500a is illustrated. In operation 501, a plurality of applications of a wristwatch-type electronic device 201 are displayed to a user. In operation 503, the user can place his finger on a first area of a bezel 207, and an application corresponding to the first area of the bezel can be identified by enlarging an icon of the application. If the user makes a swiping gesture on the bezel 207, in operation 505, an application corresponding to a position of the finger on the bezel 207 can be highlighted or an icon of the application can be enlarged. When the user can stop the swiping gesture on a point on the bezel 207 corresponding to an application he tries to run in operation 507. In operation 507, the user can tap or press the point on the bezel 207 to select and run the application. As a result, in operation 509, a main page of the selected application will be displayed for the user to perform further operations.

[0131] Figure 5B Another operation of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0132] Referring to Figure 5B , a second example operation 500b is illustrated. If the user touches a top of the bezel 207 in operation 511, in operation 513, a data list presented in one application of the device 201 can be scrolled in an upward direction. If the user touches a bottom of the bezel 207 in operation 515, in operation 517, the data list presented in one application of the device 201 can be scrolled in a downward direction. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the user presses the top of the bezel 207, the data list can be scrolled upward faster.

[0133] Figure 5C Another operation of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0134] Referring to Figure 5C , a third example operation 500c is illustrated. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a keypad is engraved on the bezel 207 of the device 201. In operation 521, the user selects one character of the keypad by touching the bezel 207.

[0135] Figure 5D Another operation of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0136] Referring to Figure 5D, a fifth example operation 500d is shown. In the example operation, digital characters are displayed along the perimeter of the display of the device 201. For the purpose of selection, twelve (12) segments of the bezel 207 are divided and mapped to each of the digital characters, respectively. If the user touches one of the segments of the bezel 207, the corresponding mapped digital character can be selected and entered in an application in operation 531. In an embodiment of the disclosure, not only digital characters but also alphabetic characters can be displayed along the perimeter of the display of the device 201 for the user to enter characters in an application.

[0137] Figure 5E Another operation of a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown.

[0138] Referring to Figure 5E , a sixth example operation 500e is shown. In the example, a plurality of applications are mapped to a plurality of segments of the bezel 207. If the user touches one segment of the bezel 207, the corresponding mapped application can be selected in operation 541. After selecting the application, the user can make a swipe gesture on the bezel 207 to change a value applicable to the selected application in operation 543. For example, the user can press a segment of the bezel 207 mapped to a volume application. After selecting the volume application, the user swipes down on the bezel 207 to lower the volume.

[0139] Figure 6 A method 600 of determining a type of input received at a wearable device according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown.

[0140] Referring to Figure 6 , a change in a capacitance value generated at a capacitor formed by the bezel 207, the inner ring 206, and the dial 204 of the watch-type electronic device 201 in operation 602. In an example, the change in the capacitance value can occur by a user input made on the first metal part 102.

[0141] In operation 604, the watch-type electronic device 201 can determine a type of the user input based on the second capacitance. In an example, to determine the type of the user input, a value of the second capacitance can be obtained by the processor 110. Thereafter, a length of a body part of the user providing the user input with respect to the first metal part can be determined based on the second capacitance. Subsequently, based on the determined length of the body part, the type of the user input can be determined as one of a touch input, a hovering input, and a push input.

[0142] Further, in an example, when the distance between the body part and the first metal part is constant for a predetermined period of time, the type of the user input can be determined as a long press input.

[0143] Further, the third component 106 of the electronic device 100 can be the inner ring 206 of the watch-type electronic device 201. The inner ring 206 can have an asymmetric shape as shown in Figure 4F In an example, the position of the user input can be determined based on the second capacitance and a predetermined mapping between the plurality of capacitance values and the plurality of segments of the first metal component.

[0144] Further, in an example, when a continuous change in the position of the user input is determined, the type of the user input can be determined as a swipe gesture input.

[0145] Figure 7 A flowchart for detecting a touch input on a wearable device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0146] Referring to Figure 7 In operation 701, a touch input made on the bezel 207 of the watch-type electronic device 201 can be detected based on a capacitance value generated by a capacitor formed between the bezel 207, the inner ring 206, and the dial 204 of the watch-type electronic device 201.

[0147] In operation 703, the processor can determine a position of the touch input among a plurality of regions distributed on the bezel 207. The position of the touch input can be determined based on an uneven shape of the inner ring 206 and / or different materials allocated to the plurality of segments of at least one of the bezel 207, the dial 204, or the inner ring 206. In operation 705, the processor can perform a predetermined action corresponding to the determined position among the plurality of regions in the bezel 207. To form the capacitor, the bezel 207 can serve as a first conductor, the dial 204 can serve as a second conductor, and the inner ring 206 can serve as a dielectric material.

[0148] Although the electronic device 100 is described with the example of a circular watch device, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a square wearable device, a rectangular wearable device, or an elliptical wearable device can also have a bezel, an inner ring, and a dial to form a capacitor therewith, and thus perform the same operations or functions described throughout the present disclosure with reference to the circular smart watch device.

[0149] Figure 8 Smart glasses having a touch-sensitive capacitor formed in a frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0150] Referring to Figure 8The glass frame 810 of the smart glasses 800 is made of metal. A cross-sectional view 820 of the glass frame 810 shows an outer metal frame 811, a dielectric 813, and an inner metal frame 815 that constitute a capacitor configured to sense a touch input of a user. The thickness of at least one of the outer metal frame 811, the dielectric 813, and the inner metal frame 815 can vary, and thus the position of a touch input on the outer metal frame 811 can be determined based on the uneven thickness in at least one of the outer metal frame 811, the dielectric 813, and the inner metal frame 815 and a change in a capacitance value from the uneven thickness. The outer metal frame 811 can be divided into a plurality of sections, each of which can have a different thickness in at least one of the outer metal frame 811, the dielectric 813, and the inner metal frame 815. Each touch input on each section can trigger a different operation or a different function in the smart glasses 800.

[0151] The embodiments disclosed herein describe methods and systems for managing the delivery of notifications for at least one missed or unexecuted event within an identified schedule. It is thus understood that the scope of protection extends to such a program, and to a computer readable means having a message therein, and to a computer program product storing such program code means disposed in a computer readable means having messages therein, for implementing the method when the program is run on a server or mobile device or any suitable programmable device. The method is implemented in a preferred embodiment by a software program written in, for example, the Very high speed integrated circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL), another programming language, or by a software program or together with a software program written in one of these languages, or by one or more VHDL or several software modules running on at least one hardware device. The hardware device can be a portable device of any type. The device can also include, for example, a hardware device such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a combination of hardware and software, such as an ASIC and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or at least one microprocessor and at least one memory having software modules located therein. The method embodiments described herein can be implemented partially in hardware and partially in software. Alternatively, the present disclosure can be implemented, for example, on different hardware devices by using multiple central processing units (CPUs).

[0152] The foregoing description of certain implementations will provide an appreciation of the general nature of the implementations disclosed herein, and it is to be understood that the forms described are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the implementations disclosed herein. Therefore, although the implementations have been described in detail with reference to certain implementations, it is to be understood that the implementations are not limited to the details of those described herein but can be practiced with the scope and range of equivalents. The disclosure is to be considered as including all such equivalents.

[0153] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various implementations thereof, it will be understood that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wearable device comprising: a bezel as a first metal component; a dial as a second metal component to form a capacitor with the bezel; an inner ring as a dielectric disposed between the bezel and the dial, the inner ring including a plurality of segments each made of a different material generating a different capacitance value in response to a touch input; and at least one processor configured to obtain a capacitance value among the different capacitance values in response to the touch input on the bezel and determine a location of the touch input based on the different capacitance values generated by the different materials of the plurality of segments of the inner ring.

2. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein, The bezel, the dial, and the inner ring are at least one of a circle, a square, a rectangle, or an ellipse.

3. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to assign a function corresponding to the location of the touch input.

4. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein, The bezel includes a plurality of segments each corresponding to each of the plurality of segments of the inner ring. 5.The wearable device of claim 4, further comprising a display, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to display a plurality of applications on the display, each of the plurality of applications having a location corresponding to a location of each of the plurality of segments of the bezel.

6. The wearable device of claim 5, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to highlight an application in response to a touch input on a segment of the bezel corresponding to the application among the plurality of applications.

7. The wearable device of claim 6, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to execute the application based on a second touch input on the segment of the bezel corresponding to the application.

8. The wearable device of claim 4, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to control a scroll operation of a list of data displayed on a display of the wearable device based on a touch input on a segment of the bezel.

9. The wearable device of claim 4, wherein, Each of the plurality of segments of the bezel includes a numeric character or an alphabetic character to be selected by a touch input on the bezel.

10. The wearable device of claim 9, wherein, The processor is configured to display the numeric character or the alphabetic character on a display of the wearable device based on a touch input on a corresponding segment of the bezel. 11.A method of detecting a touch input on a wearable device, the method comprising: detecting a touch input on a bezel based on a capacitance value among different capacitance values generated by a plurality of segments of a capacitor, each of the plurality of segments made of a different material, wherein the capacitor is formed between a bezel, an inner ring, and a dial of the wearable device; determining a location of the touch input among a plurality of areas in the bezel based on different materials of the plurality of segments of the inner ring, each of the plurality of segments made of a different material generating the different capacitance values in response to the touch input; and performing an action corresponding to the determined location among the plurality of areas in the bezel, wherein, in the capacitor, the bezel corresponds to a first conductor, the dial corresponds to a second conductor, and the inner ring corresponds to a dielectric. ​

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