Optical lenses

Abstract

An optical lens is provided. The optical lens includes a first transparent portion, a second transparent portion, and an opaque metal barrier separating the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion. The opaque metal barrier is directly connected to the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion via an aluminum-oxide bond. The optical lens may include a transition region between the opaque metal barrier and the adjacent transparent portion. The transition region may include the aluminum-oxide bond and has a certain thickness.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 261,410, entitled “Optical Lenses,” filed September 20, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The examples described generally relate to electronic devices. More specifically, the examples of the invention relate to electronic devices including input components and output components. Background Technology

[0004] As portable electronic devices continue to incorporate more and more features, integrating those features into a single device becomes increasingly complex. For example, some features may need to emit light from the electronic device and detect light from the surrounding environment. However, components designed to emit light from the device may unintentionally emit light that travels along a path incident on the photodetector and never reaches the surrounding environment outside the device. These unintentional light paths can lead to false positives or unwanted noise levels when attempting to detect light from outside the device. Furthermore, as the functionality of portable electronic devices increases, it becomes necessary to arrange these additional functional components in a more compact manner while maintaining the small form factor desired by consumers. Therefore, it is desirable to provide components, such as the device housing, that can provide the desired level of optical isolation for the emitter and detector components without unintentionally increasing the device size. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to some aspects of this disclosure, an optical lens includes a first transparent portion, a second transparent portion, and an opaque metal barrier separating the first transparent portion from the second transparent portion. The opaque metal barrier is directly connected to the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion via an aluminum oxide bond.

[0006] In one example, the optical lens defines a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the opaque metal barrier extends from the first surface to the second surface. In one example, the first surface is defined by the outer surface of the first transparent portion, the outer surface of the second transparent portion, and the outer surface of the opaque metal barrier, the outer surfaces of the first and second transparent portions being flush with the outer surface of the opaque metal barrier. In one example, the thickness of the opaque metal barrier is between about 200 nm and about 100 μm. In one example, the opaque metal barrier comprises aluminum. In one example, the first and second transparent portions may comprise ceramic. In one example, the first and second transparent portions may comprise sapphire.

[0007] In one example, the optical lens may further include a transition region between the opaque metal barrier and the first transparent portion, the transition region having the Al-O connection. In one example, the thickness of the transition region is at least about 50 nm. In one example, the thickness of the transition region is at least about 100 nm. In one example, the thickness of the opaque metal barrier is at least twice the thickness of the transition region.

[0008] According to some aspects of this disclosure, an optical component includes a metallic optical isolator directly bonded to a first transparent ceramic substrate and a transition region defining a boundary between the optical isolator and the first transparent ceramic substrate, the boundary having a certain thickness. In one example, the thickness is between about 50 nm and about 200 nm. In one example, the transition region is amorphous. In one example, the transition region is crystalline.

[0009] According to some aspects of this disclosure, an optical lens disposed within an aperture of an electronic device may include a first transparent portion, a second transparent portion, and an opaque metal portion, the opaque metal portion being disposed between and directly connected to the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion. The thickness of the opaque metal portion is less than about 200 μm.

[0010] In one example, the thickness is less than about 100 μm. In another example, the thickness is between about 50 μm and about 100 μm. In one example, the optical lens includes an amorphous transition region between the opaque metal portion and the first transparent portion, the transition region including Al-O bonds. In one example, the optical lens includes a crystal transition region between the opaque metal portion and the first transparent portion, the transition region including Al-O bonds. Attached Figure Description

[0011] This disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar structural elements, and wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 A top perspective view of an example of an electronic device is shown;

[0013] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Bottom perspective view of the electronic device;

[0014] Figure 3 A front perspective view of an example electronic device is shown;

[0015] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Rear perspective view of the electronic device;

[0016] Figure 5 A perspective view showing an example of an optical component;

[0017] Figure 6 A bottom exploded view of an example of an electronic device with optical components is shown;

[0018] Figure 7 A perspective view showing an example of an optical component;

[0019] Figure 8A A top view showing an example of an optical component;

[0020] Figure 8B It shows Figure 8A A cross-sectional view of the optical components;

[0021] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of an example optical component is shown;

[0022] Figure 10 The graphs showing the reflectivity of various metals in relation to wavelength are presented.

[0023] Figure 11 A close-up cross-sectional view of an example of an optical component is shown;

[0024] Figure 12 A close-up cross-sectional view of an example of an optical component is shown;

[0025] Figure 13 An example of a method for forming an optical component is shown;

[0026] Figure 14A A top view of an example of an optical component during its manufacturing process is shown;

[0027] Figure 14B It shows Figure 14A A cross-sectional view of the optical components; and

[0028] Figure 15 An example of a method for forming an optical component is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Reference will now be made specifically to the representative examples shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the examples to a single preferred embodiment. Rather, the following description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the examples as defined by the appended claims.

[0030] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an optical lens including a first transparent portion, a second transparent portion, and an opaque metal barrier separating the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion. The opaque metal barrier is directly connected to the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion via an aluminum-oxide bond.

[0031] Electronic devices are increasingly including components that can detect or otherwise receive information based on their external environment. For example, smartphones typically include a visible light detector, such as a camera, which receives light from the surrounding environment and processes it into an image displayed to the user. In addition to components for detecting characteristics of the surrounding environment, such as light, electronic devices are increasingly including components that can transmit or emit signals or information into the surrounding environment. Returning to the example of a smartphone including a visible light detector in the form of a camera, such devices may also include a light emitter in the form of a light-emitting diode (LED) flash component. Such an emitting component can work in conjunction with the detector to increase the amount of information detected from the surrounding environment. For example, if the electronic device is in an environment lacking sufficient visible light to produce a significant signal on the camera's light detector, the flash component can be triggered to emit light to illuminate the surrounding environment and allow the detector to receive information suitable for generating an image.

[0032] Encapsulating both a transmitter and a detector within a single electronic device, especially transmitters and detectors that operate within the same wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation or light, can sometimes lead to the generation of spurious signals. In the example of a camera, it is desirable for the camera to detect only light from a desired location in the surrounding environment, thereby generating a signal. However, if the device also includes a transmitter in the form of a flash, using the transmitter and camera simultaneously without optical isolation between the camera and the flash can result in spurious signals. That is, if the flash emits light that travels a path entirely within the device to reach the detector, the light incident on the detector will not originate entirely from the surrounding environment and therefore will not accurately depict that environment. This condition is also known as light leakage or crosstalk. Therefore, it may be desirable for the transmitter to emit electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by the detector and to be optically isolated from these detectors internally.

[0033] In addition to camera and flash systems, other electronic device systems may include electromagnetic radiation emitters and detectors. For example, an electronic device may include a vision system designed to assist in the identification of one or more objects. In some cases, the vision system is designed to provide facial recognition of the user's face. The vision system may include a camera module designed to capture images such as two-dimensional images. The vision system may also include a light-emitting module designed to emit several rays toward an object. The rays can project a dot pattern onto the object. Furthermore, the light-emitting module may emit light in the invisible light spectrum, such as infrared light (or IR light). The vision system may also include an additional camera module designed to receive at least some of the rays reflected from the object, and thus receive the dot pattern after the rays have been reflected by the object. The additional camera module may include a filter designed to filter out light that is not within the spectrum of the light emitted from the light-emitting module. As an example, the filter may include an IR filter designed to block light outside the IR light frequency range. The additional camera module may provide the dot pattern (or a two-dimensional image of the dot pattern) to a processor in the electronic device.

[0034] Other exemplary transmitter and detector systems operating within the same or similar wavelength range may include biometric detection systems. These systems may include components capable of emitting light and projecting it onto a user's body, whereby the emitted light is at least partially reflected back from the user's body toward the device's detector. Since the characteristics of the emitted light are known and controlled by the transmitter, the difference between the characteristics of the light emitted onto the body and the characteristics of the light reflected from the body and received by the detector can be used to determine multiple biometrics or biological characteristics of the user's body, such as the user's pulse, heart activity, and / or other similar biometric characteristics.

[0035] These and other components or systems, including transmitters and detectors, may include opaque structural elements within the device that enclose and optically isolate the transmitter and detector components. These structural elements typically take the form of walls or chambers that laterally optically isolate the components. However, due to their nature, transmitters and detectors must have paths for emitting light into or receiving light from the surrounding environment. Therefore, transparent coverings such as lenses or glass are often used to cover the transmitters and detectors and provide windows to the surrounding environment.

[0036] Furthermore, it may be desirable for the transmitters and detectors of these systems to be positioned relatively close to or adjacent to each other to increase the system's accuracy or sensitivity. Therefore, a single lens or transparent cover can be used to provide a light path to the surrounding environment for both the transmitter and detector. Even when the transmitter and detector are optically isolated within a housing, such as through opaque structural elements, light leakage paths between the transmitter and detector can still exist through the lens or cover. For example, in cases where the system emits and receives light from the surrounding environment through a single lamp or cover, some light from the transmitter may be internally reflected within the shared lens or cover to reach the detector without first interacting with the surrounding environment. As mentioned above, this can lead to crosstalk or spurious signals and can adversely affect the performance of the device.

[0037] The risk and occurrence of unwanted crosstalk and erroneous signals increase with the increasing number of transmitters and detectors arranged in a small space. Recent advances in portable electronic devices can include three, four, five, or even more transmitters and detectors arranged in devices as small as a standard wristwatch, such as within a smartwatch. The various functions requiring transmitters and detectors described above can be housed within the device and behind a single integrated lens having opaque optical isolation features that eliminate or minimize the crosstalk and erroneous signals discussed above. Specifically, the optical isolation features of the optical lenses disclosed herein provide thin, effective optical isolation within the lens, allowing an increased number of transmitters and detectors to be arranged in a compact configuration behind a single lens without negatively impacting functionality.

[0038] In addition to minimizing crosstalk and erroneous signals through unwanted paths in the lens, the opaque optical barrier of this disclosure maximizes the reflectivity of light passing through the transparent portion of the lens and minimizes light absorption in the opaque portion. In one example, this is achieved by providing opaque optical isolation features and regions directly connected to adjacent transparent portions of the lens or optical cover. In this way, there is no intermediate connecting or adhesive layer between the opaque and transparent portions to absorb light. Instead, the opaque portion is made of a metallic material with high reflectivity and low absorption properties directly connected to the adjacent transparent portion. Therefore, light traveling through the transparent portion can be reflected from the adjacent opaque portion without being absorbed by it.

[0039] As described herein, an integrated optical component comprising one or more transparent portions and one or more opaque portions disposed between the transparent portions can be used as a lens or cover for the transmitter and detector of a system without providing any unwanted light paths, thereby reducing or eliminating any light leakage or crosstalk between the transmitter and detector, while further optically isolating these components. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the optical isolation features disclosed herein maximize light transmission through the transparent portions of the lens by minimizing not only transmission through the opaque portions but also by minimizing absorption and maximizing reflectivity so that light emitted by the transmitter and received by the detector is not lost to the opaque portions. Additionally, the integrated optical component serves as a waterproof barrier, thereby preventing moisture from entering the transmitter and detector.

[0040] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 15 These examples, and others, will be discussed here. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the detailed descriptions given herein with reference to these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0041] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of an electronic device 100 is shown. Figure 1 The electronic device 100 shown is a mobile wireless communication device, such as a smartphone. Figure 1 The smartphone is merely a representative example of a device that can be used in conjunction with the systems and methods disclosed herein. Electronic device 100 may correspond to any form of wearable electronic device, portable media player, media storage device, portable digital assistant (“PDA”), tablet computer, computer, mobile communication device, GPS unit, remote control device, or any other electronic device. Electronic device 100 may be referred to as an electronic device or consumer device.

[0042] Electronic device 100 may have a housing including a frame or a housing with a band 102 defining a portion of the outer periphery and outer surface of electronic device 100. The band 102 or a portion thereof may be engaged with one or more other components of the device as described herein. In some examples, the frame band 102 may include several sidewall components, such as a first sidewall component 104, a second sidewall component 106, a third sidewall component 108 (opposite to a sidewall component 104), and a fourth sidewall component (…). Figure 1 (Not shown in the document). The sidewall components may, for example, be engaged with one or more other components of the device at multiple locations, as described herein.

[0043] In some cases, some of the sidewall components form an antenna assembly. Figure 1(Not shown in the image). Therefore, one or more non-metallic materials can separate the sidewall components of strip 102 from each other to electrically isolate the sidewall components. For example, a first separating material 112 separates the first sidewall component 104 from the second sidewall component 106, and a second separating material 114 separates the second sidewall component 106 from the third sidewall component 108. As a non-limiting example, the aforementioned materials may include one or more electrically inert or electrically insulating materials, such as plastics and / or resins. Furthermore, as described herein, one or more sidewall components may be electrically connected to internal components of an electronic device, such as the support plate described herein. In some examples, these electrical connections can be achieved by joining the sidewall components to internal components, for example, as part of an antenna assembly.

[0044] Electronic device 100 may also include a display assembly 116 (shown in dashed lines) covered by a protective cover 118. The display assembly 116 may include multiple layers (discussed below), each providing a unique function. The display assembly 116 may be partially covered by a bezel or frame extending along the outer edge of the protective cover 118 and partially covering the outer edge of the display assembly 116. The bezel may be positioned to conceal or shield any electrical and mechanical connections between the layers of the display assembly 116 and the flexible circuit connectors. Additionally, the bezel may include a uniform thickness. For example, the bezel may include a thickness that does not typically change in the X and Y dimensions.

[0045] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the display assembly 116 may include a notch 122, which indicates the absence of the display assembly 116. The notch 122 allows a vision system to provide information to the electronic device 100 for object recognition, such as facial recognition. In this regard, the electronic device 100 may include a mask layer (as shown by the dashed line) having an opening designed to hide or obscure the vision system while allowing the vision system to provide object recognition information. The protective cover 118 may be formed of a transparent material such as ceramic (including sapphire), glass, plastic, etc. In this regard, the protective cover 118 may be referred to as a transparent cover, a transparent protective cover, or a cover glass (although the protective cover 118 sometimes does not include glass material). Furthermore, in some examples, the protective cover 118 may include some or all of the features of the integrated optical components described herein. In some examples, the protective cover 118 may include one or more transparent portions, for example, covering the emitter and / or detector associated with the vision system, and may also include one or more opaque portions extending the thickness of the cover 118 and disposed between the transparent portions, as described herein.

[0046] like Figure 1As shown, the protective cover 118 includes an opening 124, which can represent a single opening in the protective cover 118. The opening 124 allows acoustic energy (in the form of audible sound) to be transmitted to the electronic device 100, which can be transmitted via a microphone of the electronic device 100. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) is received. Opening 124 may also, or alternatively, allow acoustic energy (in the form of audible sound) to be transmitted outside of the electronic device 100, the acoustic energy being received by the audio module of the electronic device 100 (…). Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) generated.

[0047] Electronic device 100 may also include a port 126 designed to receive a connector of a cable assembly. Port 126 allows electronic device 100 to transmit (send and receive) data and also allows electronic device 100 to receive electrical energy to charge a battery assembly. Therefore, port 126 may include an end electrically coupled to the connector.

[0048] Additionally, the electronic device 100 may include several additional openings. For example, the electronic device 100 may include an opening 128 that allows for the installation of an additional audio module (…). Figure 1 (Not shown) The electronic device 100 emits acoustic energy outside of itself. The electronic device 100 may also include an opening 132 that allows an additional microphone of the electronic device to receive the acoustic energy. Furthermore, the electronic device 100 may include a first fastener 134 and a second fastener 136 designed to securely engage with a rail coupled to the protective cover 118. In this respect, the first fastener 134 and the second fastener 136 are designed to couple the protective cover 118 to the strip 102.

[0049] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of the electronic device. It can be seen that the device 100 may also include a rear cover or rear protective layer 130, which may cooperate with the strap 102 and the protective cover 118 to further define the internal volume and outer surface of the device 100. (See above reference...) Figure 1 The strip 102 may include a first sidewall component 104, a second sidewall component 106, a third sidewall component 108, and a fourth sidewall component 110. The rear cover 130 may be formed of any desired material, such as metal, plastic, ceramic, or composite material. In some examples, the rear cover 130 may be formed of the same or similar material as the protective cover 118. In some examples, the rear cover 130 may be a conductive transparent material, such as indium titanium oxide or conductive silicon dioxide. In some examples, the rear cover 130 may define an aperture or opening for receiving an integrated optical component 132, as further described herein. Figure 2The integrated optical component 132 of the illustrated device 100 may include any of the integrated optical components described herein and their various components. As will be described in more detail below with reference to other examples, the integrated optical component 132 may cover or extend over one or more transmitters and / or detectors to perform functions associated with the transmitters and detectors discussed above.

[0050] Additionally, in some examples, the rear cover 130 itself may include some or all of the features of the integral optical components described herein. For example, the rear cover 130 may include one or more transparent portions, such as those associated with a camera system, covering an emitter and / or detector, and may also include one or more opaque portions that extend the thickness of the cover 130 and are disposed between the transparent portions, as described herein.

[0051] Figure 3 A front perspective view of an example of a wearable electronic device 200 is shown. Figure 3 The electronic device shown is a watch, such as a smartwatch. Figure 3 The smartwatch 200 is merely a representative example of a device that can be used with the components and methods disclosed herein. Electronic device 200 may correspond to any form of wearable electronic device, portable media player, media storage device, portable digital assistant (“PDA”), tablet computer, computer, mobile communication device, GPS unit, remote control device, and other similar electronic devices. Electronic device 200 may be referred to as an electronic device or consumer device. In at least one example, smartwatch 200 may include one or more transmitters and detectors pointing towards the user's skin (e.g., the skin of the user's wrist against which the watch may be pressed during use) to determine multiple biometrics or biological characteristics of the user's body, such as the user's pulse, heart activity, and / or other similar biometric characteristics.

[0052] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The diagram shows a rear perspective view of device 200. In one example, device 200 may include one or more light emitters and detectors / photosensors to monitor a user's physiological information. Figure 4 As shown, device 200 may have one or more transmitter and / or detector windows or lenses, such as integrated optical components 232a, 232b, each of which has integrated, opaque, optically isolated features, as discussed in more detail below.

[0053] In one example, device 200 includes a housing 202 attached to a display window and various input devices, which in the depicted example may include a dial 234 and buttons 236. Device 200 can be worn on a user's wrist and secured to the wrist by a retaining strap 238. The retaining strap 238 includes a first strap segment 238a and a second strap segment 238b, each of which is coupled at one end of each strap segment to a lug 240 and engages within a corresponding recess or opening 242 in the housing 202, thereby allowing each strap segment 238a, 238b to be removably attached to device 200.

[0054] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, housing 202 may include a separate rear cover 244 attached to housing 246. Housing 246 may be made of a metal, ceramic, glass, or plastic material and has an opening configured to receive the rear cover 244. In examples where inductive charging is used to recharge device 200, the rear cover 244 may be made of a ceramic, glass, or plastic material, as described in more detail below, to provide a low-resistance path for inductive charging. However, in examples where inductive charging is not used, the rear cover 244 may be made of any material, including metal. In some examples, device 200 may not have a separate rear cover 244, and housing 202 may be an integral structure with openings for receiving optical components 232a, 232b. In examples where the rear cover is not used for inductive charging, housing 202 may be made of a ceramic, glass, or plastic material. However, in examples where the rear cover is not used for inductive charging, housing 202 may be made of any material, including metal.

[0055] The first optical component 232a and the second optical component 232b, also referred to as inserts, respectively engage within openings formed in the housing 202 or the rear cover 244 and are exposed on the bottom surface 248 of the housing. The openings extend from the inner surface of the housing 202 to the outer surface of the housing, and thus the first optical component 232a and the second optical component 232b respectively allow light to pass through the housing. As discussed above, in some examples, the housing 202 may include the rear cover 244 and the openings may be formed in the rear cover 244.

[0056] The first optical component 232a and the second optical component 232b respectively enable the transmitter and detector inside the housing 202 to ( Figure 4(Not shown) can monitor a user's physiological information (such as blood oxygen saturation, CO2 levels, and heart rate) by collecting information from the user's skin and / or underlying tissue. According to some examples of this disclosure, either or both of optical components 232a and 232b may include multiple distinct transparent regions separated by one or more opaque portions. For example, optical component 232a may include a first transparent region 250a that allows transmitted light from a respective emitter to strike the user's skin, and a second transparent region 252a that allows light reflected from the user's skin and / or underlying tissue to be received by a detector. A first opaque portion 254a may be disposed between the first transparent region 250a and the second transparent region 252a to isolate transmitted light from reflected light, so that the reflected light originates primarily from the user and not from within the first optical component 250a.

[0057] Similarly, the second optical component 232b may include two transparent regions 256b and 258b separated by a second opaque portion 260b. The second optical component 232b can be used in a similar manner to the first optical component 232a. In some examples, the first optical component 232a may be used for a first type of physiological sensor, and the second optical component 232b may be used for a different type of physiological sensor. For example, the first emitter / detector group may employ light of a first wavelength, and the window 232a may include transparent regions 250a and 252a that are transparent to the first wavelength. Similarly, the second emitter / detector group may employ light of a second wavelength different from that of the first group, and the window 232b may include transparent regions 256b and 258 that are transparent to the second wavelength. The emitter / detector group, the first optical component 232a, and the second optical component 232b, as well as the functionality of a particular type of emitter and / or detector, will be discussed in more detail below.

[0058] Wearable electronic device 200 includes circuitry, sensors, one or more electronic components, a display, and an input device. Figure 4 (Not all shown in the image) enables it to perform a variety of functions, including but not limited to: holding time; monitoring the user's physiological signals and providing health-related information based on these signals; communicating with other electronic devices (wired or wirelessly); providing prompts to the user, which may include audio, tactile, visual, and / or other sensory outputs, any one or all of which may be synchronized with each other; visually depicting data on a display; collecting data from one or more sensors that can be used to activate, control, or modify the operation of the device; determining the location of a touch on the device surface and / or the magnitude of a force applied to the device, and using any one or both as input; accepting voice input to control one or more functions; accepting tactile input to control one or more functions; and so on.

[0059] Figure 5 A perspective view shows an example of an integrated optical component (independent of any device to which the component can be integrated), which may be similar to... Figure 4 The optical components 232a and 232b are shown. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the optical component 232 may include an opaque portion 260 disposed between the first transparent region 256 and the second transparent region 258. In some examples, the outer surface 262 of the optical component 232 may be profiled and shaped before the component 232 is assembled into the rear cover 244 (see Figure 1B). In some examples, the outer surface 262 may be flat, convex, or any other shape. A convex shape may allow for improved contact with the user's skin and may be more comfortable for the user compared to other shapes. The periphery 264 of the integral optical component 232 may be flat (e.g., not convex) to allow the window to be mounted within the rear cover 244 and to facilitate polishing and finishing without creating sharp, easily breakable edges. The first opaque portion 260 may be disposed between the first transparent region 256 and the second transparent region 258 using numerous manufacturing methods, some of which are described in more detail below.

[0060] Figures 3 to 5 Any of the features, components, or parts shown (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components, or parts shown in the other figures (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination. Figures 3 to 5 Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0061] Now for reference Figure 6 An exploded view of another example of a wearable electronic device 300 is shown, which may include a housing 302 and a cover 303 attached to the housing 302. The housing 302 may substantially define at least a portion of the outer surface of the device 300 and may include a shell 346 defining a bottom surface 348. The cover 303 may include glass, ceramic, plastic, or any other substantially transparent material, part, or component. The cover 303 may cover or otherwise cover a display, camera, touch-sensitive surface such as a touchscreen, or any component of the device 300. The cover 303 may define the front outer surface of the device 300.

[0062] The rear housing 348 may be made of ceramic, plastic, metal, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the housing 348 may include an integral optical component 332, also referred to as at least partially electromagnetically transparent component 332. The optical component 332 may include one or more portions that are transparent to electromagnetic radiation of any desired wavelength, such as visible light, infrared light, radio waves, or combinations thereof, and one or more opaque portions disposed between the electromagnetically transparent portions.

[0063] In some examples, the transparent portion of the integrated optical component 332 may be positioned above one or more electromagnetic radiation emitters and / or detectors, while the opaque portion may suppress or prevent electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitters from leaking to the detector along undesired paths. The housing 302, cover 303, and casing 348 together substantially define the internal volume and external surface of the wearable electronic device 300.

[0064] The electronic device 300 may also include a retaining strap 338, or other components designed to attach the device 300 to a user or otherwise provide wearable functionality. In some examples, the retaining strap 338 may be a flexible material that comfortably allows the device 300 to be held in a desired position on the user's body. The retaining strap 338 may be as described in the reference. Figure 4 The device 200 shown is removably attached to the housing 302 in a similar manner to that discussed.

[0065] Figure 7 A perspective view showing an example of an optical component 332 in an electronic device is shown, which may be similar to... Figure 6 The exploded view shows the optical component 332 disposed together with the device 300. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the optical component 332 may include a first transparent portion 250, a second transparent portion 252, and a third transparent portion 256. In some examples, and as shown, the second transparent portion 252 may surround the first transparent portion 250, while the third transparent portion 256 may surround both the first transparent portion 250 and the second transparent portion 252. Figure 7 Only one specific exemplary arrangement of the transparent portions 250, 252, and 256 is shown. The optical component 332 may include any number and configuration of transparent portions, as further described herein.

[0066] Continue to refer to Figure 7A first opaque portion 354 may be disposed between a first transparent portion 350 and a second transparent portion 352, and a second opaque portion 360 may be disposed between the second transparent portion 352 and a third transparent portion 356. In this example, the opaque portions 354 and 360 may completely surround the periphery of the respective adjacent transparent portions 350 and 352, although in some other examples, one or more opaque portions may not completely surround the transparent portions. In some examples, the outer surfaces of the transparent portions 350, 352, and 356 and the outer surfaces of the opaque portions 332 and 334 may be horizontal, flush, or straight with each other, and may together define the surface of the optical component 332, and may at least partially define the outer surface of an electronic device such as device 300.

[0067] The term "flush" means approximately flat or level at or within a substantially equal plane, or a smooth transition between curved surfaces such that there is no abrupt change in height or angle from the surface of one component to the surface of the next. A "flush" surface may include two or more adjacent surfaces. In some examples, flush surfaces may have an average surface roughness (R0) of less than 10 micrometers, less than 5 micrometers, less than 1 micrometer, less than 0.75 micrometers, less than 0.5 micrometers, less than 0.25 micrometers, or less than 0.1 micrometers or less. a ).

[0068] In some examples, the opaque portions 354, 360 may extend the entire thickness or height "h" of the optical component 332. In these examples, the opaque portions 354, 360 may prevent electromagnetic radiation such as visible light or infrared light from being reflected from one transparent portion to another within the optical component 332.

[0069] The transparent portions 350, 352, and 356 and the opaque portions 354 and 360 can be formed in or may be included in substantially any material having a desired level of transmittance or opacity within any desired electromagnetic radiation range. For example, the transparent portions 350, 352, and 356 can be formed in or may be included in a material that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum, infrared light, ultraviolet light, radio waves, or light in any other desired wavelength range. Furthermore, the transparent portions 350, 352, and 356 do not need to be completely transparent to light in one or more desired wavelength ranges. For example, for some applications, the transparent portions 350, 352, and 356 may be 90% transparent, 80% transparent, 70% transparent, 50% transparent, 25% transparent, or even lower.

[0070] In some examples, one or more transparent portions 350, 352, 356 may be formed in or may include any desired material, such as ceramic or polymeric materials. In some examples, one or more transparent portions 350, 352, 356 may include ceramic materials, such as sapphire, glass, zirconium oxide, spinel, and / or other ceramic materials that are light-transmitting to the desired wavelength range. Other materials may include quartz or aluminum oxynitride. In some examples, one or more transparent portions 350, 352, 356 may be formed in polymeric materials, such as polycarbonate, acrylics, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and / or other polymeric materials that are light-transmitting to the desired wavelength range. In some examples, one or more transparent portions 350, 352, 356 may include ceramic materials, and one or more other transparent portions 350, 352, 356 may include polymeric materials.

[0071] The opaque portions 354, 360 may comprise or be formed of a metallic material and formed to a sufficient thickness such that the opaque portions 354, 360 are opaque to light within a desired wavelength range, such as aluminum, titanium, silver, gold, copper, zirconium, or other metals. In some examples, one or more opaque portions 354, 360 may be formed in or comprise any desired material, such as ceramic or polymeric materials.

[0072] The transparent portions 350, 352, 356 and the opaque portions 354, 360 can be directly joined together without any intermediate material layers (such as adhesive layers, welding or connecting material layers, etc.) to form a substantially monolithic body or optical component 332. The term "monolithic" means a generally single or solid body. A "monolithic" component may include two or more parts or sections that are joined, connected, fused or otherwise held together as a single component or part.

[0073] For example, the opaque portion 360 can be joined to the transparent portion 356 by directly fusing the materials of each portion 360, 356 together, as described herein. Other methods for joining, bonding, or integrally forming one or more portions can be used in any desired combination. In some examples, the surface of the optical component 332 (e.g., the surface that at least partially defines the outer surface of the electronic device) may have a larger transparent material surface area than the opaque material surface area. That is, the transparent portions 350, 352, 356 may define a larger surface area of ​​the optical component 332 than the opaque portions 354, 360. However, in some other examples, the surface of the optical component 332 that at least partially defines the outer surface of the electronic device may have an opaque material surface area larger than the transparent material surface area.

[0074] Optical component 332 may include any number of transparent portions 356 and opaque portions 360 separating the transparent portions 360. The opaque portions 360 and transparent portions 356 of a single integral optical component 332 may be formed together and combined in any number of configurations to form the optical boundary and transparent region of the optical component 332, which may have any shape and desired configuration to accommodate any location of an emitter and detector disposed within the device 300 and below the optical component 332. The integral optical component 332 may include a flush outer surface defined by the opaque portions 360 and transparent portions 356, and the opaque portions 360 may prevent or suppress internally reflected light from passing between the transparent portions 356 of the optical component 332.

[0075] In addition to the opaque parts described in this article (including) Figure 7 In addition to the optical isolation function of the opaque portion 360 shown, one or more thermally conductive materials (including the various metallic materials described herein) may be used to form the opaque portion 360, such that the opaque portion 360 forms an insulated thermal path through the optical component 332. For example, heat can be transferred through the optical component 332 via the opaque portion 360, while the less conductive ceramic transparent portions 350, 352, 356 act as insulators to limit or prevent heat transfer therethrough.

[0076] In this way, the thermally conductive opaque portion can be positioned within the optical component 332 to maximize heat transfer from the interior to the exterior of the device 300, or vice versa. In one example, the location of one or more opaque portions 360 may correspond to the location of a heat-generating internal component of the device 300. In one example, one or more opaque portions 360 may contact the heat-generating component or otherwise connect to it via a heat transfer path. Therefore, heat can be transferred from the heat-generating component to the exterior of the device via the opaque portions 360.

[0077] Similarly, in some examples, the opaque portion 360 may be conductive, such that each opaque portion 360 may be part of a circuit or form an electrical signal pass-through feature. In such examples, the opaque portion 360 may transmit electrical signals through optical components. In one example, the conductive opaque portion 360 may form one or more electrodes that serve as part of a capacitive touch layer for use as a capacitive sensor.

[0078] Any number or type of electronic device component may include two or more transparent portions and at least one opaque portion disposed between the transparent portions, as described herein. The process for forming such a monolithic component may include any combination of joining, connecting, co-forming, or fusing these portions together, as described herein. The monolithic component may include a flush outer surface defined by the opaque and transparent portions, and the opaque portion may prevent or suppress the passage of internally reflected light between the transparent portions of the component. References below... Figures 8A to 15 Various other examples of integral optical components including opaque and transparent portions, as described herein, and their fabrication processes are further described.

[0079] Figures 6 to 7 Any of the features, components, or parts shown (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components, or parts shown in the other figures (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination. Figures 6 to 7 Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0080] Along these lines, Figure 8A A top view of an example of an integrated optical component 432 is shown, which includes transparent portions 452a, 452b, 452c, and 452d (collectively referred to as "transparent portions 452" or "separate transparent portions 452") separated from a transparent portion 456 by respective opaque portions 460a, 460b, 460c, and 460d (collectively referred to as "opaque portions 460" or "separate opaque portions 460"). As shown, a plurality of annular or circular opaque portions 460 may be positioned within or across the thickness of the optical component 432 such that light transmitted through the transparent portions 452 does not cross the opaque portions 460 into the transparent portion 456. Figure 8A The example shown includes four opaque portions 460, which are equidistant and radially spaced at a specific radius from the center of the optical component 456. It should be understood that, as mentioned above, the number, size, position, and orientation of each opaque portion 460 may vary in one or more other examples.

[0081] Figure 8B It shows in Figure 8AA cross-sectional view of the optical component 432 is shown in plane 8A as indicated in the figure. As shown, the opaque portion 460 extends through the entire thickness of the optical component 432, such that opposing surfaces of the optical component (e.g., its upper and lower surfaces) are defined by the upper and lower surfaces of the opaque portion 460 and the transparent portions 452, 456. As described above, and referring to one or more other examples, the opaque portion 460 and the transparent portions 452, 456 cooperate to form a flush, smooth, flat surface of the optical component 432 as a single integral component.

[0082] In at least one example, the opaque portion 460 and the transparent portions 452 and 456 are directly connected to each other, such as Figure 8B As shown, there is no intermediate material layer (such as an adhesive layer or other layers disposed therebetween). That is, one or more metallic materials of the opaque portion 460 are directly bonded to the transparent portions 452, 456 via a direct chemical bond between the material of the opaque portion 460 and the material of the transparent portions 452, 456. In this way, the transmission of light through the transparent portions 452, 456 is maximized because the opaque metal barrier or portion 460 is a highly reflective metallic material, and light absorption is minimized within the opaque portion 460.

[0083] Figures 8A to 8B Any of the features, components, or parts shown (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components, or parts shown in the other figures (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination. Figures 8A to 8B Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0084] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view is shown of another example of an integral optical component 532 or lens disposed within an aperture in housing 546. The optical component 532 includes an opaque region 560 that separates transparent portions 552, 556, thereby forming a metallic optical barrier extending from a first surface of the optical component 532 or lens to a second surface opposite to the first surface through the thickness of the optical component 532. Figure 9 As shown in the example, the thickness of the optical component 532 can vary. The optical component 532 (including its opaque and transparent portions 560, 552, 556) defines a curved outer surface 562 and a flat inner surface 566, wherein the outer surface 562 is configured to press against the skin of a user of a device in which the wearable housing 546 and the optical component 532 are part.

[0085] In one or more other examples, the inner surface 566 and the outer surface 562 may be flat or curved with any desired curvature. As shown, each surface 562, 566 may be flush and smooth with the continuous boundary between the opaque and transparent portions 552, 556. Moreover, in at least one example, the optical component 532 may include transparent portions 552, 556 formed of sapphire and opaque portions 560 formed of metal (such as aluminum or titanium). The opaque portion 560 may be directly connected to the transparent portions 552, 556. In this way, the opaque portion 560 forms an opaque metal barrier between the sapphire transparent portions 552, 556. In this way, in at least one example, the outer surface 562 may be defined by the outer surface of each of the transparent portions 552, 556 and the outer surface of the opaque metal barrier / portion 560, which together form a continuous, flush, uninterrupted, and continuous outer surface 562. As shown in the figure, this also applies to the inner surfaces of each part 560, 552, 556, forming a continuous, flush, uninterrupted, and continuous inner surface 566, which is the opposite of the outer surface 562.

[0086] Figure 9 Any of the features, components, or parts shown (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components, or parts shown in the other figures (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination. Figure 9 Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0087] As described above, various examples of optical components disclosed herein may include opaque portions (also referred to as optical isolators or opaque barriers) comprising a reflective metallic material. The metal of the opaque portion may include one or more of aluminum, titanium, gold, silver, copper, or other suitable metals. Figure 10 As shown, these and other metals are highly reflective for many wavelengths and wavelength ranges, making them excellent candidates for forming the metal isolators / barriers described herein, to achieve the advantage of maximizing light transmission through adjacent transparent portions of the lens. Figure 10 As shown in the graphs, silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu), and aluminum (Al) exhibit similar total reflectivity at wavelengths equal to or higher than approximately 1000 nm. Other metals (such as titanium and others) exhibit similar reflective properties, making titanium a good candidate for forming the opaque optical barriers / parts described herein.

[0088] Furthermore, these and other metals do not significantly absorb light at similar wavelengths (including wavelengths suitable for biometric and other sensing functions of transmitters and detectors in wearable electronic devices discussed above). Therefore, as light travels through the transparent portion of the optical lens / component described herein, some of that light may impact adjacent opaque portions of the lens. These opaque regions formed of one or more metals, as described herein and / or discussed with reference to Figure 10, will reflect light instead of absorbing it, allowing the light to continue traveling through the transparent portion. Because the opaque portion of the optical component described herein is directly connected to the transparent portion, there are no other intermediate layers or materials to absorb light or reduce the reflectivity of the opaque portion.

[0089] Figure 11 A close-up cross-sectional view of an optical lens 632, which may be similar to other integrated optical components described herein, is shown. In the illustrated example of lens 632, an opaque metal barrier or metal optical isolator 660 (which may be similar to other opaque portions described herein) separates two transparent substrates 652 and 656, which may be similar to other transparent portions described herein.

[0090] Optical isolator 660 is directly bonded to adjacent transparent substrates 652, 656. In one example, transparent substrates 652, 656 comprise sapphire, and the optical isolator comprises aluminum. During formation, a bonding interface or boundary between the optical isolator 660 and the adjacent transparent substrates 652, 656 may be formed in the transition region Tr indicated on each side of the optical isolator 660 in FIG. 11. In at least one example, the transition region Tr defines a boundary of a certain thickness between the optical isolator 660 and the adjacent transparent substrates 652, 656. The boundary or transition region Tr may include the thickness of the optical lens 632 (from the transparent substrates 652, 656 to the optical isolator 660), wherein the material of the optical isolator 660 forms a material / chemical bond with the adjacent material of the transparent portions 652, 656. In at least one example, the optical isolator 660 includes a first transition region Tr between the optical isolator 660 and a first transparent substrate 652, and the optical isolator 660 includes a second transition region Tr between the optical isolator 660 and a second transparent substrate 656. In at least one example, the transition region Tr may be part of the optical isolator 660 such that its thickness may include the thickness of the transition region Tr when describing its thickness. In such examples, the optical isolator may include the transition region Tr.

[0091] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11A close-up view of one of the transition regions Tr shown illustrates the bonding material between the optical isolator 660 and the adjacent transparent substrate 656. As shown, at the first end 668 or boundary of the transition region Tr closest to the metallic optical isolator 660, the transition region Tr constitutes most (if not all) of the metallic material of the optical isolator 660. Conversely, at the second end 670 or boundary of the transition region Tr closest to the material of the transparent substrate 656, the transition region Tr of the optical lens 632 comprises most (if not all) of the material of the transparent substrate 656. In the example shown, the material of the optical isolator 660 may be aluminum and the material of the transparent substrate 656 may be sapphire.

[0092] Between the first end 668 and the second end 670 of the transition region Tr, the intermediate portion or thickness 672 of the transition region Tr may comprise a mixture or gradient of aluminum and sapphire materials, respectively, from the optical isolator 660 and the transparent substrate 656. Furthermore, the intermediate portion or thickness 672 of the transition region Tr may include material / chemical bonding, including aluminum-oxide (Al-O) bonding that anchors the optical isolator 660 to the adjacent transparent substrate 656. In this manner, the optical isolator 660 (an opaque metal barrier / part) is directly bonded to the first transparent substrate / part 652 and the second transparent part / substrate 656 via aluminum-oxide (Al-O) bonding. In one example, Tr may include amorphous structures or bonding (such as amorphous solids, where atoms and molecules are not organized in a defined lattice pattern) in the transition region Tr. In another example, the transition region Tr may include crystalline structures or bonding in the transition region Tr.

[0093] The Al-O bond in the transition region Tr forms a sufficiently strong bond to prevent damage to the monolithic optical lens 632 at the boundary between the optical isolator 660 and the adjacent transparent substrates 652, 656. In at least one example, the optical lens 632 (including the transition region Tr and the boundary between the various opaque and transparent portions of the lens 632, including the bond between the optical isolator 660 and the adjacent transparent substrates 652, 6556) may have at least about 2 bar of resistance or about 5 bar of resistance, including the shear resistance or "push-out" resistance at the boundary of the transition region Tr between the optical isolator 660 and the adjacent transparent substrates 652, 656 as described above. In some examples, the shear strength includes a resistance of at least 7.5 bar or at least 10 bar. In at least one example, the aluminum material of the optical isolator 660 may include magnesium-containing 5XXX series aluminum, which can improve the bond strength. In this way, the Al-O bond in the transition region Tr forms the optical lens 632 as a single, strong monolithic component.

[0094] The optical isolators described herein (including) Figure 11The thickness T of the optical isolator 660 shown OI Sufficiently thick to be completely opaque, and allowing the thickness T of the transition zone Tr on either side of the optical isolator 660 to be [thickness T]. Tr The thickness T is at least twice that of the material adjacent to the transparent substrates 652 and 656 to facilitate complete bonding. Therefore, in at least one example, the thickness T of the transition region Tr is... Tr It can be at least about 50 nm. In some examples, the thickness T of the transition region Tr is... Tr It can be between approximately 50 nm and approximately 100 nm. In some other examples, the thickness T... Tr It can be greater than approximately 100 nm, for example, between approximately 100 nm and approximately 200 nm. Therefore, the thickness T of the optical isolator 660 OI The thickness T of the transition region Tr Tr The thickness is at least twice that of the optical isolator 660. Therefore, the thickness T of the optical isolator 660 is... OI Corresponding examples could be at least about 100nm, between about 100nm and about 200nm, or greater than about 200nm, for example, between about 200nm and about 400nm.

[0095] Furthermore, the thickness T of the optical isolator 660 (and other opaque portions and barriers described herein) IO The grooves or spaces can be determined by the manufacturing process used to form the recesses or spaces within the transparent substrates 652, 656 (including other transparent portions of the optical components and lenses described herein). For example, a single transparent substrate may have recesses cut into it by chemical etching, laser cutting, or CNC machining. The recesses may be formed only partially through the thickness of the substrate, allowing metallic material of the opaque portions to be inserted, melted, bonded, or otherwise formed within the recesses. Reference will be made below. Figures 13 to 15 Further steps for forming various examples of the optical components / lenses described herein are described in more detail. However, the thickness T of the optical isolators and opaque barriers / parts described herein varies depending on the manufacturing method. IO It can be less than about 200 μm or less than about 100 μm, for example, between about 200 nm and about 100 μm. In some examples, the thickness T of the optical isolators and opaque barriers / parts described herein... IO It can be smaller than about 200nm, for example, less than 100nm or between about 50nm and 100nm.

[0096] Figures 11 to 12Any of the features, components, or parts shown (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components, or parts shown in the other figures (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination. Figures 11 to 12 Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0097] exist Figure 13 An example of a method 790 for forming various examples of the optical components described herein is shown, wherein each step shows a top view of the component and an associated cross-sectional view directly below the top view. In at least one example, the method 790 for forming the optical component includes a step 774 of providing a transparent material 756. Another step 776 may include forming a groove 784 in the transparent material 756 only partially through the thickness of the transparent material 756. As described above, the groove may be formed in the transparent material 756 by laser cutting, chemical etching, machining, or other means. Another step 778 may include filling the groove 784 with a metallic material 786 (in the form of powder, metal beads, metal wire, or other parts of one or more metallic materials described herein). Another step 780 may include melting the metallic material 786 within the groove 784, such that a bond is formed between the metallic material 786 and the sidewalls of the groove 784. Once the metal material 786 has been attached to the transparent material 756 within the groove 784, another step 782 may include a grinding, lubrication, and / or polishing process for forming a flush, flat surface on either side of the optical component and exposing the opaque portion 756 to be flush with the outer surface along with the outer surface of the transparent portion 756.

[0098] Figure 14A and Figure 14B They are shown respectively Figure 13 The top and cross-sectional views show an example of step 778, which forms an integral optical component or lens as described herein. Figure 14A and Figure 14B In the example shown, one or more tubular or other shaped wires 886 of metal may be placed into various grooves 884 of transparent material 856 in preparation for melting and bonding the metal material to the transparent material 856 within the grooves 884. In at least one example, where the wires 886 comprise AWG 19 aluminum wire, the top wire may be approximately 9 mm longer than the bottom wire, and the bottom wire may be approximately 7 mm long.

[0099] Figures 14A to 14BAny of the features, components, or parts shown (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components, or parts shown in the other figures (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination. Figure 14A to Figure 14B Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0100] Figure 15 Another example of a method 990 for forming one or more integral optical components (including the various examples described herein) is shown. In at least one example of method 990, the step includes drilling a hole 988 through an elongated portion of a cylindrical or other shape of transparent material 956. Another step of method 990 may include extruding a metallic material to form a tube 960 having an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the hole 988 in the transparent material 956. Another step may include forming a rod 952 of transparent material having an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the metal tube 960. The combined rod 952 and tube 960 may then be placed into the hole 988 in another step. A melting step 992 may then be performed to connect the metal tube 960 to adjacent transparent material portions 956, 952 to form a single integral body. Another step may include laterally cutting or slicing across the integral body to form an integral optical component 932 similar to other examples of optical components / lenses described herein.

[0101] Figure 15 Any of the features, components, or parts shown (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination, in any of the other examples of devices, features, components, and parts shown in the other figures. Similarly, any of the features, components, or parts shown in the other figures (including their arrangement and configuration) may be included, alone or in any combination. Figure 15 Examples of devices, features, components, and parts are shown.

[0102] Any of the features or aspects of the components discussed herein may be combined or included in any varied combination. For example, the design and shape of a monolithic optical component are not limited in any way and can be formed by any number of processes, including those discussed herein. Components as discussed herein, comprising one or more transparent components and one or more opaque components, may be or can form all or part of components of an electronic device, such as a housing or enclosure. Components may also be or form any number of additional components of an electronic device, including internal components, external components, housings, surfaces, or partial surfaces.

[0103] Within the limits applicable to this technology, the collection and use of data from various sources can be used to improve the delivery of inspirational or other content that may be of interest to users. This disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, such collected data may include personal information that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate specific individuals. Such personal information may include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, etc. ID, home address, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

[0104] This disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the techniques of this invention can benefit users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of interest to the user. Therefore, the use of such personal information data enables users to have planned control over the delivered content. Furthermore, this disclosure also anticipates other uses of personal information data that are beneficial to users. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into a user's overall health status or as positive feedback for individuals using technology to pursue health goals.

[0105] This disclosure assumes that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing, or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. These policies should be readily accessible to users and should be updated as data collection and / or use change. Personal information from users should be collected for the entity's lawful and reasonable purposes and not shared or sold outside of these lawful uses. Furthermore, such collection / sharing should be conducted only after obtaining informed consent from users. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to protect and safeguard access to such personal information data and ensure that others with access to such personal information data comply with their privacy policies and processes. Additionally, such entities may be subject to third-party evaluations to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Furthermore, policies and practices should be adapted to the specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards, including specific considerations regarding jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, the collection or acquisition of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); while in other countries, health data may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained for different types of personal data in each country.

[0106] Regardless of the foregoing, this disclosure also envisions examples of users selectively blocking the use or access to personal information data. That is, this disclosure anticipates providing hardware and / or software components to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, with regard to advertising delivery services, the inventive technology can be configured to allow users to opt-in or opt-out at any time during or after service registration to participate in the collection of personal information data. In another example, users can choose not to provide emotion-related data for a targeted content delivery service. In yet another example, users can choose to limit the duration for which emotion-related data is retained, or completely prohibit the development of underlying emotional states. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, this disclosure envisions providing notifications related to access to or use of personal information. For example, users can be notified when downloading an application that their personal information data will be accessed, and then reminded again just before the application accesses the personal information data.

[0107] Furthermore, the purpose of this disclosure is to manage and process personal information data to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Once data is no longer needed, this risk can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data. Additionally, and where applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data deidentification can be used to protect user privacy. Deidentification can be facilitated, where appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than the address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data among users), and / or other methods.

[0108] Therefore, while this disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed examples, it also contemplates that various examples can be implemented without access to such personal information data. That is, various examples of the inventive technology will not be rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or part of such personal information data. For example, preferences can be inferred based on non-personal information data or a minimal amount of personal information such as content requested by a device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery service, or publicly available information, thereby selecting content and delivering it to the user.

[0109] As used herein, the terms exterior, outside, interior, inside, top, and bottom are for reference only. An exterior portion or outer portion of a component may form part of the outer surface of the component, but may not necessarily form the entire exterior of the outer surface of the component. Similarly, an interior portion or inner portion of a component may form or define the interior portion or inner portion of the component, but may also form or define part of the outer surface or outer surface of the component. In some orientations of a component, the top portion of the component may be located above the bottom portion of the component, but may also be in a straight line with, below, or otherwise spatially related to the bottom portion, depending on the orientation of the component.

[0110] This document describes various inventions with reference to certain specific embodiments and examples. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, as those set forth in the following claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications disclosed herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The terms “comprising” and “having” as used in the specification and claims shall have the same meaning as the term “including”.

[0111] For illustrative purposes, the foregoing description uses specific names to provide a thorough understanding of the examples. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the examples. Therefore, the foregoing description of the specific examples described herein is presented for purposes of illustration and description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these examples to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above.

Claims

1. An optical lens, comprising: a first transparent portion; a second transparent portion; and an opaque metallic barrier separating the first transparent portion from the second transparent portion; and a transition region between the opaque metallic barrier and the first transparent portion; wherein the opaque metallic barrier is directly bonded to the first transparent portion and the second transparent portion via aluminum-oxide (Al-O) bonds; and wherein a thickness of the opaque metallic barrier is at least twice a thickness of the transition region, wherein the transition region comprises the Al-O bonds.

2. The optical lens of claim 1, wherein: the optical lens defines a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and the opaque metallic barrier extends from the first surface to the second surface.

3. The optical lens of claim 2, wherein: the first surface is defined by an outer surface of the first transparent portion, an outer surface of the second transparent portion, and an outer surface of the opaque metallic barrier; and the outer surfaces of the first and second transparent portions are flush with the outer surface of the opaque metallic barrier.

4. The optical lens of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the opaque metallic barrier is between about 200 nm and about 100 pm.

5. The optical lens of claim 1, wherein the opaque metallic barrier comprises aluminum.

6. The optical lens of claim 5, wherein the first and second transparent portions comprise ceramic.

7. The optical lens of claim 6, wherein the first and second transparent portions comprise sapphire.

8. The optical lens of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the transition region is at least about 50 nm.

9. The optical lens of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the transition region is at least about 100 nm.

10. An optical component, comprising: a metallic optical isolator directly bonded to a ceramic transparent substrate; and a transition region extending between the optical isolator and the ceramic transparent substrate; and wherein a thickness of the metallic optical isolator is at least twice a thickness of the transition region, wherein the transition region comprises aluminum-oxide (Al-O) bonds.

11. The optical component of claim 10, wherein a thickness of the transition region thickness is between about 50 nm and about 200 nm.

12. The optical component of claim 11, wherein the thickness of the transition region comprises an amorphous structure.

13. The optical component of claim 11, wherein the thickness of the transition region comprises a crystalline structure.

14. An optical lens disposed within an aperture of an electronic device, the optical lens comprising: a first transparent portion; a second transparent portion; and an opaque metallic portion disposed between and directly bonded to the first and second transparent portions; and a transition region between the opaque metallic portion and the first and second transparent portions. a transition zone between the opaque metallic portion and the first transparent portion and between the opaque metallic portion and the second transparent portion, wherein the thickness of the opaque metallic portion is less than about 200 µm; and wherein the thickness of the opaque metallic portion is at least twice the thickness of the transition zone, wherein the transition zone comprises an aluminum-oxide, Al-O, junction.

15. The optical lens of claim 14, wherein the thickness is less than about 100 µm.

16. The optical lens of claim 14, wherein the thickness is between about 50 µm and about 100 µm.

17. The optical lens of claim 14, wherein the transition zone comprises an amorphous transition zone.

18. The optical lens of claim 14, wherein the transition zone comprises a crystalline transition zone.

Images