Laser marked electronic equipment housings

Abstract

A housing for an electronic device is disclosed. The surface of the housing includes a laser-formed mark. The mark includes a plurality of laser-formed pixels and may include a grayscale image. An electronic device including the laser-marked housing and a technique for laser marking the housing are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a non-provisional patent application of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 248,271, filed on September 24, 2021, and entitled “Laser-Marked Electronic Device Housings,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The described embodiments generally relate to laser-formed markings on electronic device housings. More specifically, the present embodiments relate to laser-formed images and other laser-formed markings comprising a plurality of pixels formed in a surface area of ​​a housing. Background Art

[0004] Electronic devices often include a housing or other external component that can be marked or printed. Some conventional printing techniques apply ink or paint to the housing to create a mark. However, marks formed by ink or paint can be worn away when the device is handled.

[0005]

[0013] Embodiments described herein relate to labels for electronic devices that may have advantages over labels produced using some conventional printing techniques. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments described herein relate to laser-formed markings on the outer surface of an electronic device housing. The markings may be formed in a surface area of ​​the housing and in some cases are grayscale images. Also described herein are electronic devices including laser-marked housings and techniques for laser marking the housings.

[0007] In some cases, the marking comprises one or more laser-formed pixels formed in a surface area of ​​the housing. In an embodiment, the housing comprises a laser-modifiable material, and each laser-formed pixel comprises a laser-modified material. In an embodiment, the laser-formed pixels are configured to produce a visual contrast with a surface area of ​​the housing that is not substantially laser-modified. In some cases, the laser-formed pixels may be configured to appear darker than a surface area of ​​the housing that is not substantially laser-modified. In an embodiment, the laser-modifiable material comprises a polymer and a pigment dispersed within the polymer.

[0008] In an embodiment, one or more portions of the mark have a color that is visually different from another surface area of ​​the shell. In some cases, the laser-formed pixels are configured so that one or more portions of the mark have a brightness value that produces a dark appearance and does not give the mark an undesirable roughness, gloss level and / or yellowing, as described in more detail below. In an embodiment, the color of a portion of the mark depends in part on the density of the laser-formed pixels in the portion. In some cases, different portions of the mark have pixels formed by lasers of different densities, and the pixels formed by the lasers of these different densities produce different brightness values ​​in different portions of the mark.

[0009] One or more portions of the indicia may have a different surface roughness than the surface areas of the housing that were not substantially laser-modified. However, one or more portions of the indicia may be configured to have a surface roughness that does not feel overly rough when a user moves a finger over the indicia. In some cases, the difference in surface roughness may be small enough that these portions of the indicia have a similar tactile "feel" as the surface areas of the housing that were not substantially laser-modified.

[0010] In some embodiments, each laser-formed pixel defines a surface feature along the outer surface of the housing. In some cases, these surface features define high points or peaks on the surface, as described in more detail below and Figure 3 As shown. When pixels in a laser-formed pixel array overlap, the surface features may also overlap, but each pixel of the array may define a peak. However, the pixels formed by the laser may be configured so that the surface features are not individually perceptible to the user, and so that when the user moves a finger over the mark, the surface features do not feel overly rough. As an example, the average height of the surface features may be in the range of 0.2 microns to 0.75 microns, 0.2 microns to 0.5 microns, 0.5 microns to 1.0 microns, 1.0 microns to 1.5 microns, or 1.0 microns to 2.0 microns to achieve these effects. As a further example, the surface features may have an arithmetic mean height of less than 0.75 microns, less than 0.5 microns, less than 0.4 microns, less than 0.3 microns, less than 0.2 microns, or less than 0.1 microns. For other suitable ranges of the height parameter, see Figure 3 description and will not be repeated here.

[0011] One or more portions of the marking may have a gloss value that is different from that of the non-laser modified surface area of ​​the housing. However, the laser-formed pixels may be configured to minimize such differences in gloss values. For example, the surface features defined by the laser-formed pixels may be configured to minimize differences in gloss values. In some cases, the difference in gloss values ​​may be less than 90 gloss units, less than 85 gloss units, less than 80 gloss units, less than 70 gloss units, less than 60 gloss units, or less than 55 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees.

[0012] The present disclosure provides a housing for an electronic device, the housing comprising a housing member, the housing member comprising a polymer and a pigment dispersed in the polymer. The housing member defines a mark formed in a first surface area of ​​the housing member, the mark being at least partially defined by a pixel array formed by a laser. A portion of the mark has a first brightness value L* ranging from 40 to 65 and an arithmetic mean height ranging from 0.01 micrometer to 0.5 micrometer. A second surface area of ​​the housing member at least partially surrounding the mark has a second brightness value L* ranging from 80 to 100 and a b* value less than 4 and greater than -10.

[0013] The present disclosure also provides a housing, the housing comprising: a housing member defining an outer surface and comprising a housing material; and a mark formed in a first area of ​​the outer surface and defining an image. The mark comprises a laser-formed pixel array formed in the housing material, each laser-formed pixel in the laser-formed pixel array having a diameter of 10 microns to 20 microns. The first portion of the mark has a minimum center-to-center spacing between adjacent laser-formed pixels in the laser-formed pixel array, a minimum center-to-center spacing to diameter ratio ranging from 0.5 to 0.9, a first brightness value L* ranging from 45 to 65, and a first b* value greater than -7 and less than 0. A second area of ​​the outer surface at least partially surrounding the image has a second brightness value L* ranging from 95 to 100 and a second b* value greater than -7 and less than 0.

[0014] The present disclosure also provides an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: a housing defining an interior volume; a battery positioned within the interior volume; and an electronic circuit positioned within the interior volume and operatively coupled to the battery. The housing comprises a mark formed in a first surface region of the housing and defining an image; the mark comprises laser-formed pixels formed within the housing material. A portion of the mark has a pixel density ranging from 90% to 100%, a first brightness value L* ranging from 40 to 65, and a first gloss value ranging from 10 gloss units to less than 50 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees. The housing also comprises a second surface region adjacent to the first surface region and having a second brightness value L* ranging from 80 to 100 and a second gloss value ranging from 90 gloss units to 100 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present disclosure will be more readily understood through the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0016] Figure 1 An exemplary apparatus including laser-formed markings is shown.

[0017] Figure 2 An exemplary detail view of a laser-formed mark is shown.

[0018] Figure 3 An example of a partial cross-sectional view through a portion of a laser-formed mark is shown.

[0019] Figure 4 An example of a pixel formed using laser light generated using a grating pattern is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 Another example of a mark comprising laser-formed pixels is shown.

[0021] Fig. 6A Another example of an electronic device including a laser-formed marking is shown.

[0022] Figure 6B Shows Fig. 6A Cross-sectional view of an electronic device.

[0023] Figure 7 A block diagram showing components of an electronic device is shown.

[0024] The use of cross-hatching or shading in the drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the drawings. Thus, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not express or indicate any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element sizes, commonality of similar illustrated elements, or any other feature, attribute, or characteristic of any element shown in the drawings.

[0025] Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and sizes (relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, spacings, and positional relationships presented therebetween are provided in the accompanying drawings solely to facilitate understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and therefore may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for the embodiments illustrated to exclude the embodiments described in conjunction therewith. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Reference will now be made specifically to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a preferred specific implementation. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included in the present disclosure and within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

[0027] The following disclosure relates to laser-formed markings on an outer surface of an electronic device housing. The markings may be formed in a surface area of ​​the housing, and in some cases, the markings produce an image, such as a grayscale image. Also described herein are electronic devices including laser-marked housings and techniques for laser marking the housings.

[0028] In some cases, the marking includes one or more local elements. In an embodiment, the housing includes a laser-modifiable material, and the marking includes one or more local elements containing the laser-modified material. Each local element may define a laser-formed pixel of the marking. In an embodiment, the laser-formed pixel is configured to produce a visual contrast with a surface area of ​​the housing that is not laser-modified. In some cases, the laser-formed pixel may be configured to appear darker than the surface area of ​​the housing that is not laser-modified.

[0029] In an embodiment, the laser-modifiable material includes a polymer and a pigment dispersed within the polymer. The laser-modifiable material may define an outer surface of the housing. The laser-modifiable material may extend from the outer surface of the housing to the inner surface, distinct from a surface coating or film of the laser-modifiable material coupled to the outer surface of the housing. For example, the housing may be formed of a laser-modifiable material. In some cases, laser formation of the pixel may modify the polymer, the pigment, or both.

[0030] In some cases, the mark includes a plurality of pixels, at least some of which are laser-formed pixels. In some embodiments, different parts of the mark have different densities of laser-formed pixels, and these different densities of laser-formed pixels produce different brightness values ​​in different parts of the mark. In some cases, the laser-formed pixels are configured so that one or more parts of the mark have a brightness value that produces a dark appearance without giving the mark an undesirable roughness, gloss level and / or yellowing. For example, the laser-formed pixels of the mark can be configured so that the mark has a tactile "feel" that is not too rough. As another example, the laser-formed pixels of the mark described herein can be configured so that the mark has a gloss value similar to the gloss value of the unmarked surface of the shell, so that the difference in gloss value is not easily detected. As another example, the laser-formed pixels of the mark described herein can be configured so that the mark has a desired brightness value without excessively increasing the b* value of the mark to exceed the b* value of the rest of the shell and causing the mark to yellow. The additional description provided below about suitable roughness, gloss level and color value is generally applicable in this article and is not repeated here.

[0031] One or more portions of the marking may have a surface roughness that is different from that of the un-laser-modified surface areas of the housing. For example, the process of laser forming pixels may tend to increase the roughness of the surface of the housing. The tendency of the process to increase the roughness of the housing may increase as the brightness and / or depth of the marking decreases. As previously described, one or more portions of the markings described herein may be configured to have a surface roughness that does not feel too rough when a user moves a finger over the marking. In some cases, the difference in surface roughness may be small enough so that these portions of the marking have a tactile "feel" that is sufficiently similar to the unmodified surface areas of the housing that the difference is not easily detected. The markings herein may extend deep enough into the housing to provide a durable marking that is not easily removed by wear of the housing.

[0032] In some embodiments, each laser-formed pixel defines a surface feature along the outer surface of the housing. In some cases, these surface features define high points or peaks on the surface, as described in more detail below and Figure 3As shown. When pixels in a laser-formed pixel array overlap, the surface features may also overlap, but each pixel of the array may define a peak. However, the laser-formed pixels may be configured so that the surface features are not individually perceptible to the user, and so that when the user moves a finger over the mark, the surface features do not feel overly rough. As an example, the average height of the surface features may be in the range of 0.20 microns to 0.75 microns, 0.2 microns to 0.5 microns, 0.5 microns to 1.0 microns, 1.0 microns to 1.5 microns, or 1.0 microns to 2.0 microns to achieve these results. As a further example, the surface features may have an arithmetic mean height (Sa) of less than 0.75 microns, less than 0.5 microns, less than 0.4 microns, less than 0.3 microns, or less than 0.2 microns. For other suitable ranges of the height parameter, see Figure 3 The average height and / or arithmetic mean height may depend on the density of pixels, with a greater pixel density producing a greater peak height.

[0033] One or more portions of the marking may have a gloss value that is different from that of the non-laser modified surface area of ​​the housing. In some cases, the process of laser forming pixels may tend to reduce the gloss level of the housing surface. The change in gloss level may be at least partially attributed to the change in the roughness level of the housing. For example, a portion of the marking having a relatively high density of laser-formed pixels may have a lower gloss value than other surface areas of the housing. However, the laser-formed pixels may be configured to minimize such differences in gloss values. For example, the surface features defined by the laser-formed pixels may be configured to minimize the difference in gloss values. In some cases, the difference in gloss values ​​may be less than 90 gloss units, less than 85 gloss units, less than 80 gloss units, less than 70 gloss units, less than 60 gloss units, or less than 55 gloss units (when measured at 60 degrees).

[0034] The techniques described herein can provide a laser-formed mark having a color that is visually different from another surface area of ​​the housing. The other surface area of ​​the housing may at least partially surround the mark. The laser-formed mark may be substantially indistinguishable from the other surface area of ​​the housing based on tactile properties. In some embodiments, the mark may be configured to minimize the gloss difference between a portion of the mark having a relatively high density of laser-formed pixels and other portions of the housing.

[0035] In an embodiment, the mark defines one or more of an image, letters, numbers, serial identification, 1D barcode, 2D barcode, or other coded information area. The image can be a digital image. The digital image can represent a logo, a photographic image, a drawing, etc. In some cases, the digital image can represent a non-digital image. The mark can have a specific resolution, such as a minimum spacing between laser-formed pixels. In some examples, when viewed at a typical viewing distance (e.g., greater than about 15 cm or greater than about 30 cm), the individual pixels of the mark may be difficult or impossible to distinguish with the naked eye. Suitable spacing between laser-formed pixels is referenced. Figure 4 discussion, and that discussion will not be repeated here.

[0036] In some embodiments, the marking includes a grayscale image. In some examples, the grayscale image appears as a continuous area of ​​light and dark, and the individual pixels may be difficult or impossible to perceive with the naked eye at a typical viewing distance. The grayscale image typically includes at least two portions with different levels of darkness. Additional features of grayscale images applicable to the markings disclosed herein are described in detail below. Figure 1 description, and the description will not be repeated here.

[0037] Reference below Figures 1 to 7 However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these drawings is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0038] Figure 1 A simplified example of an electronic device is shown. Figure 1 As shown, electronic device 100 includes housing 110 having front surface 102 on which indicia 130 are formed. Figure 1 In the example of , the mark 130 defines a grayscale mark. The mark 130 is placed on the surface 102 for ease of description and is only an example. The marks described herein can be placed on any suitable surface of the electronic device housing, including the rear surface 104, the side surface 106, or the curved area of ​​the housing 110.

[0039] The electronic device 100 (also referred to simply as the device) can be a portable electronic device or other suitable electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device 100 can be a mobile phone, a notebook computing device (e.g., a laptop computer), a tablet computing device (e.g., a tablet computer), a portable media player, a wearable device, or another type of portable electronic device. As another example, the portable electronic device can be a wristwatch, a media player, a camera, a headphone device, an earphone device, a remote control, an identifier (e.g., a card), a computer component, an input device, a charging device, or nearly any other type of electronic product or device component.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the marking 130 defines an image. In the embodiments described herein, the marking includes a plurality of local elements. These local marking elements may form pixels of the image. In the embodiments described herein, at least some of the local marking elements include a shell material that is modified by a laser, and thus may be referred to as laser-formed pixels. In some embodiments, the marking 130 may include an array of laser-formed pixels, such as Figure 2 The marking may also include areas of the housing material that have not been laser modified or have been laser modified to only a minimal extent (e.g., 112). The areas of the housing material that have not been substantially laser modified may have a color, gloss, and / or roughness value that is substantially similar to the color, gloss, and / or roughness value of the housing material prior to the laser marking process.

[0041] In some cases, local marking elements (e.g., laser-formed pixels) can be configured to appear darker than areas of the housing that have not been substantially laser-modified. In some embodiments, different portions of the marking have different densities of laser-formed pixels, and these different densities of laser-formed pixels produce different brightness values ​​for different portions of the marking. For example, a portion of the marking having a higher density of laser-formed pixels may have a lower brightness value than another portion of the marking having a lower density of laser-formed pixels. The density of laser-formed pixels may also be referred to herein as pixel density. In some embodiments, the density of laser-formed pixels can be quantified by a percentage of the surface area associated with the pixels. In other embodiments, the density of laser-formed pixels can be quantified by a grid density, as described in reference to FIG. Figure 4 Describe in more detail.

[0042] At least some of the laser-formed pixels may be sized so that they are not visually discernible as separate pixels at a particular viewing distance. Thus, when viewed from a typical viewing distance, a given portion of a mark may appear to be continuous rather than formed from discrete pixels. At least some of the laser-formed pixels may also be configured so that any surface features associated with those pixels are not discernible by "feel," as in reference to FIG. Figures 2 to 5 Discussed in more detail. Figures 2 to 5 Additional description of the size and other characteristics of laser-formed pixels is provided and applies generally herein.

[0043] In the embodiments described herein, the marking 130 may define a substantially monochromatic image. In some examples, the color of the local marking elements (e.g., pixels) is substantially uniform, and the apparent color of a given portion of the marking is determined by the density of the pixels, the color of the pixels, and the (background) color of the housing. In other examples, the size and / or color of the laser-formed pixels may be varied by adjusting laser parameters during the process of forming the marking.

[0044] In some cases, the mark 130 may define or include a grayscale mark. The grayscale mark may include at least two portions with different brightness values. The grayscale image may also include at least one gradient portion providing a transition between at least two portions with different gray levels (e.g., levels of darkness or brightness). In other cases, the grayscale mark may include more than two different gray levels, such as three or more or four or more gray levels. The grayscale image may be a digital image representing a photographic image or a drawing. In some cases, a digital grayscale image may look substantially the same visually as a non-digital source image. In other cases, a grayscale image is a representation of a computer graphics image that is typically displayed as a group of display pixels.

[0045] The laser-formed pixels may be formed in a laser-modifiable material contained in the housing. The material may also be referred to herein as a laser-modifiable housing material or more simply as a housing material or as a material. In some cases, the laser-modifiable housing material defines an outer surface, and the laser-formed pixels are formed within the region of the outer surface. The laser-modifiable housing material may also extend through the thickness of the housing to define the inner surface of the housing. The laser-modifiable housing material may be provided as a whole in the housing or in one or more components of the housing. In some cases, the housing or housing component formed with the marking may be referred to herein as a substrate in which the marking is formed.

[0046] In an embodiment, the laser-modifiable material includes a polymer and a pigment dispersed in the polymer. The polymer may form a matrix of the pigment particles. In some cases, the pigment includes a metal oxide, such as titanium oxide (e.g., titanium dioxide). The polymer may include one or more of the following: polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc. The laser-modifiable material is exposed to one or more pulses from a laser, thereby modifying the laser-modifiable material to form the laser-formed pixels described herein. Without wishing to be bound by any particular belief, the laser-modifiable material may be modified by laser modification of the polymer, laser modification of the pigment (e.g., changes in the surface crystal structure and / or composition, such as by oxidation or doping), or laser-induced reactions between the polymer and the pigment. As previously described, in some embodiments, the laser-formed pixel may be configured to show a darker surface area than the shell that is not substantially modified by the laser marking process (e.g., not modified by the laser process or has been modified by the laser process to only a minimum extent). Alternatively or in addition thereto, the laser-modifiable material may include a modifier other than the above-mentioned pigment. Additional description of methods for making the laser-formed pixels described herein is provided below, and this description applies generally herein.

[0047] exist Figure 1 In the example of , the housing 110 defines an opening 122. In some cases, the opening 122 may provide a port for charging the electronic device. In other examples, the housing may define one or more openings for internal components for receiving input and / or generating output. In various aspects of the present disclosure, the electronic device 100 includes one or more electronic components. In some cases, the electronic device may include one or more of a processor, an electronic circuit (e.g., a control circuit), a sensor, a memory, and a battery. More generally, the electronic component may be a reference Figure 7 Any of those electronic components discussed above, and that description will not be repeated here. Housing 100 may define an interior volume that is configured to receive one or more of the electronic components, such as a battery and an electronic circuit (e.g. Figure 6B shown).

[0048] Figure 2 An exemplary detail view of the marking is shown. Figure 2 In the example shown, a portion of the mark 230 has been magnified to show individual laser-formed pixels 240 . Figure 2 Provides an enlarged top view of a laser-formed pixel, similar to the view obtained using an optical microscope. Indicia 230 is formed on housing 210 and may have details similar to those of Figure 1-1 Features of mark 130. Figure 2Also shown is a portion 214 of the housing that has been modified by the laser process to a lesser extent than the laser-formed pixel 240 (eg, modified only to a minimal extent).

[0049] Figure 2 The portion of the mark 230 shown in FIG. 1 includes an array of laser-formed pixels 240. In some cases, the laser-formed pixels are distributed along a raster pattern, such as in FIG. Figure 4 discussed in more detail. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , the spacing between the laser-formed pixels of the array varies from left to right, and Figure 2 The right side is roughly larger. Figure 2 The right side of FIG. 7 shows pixels formed by adjacent lasers that do not overlap and are separated from each other. Figure 2 The left side of FIG. 4 shows adjacent laser-formed pixels that are adjacent or overlap each other. The density of the laser-formed pixels also varies from left to right and is Figure 2 In some cases, the density of pixels formed by the laser can be quantified by the grid density, as shown in Figure 4 Further explanation. Figure 4 The descriptions provided herein are generally applicable and are not repeated here.In some embodiments, the laser-formed pixels within a given mark are substantially uniform in size (e.g., diameter, depth) and color (e.g., L*, A*, b* values).

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the laser-formed pixels are configured so that they are larger than the surface areas of the housing that are not substantially modified by the laser marking process (e.g., Figure 1 The laser-formed pixels may also be darker than portions of the housing that have been laser-modified to a lesser extent (e.g., portion 214). When the pixels are smaller, the color of a portion of the marking is typically measured rather than the color of the individual pixels. In some cases, the size of the laser-formed pixels is too small to allow easy measurement of the color of the individual pixels. Additionally, in addition to the color of the individual pixels, the color of a portion of the marking is typically affected by the density of the laser-formed pixels in that portion of the marking. In some embodiments, the density of the laser-formed pixels may be measured by a percentage of the surface area associated with the pixels or by a value such as reference numeral 206. Figure 4 The mesh density is further described to quantify.

[0051] In some cases, the color of the surface area including the mark (and portions thereof) and the color of the area of ​​the housing that is not substantially modified by the laser marking process can be characterized by coordinates in the CIEL*a*b* (CIELAB) color space. In the CIEL*a*b* (CIELAB) color space, L* represents lightness (or brightness), a* represents the position between red / magenta and green, and b* represents the position between yellow and blue. The CIELAB coordinates of a given illuminant can be measured using standard measurement techniques using equipment such as a colorimeter or spectrophotometer. In some cases, the color can be measured using a Konica Minolta CF-300 spectrophotometer F2 / 10°, SCI (including specular components). The measurement area of ​​this system can be 0.75 mm×1 mm.

[0052] In an embodiment, at least some parts of the mark formed in the first surface area of ​​the shell have a darker color than the second surface area of ​​the shell that is not substantially modified by the laser marking process. The second surface area may be adjacent to the first surface area and / or may at least partially surround the first surface area. In an embodiment, the region of the shell that is not substantially modified by the laser marking process has an L* value ranging from 80 to 100, 85 to 100, or 90 to 100. The region may also have a b* value greater than -10 and less than 4, greater than -10 and less than 2, greater than -7 and less than zero, greater than -7 and less than -1, greater than -7 and less than -2.5, greater than -5 and less than 0, greater than -5 and less than -1, greater than -5 and less than -2, or greater than -5 and less than -3. The region may also have an a* value ranging from 0 to 1.

[0053] In some cases, a portion of the marking having a density of laser-formed pixels ranging between 90% and 100% has an L* value ranging from 40 to 70, 40 to 65, 45 to 65, 45 to 60, or 45 to 55. The portion of the marking may also have a b* value greater than -7 and less than zero, greater than -7 and less than or equal to -2.0, or greater than or equal to -6 and less than or equal to -2.5. The region may also have an a* value ranging from -1.3 to -0.5. In some cases, the difference in L* value between the portion of the marking and other regions of the housing is 30 to 50, 35 to 50, or 35 to 50. In some cases, the b* values ​​of the portion of the marking and other regions are similar, and the magnitude of the difference between the b* values ​​is less than or equal to 1.5, or less than or equal to 1. The CIELAB coordinates can be measured using techniques similar to those previously described.

[0054] In other embodiments, at least some portions of the laser-formed marking have a lower gloss value than another surface area of ​​the housing that was not substantially modified by the laser marking process. In some cases, a portion of the marking having a greater laser-formed pixel density may tend to have a lower gloss value. In other cases, the laser-formed pixels are configured to minimize the difference in gloss value between that portion of the marking and another surface area of ​​the housing that was not substantially modified by the laser marking process. For example, the surface features defined by the laser-formed pixels can be configured to minimize the difference in gloss value. In some examples, the surface area of ​​the housing that was not substantially modified by the laser marking process has a gloss value of 80 to 100, 85 to 100, 90 to 100, or 95 to 100 when measured at 60 degrees. A portion of the marking having a density of laser-formed pixels ranging between 90% and 100% may have a gloss value of greater than 7 gloss units and less than or equal to 70 gloss units, greater than 10 gloss units and less than or equal to 70 gloss units, greater than 20 gloss units and less than or equal to 70 gloss units, greater than 30 gloss units and less than or equal to 65 gloss units, greater than 7 gloss units and less than or equal to 55 gloss units, greater than 10 gloss units and less than or equal to 55 gloss units, greater than 20 gloss units and less than or equal to 55 gloss units, greater than 30 gloss units and less than or equal to 50 gloss units, or greater than 40 gloss units and less than or equal to 55 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees. The gloss difference may be less than 90 gloss units, less than 85 gloss units, less than 80 gloss units, less than 70 gloss units, less than 60 gloss units, or less than 55 gloss units. In some cases, the gloss of a surface can be measured using commercially available equipment and according to ASTM or ISO standard test methods. For example, gloss measurements can be made using a Zehntner ZGM 1120 gloss meter at 60 degrees. The angle measurement result can refer to the angle between the incident light and the perpendicular to the surface. In some cases, gloss measurements can be made at two different orientations of the measuring device relative to the surface, and the resulting measurements are averaged. For example, one gloss measurement can be made along a first orientation (e.g., along the x-axis), and another gloss measurement can be made along a second orientation substantially orthogonal to the first orientation (e.g., along the y-axis).

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown in the top view of FIG. 2 , the laser-formed pixels 240 define a generally circular outline on the surface of the housing. In other embodiments, the laser-formed pixels may define an outline that is circular, oval, rectangular, square, other suitable shapes, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the laser-formed pixels may have a lateral dimension (such as a diameter) ranging from 10 microns to 20 microns, or 10 microns to 18 microns. Figure 3 Other geometric features of the laser-formed pixel are discussed in cross-sectional views and reference is made to Figure 3 The description provided herein applies generally.

[0056] Figure 3 An example of a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a laser-formed marking is shown. The marking 330 includes laser-formed pixels 340 formed within the surface area 320 of the housing. Figure 3 As shown, surface region 320 also includes portion 314 that has been modified to a lesser extent (e.g., only to a minimal extent) by the laser process. Figure 2 AA in the detail area 1-1.

[0057] exist Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the boundaries of the pixels 340 formed by the laser are schematically shown by dashed lines. Figure 3 In the example of , the laser-formed pixel 340 defines a surface feature 350 that is raised relative to a base surface 322 defined by the housing 310. For example, the base surface 322 can be defined by an area of ​​the housing that is not substantially laser-modified. The surface feature 350 defines a surface 352 and a top 354. The top 354 can define a high point or peak of the surface feature.

[0058] The distance between top 354 and base surface 322 defines the height H of surface features. The maximum height of surface features can be micron size or less, which can contribute to the smooth feeling of marking. In some cases, the maximum height of surface features is greater than zero and less than 5 microns, greater than zero and less than 3 microns, greater than zero and less than 2 microns, greater than zero and less than 1.5 microns, greater than zero and less than 1.25 microns, greater than zero and less than 1 micron, or greater than zero and less than 0.5 micron. In some cases, the height of surface features (also referred to as peak height in this article) is in the range of 0.2 micron to 1.5 microns, 0.2 micron to 1.25 microns, 0.2 micron to 1.0 microns, 0.3 micron to 1.5 microns, 0.5 micron to 2 microns, or 1 micron to 3 microns. In some cases, the average height of surface features can be in the range of 0.2 micron to 0.75 micron, 0.2 micron to 0.5 micron, 0.5 micron to 1 micron, 1.0 micron to 1.5 microns, 1 micron to 2 microns, or 1 micron to 3 microns. The height of the surface features relative to a base surface (or another reference surface) may be determined from profilometer measurements.The average height and / or arithmetic mean height may depend on the density of pixels, with greater pixel densities producing greater peak heights.

[0059] In some cases, the tops of the surface features may be at approximately the same height, which may further contribute to the smooth feel of the marking. For example, in some examples, the average difference between the heights of the tops of the surface features may be in the range of 0.1 microns to 0.5 microns or 0.1 microns to 0.3 microns. The difference between the peak heights may be determined by line profile measurement. For example, the difference between the peak heights may be determined by taking the difference between each peak height and all other peak heights or by determining the difference in movement of the peak heights along a line.

[0060] exist Figure 3 In the simplified example of FIG. 3 , the gap surfaces 362 between the surface features 350 are positioned at approximately the same height as the base surface 322. However, Figure 3 The example of is not limiting, and in further examples, all or part of the clearance surface 362 may be positioned below the level of the base surface. For example, the clearance surface may define a concave shape.

[0061] In embodiments, surface feature 350 at least partially defines the surface roughness of the mark. In some cases, the surface roughness can be described according to a two-dimensional roughness parameter, including an amplitude parameter, such as Ra (arithmetic mean height) and Rq (root mean square roughness). In other cases, the surface roughness of the mark can be described according to a regional surface texture parameter, such as an amplitude parameter, a spatial parameter and a mixed parameter. In these regional surface roughness measurements, the peak can include the top (354) of the surface feature, and the valley can include a gap surface (e.g., 362). In some cases, the surface feature can have an arithmetic mean height (e.g., Sa) less than 0.75 micron, less than 0.5 micron, less than 0.4 micron, less than 0.3 micron, less than 0.2 micron or less than 0.1 micron. In some examples, the arithmetic mean height (e.g., Sa) can be from 0.01 micron to 0.5 micron, 0.025 micron to 0.45 micron, 0.01 micron to 0.3 micron, 0.01 micron to 0.2 micron or 0.01 micron to 0.1 micron. In some cases, the surface features can have a root mean square height (eg, Sq) of less than 0.5 microns, from 0.1 microns to 0.5 microns, or from 0.02 microns to 0.2 microns.

[0062] Surface filtering can be used to exclude surface noise and / or surface waviness before determining surface texture parameters. For example, a morphological filter can be used with λ s and λ cFilters are used together. In some cases, segmentation techniques can be used to determine feature parameters, such as maximum diameter, minimum diameter, area and perimeter. These parameters can be calculated based on the shape of the feature projected onto a reference surface (e.g., a reference plane). The average value can be determined for surface features of a given category (e.g., a hill or valley). Surface texture parameters and methods for determining these parameters (including filtering and segmentation) are described in more detail in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 25178 (Product Geometric Specification (GPS)—Surface Texture: Plane). Surface texture parameters can be measured using commercially available equipment such as a roughness measurement microscope (e.g., a laser scanning confocal microscope) from Keyence, a surface measurement device (e.g., a laser interferometer) from Zygo, or an optical profiler (e.g., 20X) from Sensofar.

[0063] The surface area that is not substantially laser modified generally has a roughness that is less than the surface area 320 that defines the indicia 330. The surface area that is not substantially laser modified may at least partially surround the indicia 330, such as Figure 1 In some embodiments, the surface area that is not substantially laser modified may have a texture corresponding to a polished surface texture. In other embodiments, the surface area that is not substantially laser modified may have a slightly rougher surface texture. Both this surface area and the surface area defining the mark may feel smooth to the touch.

[0064] Figure 3 Also schematically shown are the diameter D and depth Z of the laser-formed pixels 340. In some embodiments, the laser-formed pixels 340 have a depth Z of 3 microns to 15 microns, 3 microns to 10 microns, 1 micron to 5 microns, or 5 microns to 15 microns. As previously described, the laser-formed pixels 340 may have a diameter D ranging from 10 microns to 20 microns, or 10 microns to 18 microns. The diameter of the laser-formed pixels and the height of these pixels may affect the tactile "feel" of the marking, and may be configured to produce a suitably smooth feel to the marking while providing the desired optical effect to the marking.

[0065] The present disclosure also provides a method for forming a marking along an outer surface of a housing. The marking may include an image as previously described. The method may include an operation of obtaining a housing comprising a laser-modifiable material. In an embodiment, the laser-modifiable material includes a polymer and a pigment dispersed within the polymer. The laser-modifiable material may be similar in composition to the previously described reference. Figure 1 and 2 The laser-modifiable materials discussed are similar, and the discussion generally applies herein.

[0066] The method may also include an operation of using a laser to form a marking comprising an array of laser-formed pixels of a laser-modified material within the housing. As described herein, the laser-formed pixels are defined by localized surface areas containing a laser-modified material, wherein the laser-modified material is formed by one or more laser pulses at a specific location. In some embodiments, the laser-formed pixels may be configured to appear less visible than the housing as previously referenced. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The modified surface areas are darker. The geometry and other features of the laser-formed pixels can be as previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 discussed, and that discussion will not be repeated here.

[0067] During the operation of forming a mark using a laser, the laser beam may be scanned along one or more paths on the housing while a series of pulses are emitted from the laser. The one or more paths may form a scanning pattern relative to the surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the scanning pattern is a raster pattern comprising a series of linear paths spaced apart from each other. Other types of scanning patterns include, but are not limited to, serpentine patterns, spiral patterns, and the like. The operation of forming a mark using a laser may be a halftone operation, which changes the color (e.g., grayscale) of the mark by changing the spacing of the pixels formed by the laser, as described in reference to FIG. Figure 4 Describe in more detail.

[0068] Figure 4 An example of a portion of a mark produced using a raster scan pattern is shown. Mark 430 includes laser-formed pixels 440. Mark 430 may be similar to Figure 2 An example of a portion of a mark of mark 230. Figure 4 Also shown in FIG. 4 is a portion 414 of the substrate that has been modified to a lesser extent (e.g., modified to only a minimal extent) by the laser process. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 4 , pixel 440 is generally circular and has a radius R.

[0069] exist Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 4 , dashed line 482 schematically indicates a linear path of laser scanning. Laser pulses (which may include one or more sub-pulses) are directed onto the surface of the housing along one or more linear paths to produce laser-formed pixels 440. The spacing ΔY between paths 482 is also shown. Figure 4 As shown in the example of , the spacing between paths 482 is substantially uniform.

[0070] The laser can be scanned to produce a maximum number of pixels per unit distance (e.g., pixels per inch or pixels per millimeter). This maximum number of pixels per unit distance produces a minimum center-to-center spacing (ΔX) between adjacent pixels along the path, schematically indicated by dashed line 484. This spacing may also be referred to herein as a pitch. In some cases, the ratio of the minimum center-to-center spacing to the diameter of the pixel formed by the laser (or the spot size of the laser) is 0.5 to 0.9 or 0.6 to 0.8. In other cases, the minimum center-to-center spacing along the scan line is about 6 microns to about 20 microns, or about 7 microns to about 15 microns. The minimum center-to-center spacing (ΔX) may be approximately equal to the spacing ΔY between paths 482. As Figure 4 As shown, the actual center-to-center spacing between at least some of the laser-formed pixels may be greater than the minimum center-to-center spacing.

[0071] Dashed lines 482 and 484 may be viewed as defining a grid, wherein the intersections of dashed lines 482 and 484 define possible locations of laser-formed pixels. In some cases, the density of laser-formed pixels is specified in terms of density relative to this grid (also referred to herein as grid density or array density). For example, if laser-formed pixels are formed at all intersections of dashed lines 482 and 484, then the network density is 100% and the density of laser-formed pixels is maximized (for a laser-formed pixel of a given diameter). Figure 4 The central area and Figure 2 The left side of the figure shows a top view of a laser-formed pixel with a local grid density close to 100%. Figure 4 As shown in the example of , when the local grid density is 100%, adjacent pixels can overlap. Figure 4 The example also shows that some "gaps" can form between overlapping pixels, so even when the local mesh density is 100%, the pixels may not cover all of the surface of the shell. Figure 4 In the example of , the total grid density is less than 100% because laser-formed pixels are not formed at all intersections of dashed lines 482 and 484. In some cases, the grid density in the portion of the mark that includes laser-formed pixels ranges from 5% to 100%, 10% to 100%, or 20% to 100%.

[0072] The areal density of the laser-formed pixels depends not only on the network density, but also on the size of the laser-formed pixels relative to the spacings ΔX and ΔY. In some embodiments, the lateral size (e.g., diameter) of the laser-formed pixels is greater than or equal to the minimum center-to-center spacing. In some cases, the ratio of the minimum center-to-center spacing to the diameter of the laser-formed pixels is 0.5 to 0.9, or 0.6 to 0.8.

[0073] In some embodiments, the laser operating conditions are substantially the same during the formation of each laser-formed pixel, so the laser-formed pixels are substantially consistent. The laser can produce wavelengths in the visible light range (e.g., green wavelengths). The pulse duration can be about 200 fs to about 800 fs, and the average power can be about 5 W to about 30 W, or about 10 W to about 25 W. The spot size can be 6 μm to 20 μm. In some cases, the repetition rate can be from about 0.3 GHz to about 3.9 GHz.

[0074] In some embodiments, the laser can be operated in a burst mode, wherein each burst includes a plurality of sub-pulses. For example, a main pulse can be burst into a group of sub-pulses having a nanosecond burst interval (e.g., in the range of about 10ns to about 20ns). As another example, the group of sub-pulses having a nanosecond burst interval can also be burst into another group of sub-pulses having a picosecond burst interval (e.g., in the range of about 200ps to about 2500ps). In an embodiment, the number of pulses in a given burst can be in the range of 5 to 25. In some cases, a pixel formed by a laser formed by a main pulse that is burst into one or more groups of sub-pulses can have a reduced height and / or surface roughness compared to a pixel formed by a laser formed using only a main pulse. In addition, a pixel formed by a laser formed by a first group of sub-pulses that are subsequently burst into a second group of sub-pulses can have a reduced height and / or surface roughness compared to a pixel formed by a laser formed using only a first group of sub-pulses. For example, a pixel formed by a laser formed by a main pulse that is burst into one or more groups of sub-pulses can have a peak height that is one-third to one-half of the peak height of a pixel formed by a laser formed using only a main pulse. In other cases, a pixel formed using a laser that is burst into one or more groups of sub-pulses may have a reduced L* value compared to a pixel formed using only the main pulse. In addition, a pixel formed using a laser that is formed using a first group of sub-pulses that are subsequently burst into a second group of sub-pulses may have a reduced L* and / or b* value compared to a pixel formed using only the first group of sub-pulses.

[0075] Figure 5 Another example of a marking comprising laser-formed pixels formed in a substrate is shown. Figure 5 is an enlarged image showing a top view of a mark 530 including laser-formed pixels 540. Figure 5 Also shown in FIG. 5 is a portion 514 of the substrate that has been modified to a lesser extent (eg, modified to only a minimal extent) by the laser process. The pitch of the laser-formed pixels is indicated on the horizontal and vertical axes.

[0076] Figure 5The laser-formed pixels shown form a substantially regular array. The network density of the laser-formed pixel array is about 10%. When the housing member (or other substrate) has a substantially white color, this density of laser-formed pixels can produce a light gray color. Figure 5 In the example of FIG. 1 , the laser-formed pixels are formed in a substrate formed of a polymer containing titanium dioxide pigment and having a structure similar to that of the previous reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The substrate has an L* value of 97.6, an a* value of 0.7, a b* value of -3.2, and an average gloss value of 98.5.

[0077] When the laser operating conditions are substantially uniform during the formation of each laser-formed pixel, the laser-formed pixels may be substantially uniform in diameter, such as Figure 5 The mark had an L* value of 84.1, an a* value of -0.3, a b* value of -5.4, and an average gloss value of 81. The method used to form the laser-formed pixels is similar to that described previously and is not repeated here. In some cases, the profilometer trace across the laser-formed pixels is similar to Figure 5 This indicates that the surface features defined by the pixels formed by the laser can have a peak height of less than 1.5 microns and an average peak height difference between 0.25 microns and 0.3 microns. In some cases, the area roughness measurement gives an arithmetic mean height (Sa) of about 0.02 microns and a root mean square height (Sq) of about 0.06 microns. These values ​​can be as previously referenced Figure 3 The description is not repeated here.

[0078] Fig. 6A Another example of an electronic device including a laser-formed mark is shown. Fig. 6A In the example of FIG. 6 , the electronic device 600 includes a housing 610 including a first housing member 612 and a second housing member 614 coupled to the first housing member 612. The first housing member 612 includes a laser-formed mark 630. Fig. 6A In the example of FIG. 6 , mark 630 defines a text mark.

[0079] The first housing member 612 includes a laser-modifiable material (such as a polymer) and a pigment dispersed within the polymer. The laser-modifiable material can define an outer surface of the first housing member 612 and in some cases the first housing member 612 can be formed of the laser-modifiable material. The laser-modifiable material can be similar in composition and laser response to the reference Figures 1 to 5The laser-modifiable materials described above are similar and the description is not repeated here. The laser-formed marking 630 includes laser-formed pixels within the surface area of ​​the housing member, and these laser-formed pixels may be similar in geometry and other features, as previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 The location of the laser-formed mark 630 is exemplary and not limiting, and in other examples, the laser-formed mark 630 may alternatively or additionally be formed on the housing member 614. In other examples, the laser-formed mark 630 may define an image or other type of mark as previously described.

[0080] The housing member 614 may be formed of a material other than the laser-modifiable material of the housing member 612. For example, the housing member may be formed of one or more of a metal material (including a metal alloy), a glass material, a glass-ceramic material, or a ceramic material. The housing member 614 and the housing member 612 together define an interior volume, such as Figure 6B The interior volume may be configured to receive one or more electronic components. For example, the interior volume may be configured to receive a battery, an electronic circuit, or a reference Figure 7 One or more of any of the components described.

[0081] Figure 6B Shows Fig. 6A 6. As previously described, the electronic device 600 includes a first housing member 612 coupled to a second housing member 614. The laser-formed marking 630 is formed in the first housing member 612. Fig. 6A The line BB in the figure takes a cross section.

[0082] The housing 610 may define an interior volume 605 configured to receive one or more electronic components. Figure 6B Two electronic components 672 and 674 are schematically shown. This example is not limiting, and in other examples, a greater or lesser number of electronic components and / or different electronic components may be included in the internal volume 605. More generally, the one or more electronic components may be as described with reference to Figure 7 The description is described above and will not be repeated here.

[0083] In some embodiments, the electronic component 672 includes an electronic circuit. In some examples, the housing member 612 defines the front surface of the electronic device 600, and the electronic component 674 can be a battery operatively coupled to the electronic circuit. In other examples, the housing member 614 defines the front surface of the electronic device and can define or include a transparent window positioned above the electronic component 674, which can be a display, such as a touch-sensitive display.

[0084] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating components of a sample electronic device that may incorporate a housing as described herein. Figure 7 The schematic diagram shown in FIG. 1 may correspond to the above Figures 1 to 6B However, Figure 7 Other types of electronic devices that include a housing as described herein may also be more generally represented.

[0085] In an embodiment, the electronic device 700 may include a sensor 712 to provide information about the configuration and / or orientation of the electronic device in order to control the output of the display. For example, when all or part of the visible area of ​​the display 720 is blocked or substantially obscured, a portion of the display 720 may be turned off, disabled, or placed in a low energy state. For another example, the display 720 may be adapted to rotate the display of the graphical output based on the orientation change (e.g., 90 degrees or 180 degrees) of the device 700 in response to the rotation of the device 700.

[0086] The electronic device 700 also includes a processing unit 702 operatively connected to the computer-readable memory 706. The processing unit 702 may be operatively connected to the memory 706 via an electronic bus or a bridge. The processing unit 702 may be implemented as one or more computer processors or microcontrollers configured to perform operations in response to computer-readable instructions. The processing unit 702 may include a central processing unit (CPU) of the device 700. In addition or alternatively, the processing unit 702 may include other electronic circuits located within the device 700, including application-specific integrated chips (ASICs) and other microcontroller devices. The processing unit 702 may be configured to perform the functions described in the above examples.

[0087] The memory 706 may include various types of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, including, for example, read access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), or flash memory. The memory 706 is configured to store computer-readable instructions, sensor values, and other persistent software elements.

[0088] The electronic device 700 may include a control circuit 710. The control circuit 710 may be implemented in a single control unit and need not be implemented as different circuit elements. As used herein, a "control unit" will be used synonymously with a "control circuit". The control circuit 710 may receive signals from the processing unit 702 or from other elements of the electronic device 700.

[0089] like Figure 7As shown, the electronic device 700 includes a battery 714, which is configured to provide power to the components of the electronic device 700. The battery 714 may include one or more power storage units linked together to provide an internal power supply. The battery 714 is operably coupled to a power management circuit configured to provide appropriate voltage levels and power levels for each component or component group within the electronic device 700. The battery 714 can be configured to receive power from an external power source such as an AC power outlet via the power management circuit. The battery 714 can store the received power so that the electronic device 700 can operate for an extended period of time without being connected to an external power source, which period of time can range from several hours to several days.

[0090] In some embodiments, the electronic device 700 includes one or more input devices 716. The input device 716 is a device configured to receive input from a user or the environment. For example, the input device 716 may include, for example, a push button, a touch-activated button, a capacitive touch sensor, a touch screen (e.g., a touch-sensitive display or a force-sensitive display), a capacitive touch button, a dial, a crown, etc. In some embodiments, the input device 716 may provide dedicated or primary functions, including, for example, a power button, a volume button, a home button, a scroll wheel, and a camera button.

[0091] Equipment 700 may also include one or more sensors or sensor modules, such as touch sensor 704, force sensor 708 or other sensors 712, such as capacitive sensor, accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, light sensor, etc. In some cases, equipment 700 includes a sensor array (also referred to as a sensing array), which includes a plurality of sensors. For example, the sensor array associated with the protruding feature of the cover member may include an ambient light sensor, a laser radar sensor, and a microphone. The sensor may be operably coupled to a processing circuit. In some embodiments, the sensor may detect the deformation and / or configuration changes of the electronic device and may be operably coupled to a processing circuit based on a sensor signal control display. In some specific implementations, the output from the sensor is used to reconfigure the display output to correspond to the orientation or folding / unfolding configuration or state of the device. Exemplary sensors for this purpose include accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and other similar types of positioning / orientation sensing devices. In addition, the sensors may include microphones, acoustic sensors, light sensors (including ambient light, infrared (IR) light, ultraviolet (UV) light), optical facial recognition sensors, depth measurement sensors (e.g., time of flight sensors), health monitoring sensors (e.g., electrocardiogram (ERG) sensors, heart rate sensors, photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensors, pulse oximeters), biometric sensors (e.g., fingerprint sensors), or other types of sensing devices.

[0092] In some embodiments, the electronic device 700 includes one or more output devices configured to provide output to a user. The output device may include a display 720 that presents visual information generated by the processing unit 702. The output device may also include one or more speakers to provide audio output. The output device may also include one or more tactile devices configured to generate tactile or tactile output along the external surface of the device 700.

[0093] Display 720 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an LED backlit LCD display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, an active layer organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display, an organic electroluminescent (EL) display, an electrophoretic ink display, and the like. If display 720 is a liquid crystal display or an electrophoretic ink display, display 720 may also include a backlight component that can be controlled to provide variable display brightness levels. If display 720 is an organic light emitting diode or organic electroluminescent type display, the brightness of display 720 may be controlled by modifying the electrical signals provided to the display elements. In addition, information about the configuration and / or orientation of the electronic device may be used to control the output of the display, as described with respect to sensor 712. In some cases, the display is integrated with a touch sensor and / or a force sensor to detect touch and / or force applied along the outer surface of device 700.

[0094] The electronic device 700 may also include a communication port 718, which is configured to transmit and / or receive signals or electrical communications from an external device or a separate device. The communication port 718 may be configured to be coupled to an external device via a cable, an adapter, or other types of electrical connectors. In some embodiments, the communication port 718 may be used to couple the electronic device 700 to a host computer.

[0095] The electronic device 700 may also include at least one accessory, such as a camera, a flash for a camera, or other such device. The camera may be part of a camera array or a sensing array that may be connected to other parts of the electronic device 700, such as the control circuit 710.

[0096] As used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," "similar to," and the like are used to account for relatively small variations, such as variations of + / -10%, + / -5%, + / -2%, or + / -1%. In addition, the term "about" may be used with respect to an endpoint of a range to indicate a variation of + / -10%, + / -5%, + / -2%, or + / -1% of the endpoint value. Furthermore, disclosing a range in which at least one endpoint is described as "about" a particular value includes disclosing a range in which the endpoint is equal to the particular value.

[0097] As used herein, the phrase "one or more of" or "at least one of" following a list of items, any of which is separated by the terms "and" or "or", modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase "one or more of" or "at least one of" does not require selection of at least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows for a meaning that includes at least one of any of the items and / or at least one of any combination of the items and / or at least one of each of the items. For example, the phrase "one or more of A, B, and C" or "one or more of A, B, or C" each refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or one or more of each of A, B, and C. Similarly, it is understood that the order in which the elements are presented for the combined or separated lists provided herein should not be construed to limit the disclosure to only the order provided.

[0098] The following discussion applies to electronic devices described herein to the extent that these devices can be used to obtain personally identifiable information data. It is understood that the use of personally identifiable information should be subject to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized to meet or exceed industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly stated to users.

[0099] For the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the embodiments. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the disclosed precise forms. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are feasible.

Claims

1. A housing for an electronic device, the housing comprising: A shell member comprising a polymer and a pigment dispersed within the polymer, the shell member defining: a marking formed in a first surface region of the housing member, the marking being at least partially defined by a laser-formed pixel array, a portion of the marking having: a first lightness value L* in a CIEL*a*b* color space, the first lightness value L* ranging from 40 to 65; and A surface texture with an arithmetic mean height Sa defined in the range from 0.01 μm to 0.5 μm; and a second surface area of ​​the housing member, the second surface area at least partially surrounding the indicia and having: a second brightness value L* ranging from 80 to 100; and The b* value in the CIEL*a*b* color space ranges from less than 4 to greater than -10.

2. The housing according to claim 1, wherein: the housing defining an interior volume configured to receive a battery and electronic circuitry; The polymer is one or more of polycarbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; The pigment is titanium oxide; The portion of the mark is a first portion having a first pixel density; and The indicia includes a grayscale image, and the grayscale image includes the first portion and a second portion of the indicia, the second portion having a second pixel density less than the first pixel density.

3. The housing of claim 2, wherein the portion of the marking has: a b* value greater than -5 and less than 0; and An a* value in the CIEL*a*b* color space that is greater than -1.3 and less than -0.

5.

4. The housing according to claim 2, wherein: The first pixel density ranges from 90% to 100%; The first pixel density defines a first gloss value greater than 7 gloss units and less than or equal to 55 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees; and The second surface region has a second gloss value from 90 gloss units to 100 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees. 5 . The housing of claim 4 , wherein the first gloss value is greater than 30 gloss units and less than 50 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees.

6. The housing according to claim 2, wherein: The first portion includes a group of laser-formed pixels in the array of laser-formed pixels; and The set of laser-formed pixels includes overlapping laser-formed pixels.

7. The housing of claim 2, wherein each laser-formed pixel in the array of laser-formed pixels has a diameter of from 10 microns to 18 microns.

8. A housing, comprising: a housing member defining an exterior surface and comprising a housing material; an indicia formed in a first region of the outer surface and defining an image, the indicia comprising an array of laser-formed pixels formed within the housing material, each laser-formed pixel in the array of laser-formed pixels having a diameter from 10 microns to 20 microns, a first portion of the indicia having: a minimum center-to-center spacing between adjacent laser-formed pixels in the array of laser-formed pixels, a ratio of the minimum center-to-center spacing to the diameter ranging from 0.5 to 0.9; a first lightness value L* in a CIEL*a*b* color space, the first lightness value L* ranging from 45 to 65; and a first b* value in a CIEL*a*b* color space, the first b* value ranging from greater than -7 to less than 0; and a second region of the outer surface, the second region at least partially surrounding the image and having: a second brightness value L* ranging from 85 to 100; and A second b* value greater than -7 and less than 0.

9. The housing according to claim 8, wherein: the first portion of the mark comprising a set of laser-formed pixels in the array of laser-formed pixels; Each laser-formed pixel in the set of laser-formed pixels defines a peak: and The average height of the peaks in the set of laser-formed pixels ranges from 0.2 microns to 0.75 microns.

10. The housing of claim 8, wherein each laser-formed pixel in the array of laser-formed pixels has a depth of from 3 microns to 15 microns.

11. The housing of claim 8, wherein a difference between a gloss value of the second region and a gloss value of the first region is less than 90 gloss units.

12. The housing of claim 8, wherein the housing material comprises metal oxide pigment particles dispersed in a polymer matrix.

13. The housing of claim 12, wherein the polymer matrix comprises polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or a combination thereof.

14. The housing of claim 8, wherein: The housing material defines an interior volume of the housing; and The housing is configured to enclose a battery and electronic circuitry operatively coupled to the battery.

15. An electronic device, comprising: a housing defining an interior volume and comprising: indicia formed in a first surface region of the housing and defining an image, the indicia comprising laser-formed pixels formed in the housing material, And the marked part has: Pixel density ranging from 90% to 100%; a first lightness value L* in a CIEL*a*b* color space, the first lightness value L* ranging from 40 to 65; and a first gloss value ranging from 10 gloss units to less than 50 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees; and A second surface region, the second surface region being adjacent to the first surface region and having: a second lightness value L* ranging from 80 to 100; and a second gloss value ranging from 90 gloss units to 100 gloss units when measured at 60 degrees; a battery positioned within the interior volume; and Electronic circuitry is positioned within the interior volume and operatively coupled to the battery.

16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein a difference between the second gloss value and the first gloss value is less than 60 gloss units.

17. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein: Each of the laser-formed pixels has a diameter from 10 microns to 20 microns; and The portion of the mark has an arithmetic mean height ranging from 0.01 micrometers to 0.3 micrometers.

18. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein: The first surface region has a first b* value in a CIEL*a*b* color space; The second surface region has a second b* value; and The magnitude of the difference between the first b* value and the second b* value is less than or equal to 1.

5.

19. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein: The laser-formed pixels define an array; and The pixel density is the array density.

20. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the housing material comprises titanium dioxide pigment in a polymer matrix.

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