Switch module for an electronic crown assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a switch module for an electronic crown assembly. A switch module for an electronic device detects a translational input and defines at least a portion of a conductive path from an input surface of the electronic device to a processing unit of the electronic device. The switch module can be a component of a crown assembly for detecting rotational inputs, translational inputs, touch inputs, and / or biological signals such as electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The switch module can include a conductive dome and a friction guard positioned between the conductive dome and an actuation member of the crown assembly. The conductive dome and / or the friction guard can define at least a portion of the conductive path from the input surface to the processing unit.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application for patent with application number 202110609081.5, application date of June 1, 2021, and title of “Switch Module for Electronic Crown Assembly”, the contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments generally relate to switch modules for electronic devices. More specifically, embodiments described herein relate to switch modules that route external signals and switch signals for electronic devices. BACKGROUND

[0003] Electronic devices often use physical input devices to facilitate user interaction. For example, a user can physically manipulate buttons, keys, dials, and the like to control operation of the device. Physical input devices can use various types of sensing mechanisms to translate physical manipulation into signals usable by the electronic device. For example, buttons and keys can use collapsible dome switches to detect pressing, while dials and other rotary input devices can use encoders or resolvers to detect rotational motion. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of systems, devices, methods, and apparatuses described in this disclosure relate to switch modules for electronic devices.

[0005] One embodiment can take the form of an electronic watch including a housing, a processing unit, a display, and a crown assembly. The housing can define an interior volume and an opening to the interior volume. The processing unit can be positioned within the interior volume. The display can be operably coupled to the processing unit and configured to provide graphical output. The crown assembly can be positioned at least partially within the interior volume and can include an actuation member that extends through the opening and defines an input surface for sensing an input signal along an exterior of the electronic watch. The crown assembly can also include a rotation sensor positioned within the interior volume and configured to detect a rotational input at the crown assembly. The crown assembly can also include a switch module positioned within the interior volume. The switch module can include a switch housing defining a recess, a persistent electrical contact positioned in the recess and conductively coupled to the processing unit, a switch electrical contact positioned in the recess and conductively coupled to the processing unit, and a conductive dome positioned at least partially in the recess and conductively coupled to the actuation member. The conductive dome can be configured to transition from an uncollapsed configuration to a collapsed configuration in response to a translational input at the actuation member. In the uncollapsed configuration and the collapsed configuration, the conductive dome can contact the persistent electrical contact to at least partially define a conductive path between the input surface and the processing unit. In the collapsed configuration, the conductive dome can contact the switch electrical contact to register the translational input. The graphical output can be responsive to the input signal, the rotational input, and the translational input.

[0006] Another embodiment can take the form of a switch module for a crown assembly of an electronic watch. The switch module can include a switch housing including a base defining a recess and a cradle for coupling the switch module to a device housing. The switch module can also include a conductive dome positioned at least partially in the recess and defining a first portion of a conductive path between an actuation member and a processing unit. The conductive dome can be configured to transition from an uncollapsed configuration to a collapsed configuration in response to a translational input at the actuation member. The switch module can also include a friction guard contacting the conductive dome and configured to be positioned between the conductive dome and the actuation member. The friction guard can define a second portion of the conductive path. The switch module can also include a persistent electrical contact positioned in the recess and contacting the conductive dome, the persistent electrical contact defining a third portion of the conductive path. The switch module can also include a first conductive member at least partially encapsulated within the base and defining a fourth portion of the conductive path. The switch module can also include a switch electrical contact positioned in the recess and configured to contact the conductive dome in the collapsed configuration to register the translational input. The switch module can also include a second conductive member at least partially encapsulated within the base and configured to conductively couple the switch electrical contact to the processing unit.

[0007] Another embodiment can take the form of an electronic watch including a housing, a processing unit, and a crown assembly. The housing can define an interior volume and an opening to the interior volume. The processing unit can be positioned within the interior volume. The crown assembly can be at least partially positioned within the interior volume and can include an actuation member extending through the opening and defining an input surface for sensing an input signal along an exterior of the electronic watch. The crown assembly can also include a rotation sensor positioned within the interior volume and configured to detect a rotational input at the crown assembly. The crown assembly can also include a switch module positioned within the interior volume. The switch module can include a switch housing defining a recess, a conductive dome positioned in the recess and configured to collapse in response to a translational input at the crown assembly, and a friction guard at least partially defining a conductive path between the input surface and the processing unit. The friction guard can include a support member attached to the switch housing, a translation portion contacting the actuation member, and first and second flexures extending from the support member and at least partially around the translation portion, the first and second flexures configured to allow the translation portion to move relative to the switch housing.

[0008] In addition to the exemplary aspects and implementations described above, further aspects and implementations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure, which is described in connection with the accompanying drawings and is set forth in the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements throughout the drawings and wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an electronic device;

[0011] Figures 2A-2C An example of a watch incorporating a switch module as described herein is shown;

[0012] Figures 3A-3F An example switch module for an electronic device is shown;

[0013] Figures 4A-4C An example switch module for an electronic device is shown;

[0014] Figures 5A-5C An example switch module for an electronic device is shown;

[0015] Figures 6A-6B An example switch module for an electronic device is shown; and

[0016] Figure 7 A sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device that can incorporate a switch module is shown.

[0017] The use of cross-hatching or shading in the drawings is generally provided to illustrate the boundaries of regions or features of the figures. The presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading therefore, does not indicate or imply any preference or requirement for particular material, material properties, element proportions, element sizes, commonality of like elements, or any other characteristic, property, or attribute of any element shown in the figures.

[0018] Further, it should be appreciated that the proportions and dimensions of various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the relationships between them as presented in the drawings are provided only to facilitate understanding of the various implementations described herein and, as such, can not necessarily be presented or shown to scale and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for any particular implementation of the embodiments shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0020] The following disclosure relates to electronic devices, and in particular to a switch module for a crown assembly that receives rotational and translational inputs and includes an actuation member that defines an input surface for receiving sensor inputs such as touch inputs, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, and the like. The switch module can provide at least a portion of a conductive path from the input surface of the crown assembly to a processing unit or other circuitry of the electronic device. The conductive path can be electrically isolated from the crown assembly and / or one or more additional components of the electronic device, and can allow signals to be transmitted between the input surface and the processing unit.

[0021] The switch module can include a conductive dome and a friction guard positioned between the conductive dome and the actuation member of the crown assembly. The conductive dome and / or the friction guard can define at least a portion of the conductive path from the input surface to the processing unit.

[0022] The conductive dome can collapse in response to a translational input that moves the actuation member from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The conductive dome and / or the friction guard can provide an outward biasing force that maintains the actuation member in the unactuated position in the absence of an inward force on the actuation member. The outward biasing force can be a spring force exerted on the actuation member by the conductive dome and / or the friction guard. The translational input can be provided to the crown assembly in the form of an inward force that overcomes the outward biasing force and causes the actuation member to translate inwardly to the actuated position. When the inward force is removed or reduced, the outward biasing force can cause the actuation member to return to the unactuated position.

[0023] The conductive dome is in an uncollapsed configuration when the actuation member is in the unactuated position. The conductive dome is in a collapsed configuration when the actuation member is in the actuated position. In the uncollapsed configuration and / or the collapsed configuration, the conductive dome can contact a first electrical contact that is conductively coupled to the processing unit, thereby facilitating the transmission of signals between the input surface and the processing unit. In the collapsed configuration, the conductive dome can contact a second electrical contact that can cause a circuit to close to register the translational input. In the uncollapsed configuration and / or the collapsed configuration, the conductive dome can contact a reference electrical contact that provides a bias voltage for detecting the translational input and / or input signals at the input surface. When the conductive dome contacts the second electrical contact, it can cause a circuit including the reference electrical contact to close, which in turn can register the translational input.

[0024] The conductive dome can define one or more conductive paths that are electrically isolated from one another. The conductive dome can include vias or other structural elements for defining the isolated conductive paths. The conductive dome can define a first conductive path between the friction guard and the first electrode for transmitting signals between the sensor and the processing unit. The conductive dome can define a second conductive path between the second electrical contact and the reference electrical contact for detecting a translation input. The first and second conductive paths can be electrically isolated from one another to prevent signal interference.

[0025] In implementations where the friction guard provides at least a portion of the outward biasing force, the friction guard can include a translation portion and one or more flexures that allow the translation portion to move. The friction guard can act as a spring, where the flexures exert a reaction force on the translation portion (and thus the actuation member) that depends on the position of the translation portion. The spring dynamics of the friction guard can be defined by the material properties, thickness, and length of the flexures.

[0026] The switch module can include a switch housing that at least partially surrounds one or more components of the switch module. The housing can define a recess in which the conductive dome, friction guard, and / or one or more electrical contacts are positioned. The switch housing can include a cradle or other fastening component for coupling the switch module to the housing or one or more other components of the electronic watch. In some cases, the electrical contacts can be at least partially encapsulated within the switch housing. As used herein, “encapsulated” can refer to a component being in contact with and partially or completely surrounded by another component. For example, the electrical contacts can be encapsulated within the base of the switch housing by injection molding.

[0027] The term “attached,” as used herein, can refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts, etc. being physically fixed, fastened, and / or retained to one another. The term “coupled,” as used herein, can refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts, etc. being physically attached to one another, operating with one another, in communication with one another, electrically connected to one another, and / or otherwise interacting with one another. As such, when elements that are attached to one another are coupled to one another, no reversal is required. As used herein, “operably coupled” or “electrically coupled” can refer to two or more devices being coupled for operation and / or communication in any suitable manner, including wired, wirelessly, or some combination thereof. As used herein, “electrically coupled” can refer to two or more elements, structures, objects, components, parts, etc. being coupled in any suitable manner to facilitate the transmission of electrical current therebetween.

[0028] Reference is made to Figures 1-7 to discuss these and other embodiments. However, as one skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the detailed description given herein, based on the figures, is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0029] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of an electronic device 100. In some examples, the device 100 can be an electronic watch or an electronic health monitoring device. The electronic device 100 can include a device housing 102 that defines an internal volume 106 of the device. As described above, the device can include a crown assembly 110 positioned at least partially within the internal volume, a processing unit 120, a display 122, one or more input devices 124, and one or more output devices 126. Each component of the electronic device 100 can be operably coupled to the processing unit 120, e.g., via connectors 128a-e.

[0030] In some cases, the electronic device 100 includes a crown assembly 110 configured to receive translational inputs, rotational inputs, and / or touch inputs and / or biometric signals. Inputs received at the crown assembly 110 can result in changes to outputs provided by the electronic device 100, such as changes to graphical outputs of the display 122, and / or otherwise modify the operation of the electronic device. In some cases, the crown assembly 110 can be positioned along a side of the housing 102, and can extend through an opening 104 defined in the housing and into the internal volume 106.

[0031] The crown assembly 110 can include an actuation member 112 that can be translated (e.g., by a user) to provide translational inputs, can be rotated to provide rotational inputs, and can be touched to provide touch inputs and / or biometric signals. The crown assembly 110 can include a switch module 116 for detecting translational inputs to the crown assembly. The switch module 116 can also define at least a portion of an electrically conductive path between the actuation member 112 and the processing unit 120. This can facilitate the transmission of touch inputs and / or biometric signals from the actuation member 112 to the processing unit 120.

[0032] The actuation member 112 can include a crown body 112a positioned at least partially outside of the housing 102 and a crown shaft 112b that extends through the opening 104 and is positioned at least partially within the housing 102. As shown, the crown body 112a and the crown shaft 112b can be formed as a unitary structure, but other actuation members can have different components and / or configurations, and can be defined by several different components that are attached together. The actuation member 112 can be formed from or include an electrically conductive material (e.g., a metal, carbon fiber, an electrically conductive polymer, an electrically conductive ceramic, etc.).

[0033] The actuation member 112 can define an input surface 114 that a user can touch to provide touch inputs or biometric signals to the electronic device 100. The actuation member 112 and the switch module 116 can form at least a portion of a conductive path 130 between the input surface 114 and the processing unit 120. This can facilitate the transmission of input signals from the input surface 114 to the processing unit 120. The input surface 114 can be a conductive surface. The conductivity of the input surface 114 can facilitate a conductive path (e.g., the conductive path 130) from a user’s finger in contact with the input surface to other components of the electronic device.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the crown assembly 110 can also include one or more sensing elements for detecting touch inputs and / or biometric signals. Example sensing elements include capacitive sensors, ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, and the like. The actuation member 112 and / or the switch module 116 can define at least a portion of a conductive path between the sensing elements and the processing unit 120.

[0035] The input surface 114 can function as an electrode to sense input signals that can include a voltage or signal indicative of one or more touch inputs and / or biometric parameters of a user in contact with the conductive surface. The housing 102 can define another touch- or conductive- sensitive surface that is electrically coupled to the processing unit 120 and also functions as an electrode. The processing unit 120 can use the output of the electrodes of the input surface 114 and the housing 102 to determine an electrocardiogram. In various embodiments, the crown assembly 110 is electrically isolated from the housing 102. This can prevent or mitigate signal interference between the electrodes, for example, to allow for separate measurements at each electrode.

[0036] The crown assembly 110 can include a rotation sensor 118 positioned within the interior volume 106 for detecting rotation of the actuation member 112. The rotation sensor 118 can include one or more light emitters and / or light detectors. The light emitters can illuminate an encoder pattern or other rotating portion of the actuation member 112. The encoder pattern can be carried (e.g., formed, printed, etc.) on the crown shaft 112b or other component of the actuation member 112. The light detectors can receive light emitted by the light emitters and reflected from the actuation member 112. The light detectors can be operably coupled to the processing unit 120, which can determine a direction of rotation, a speed of rotation, an angular position, a translation, or other state of the actuation member 112. In some embodiments, the rotation sensor 118 can detect rotation of the actuation member 112 by detecting rotation of the crown shaft 112b. The rotation sensor 118 can be electrically coupled to the processing unit 120 of the electronic device by the connector 128b.

[0037] As described above, the display 122 can be disposed at least partially within the housing 102. The display 122 provides, for example, graphical output associated with an operating system, user interface, and / or application program of the electronic device 100. In one embodiment, the display 122 includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive display (e.g., single-point touch, multi-point touch) and / or a force-sensitive display to receive input from a user. The display 122 is operatively coupled to the processing unit 120 of the electronic device 100, for example, through the connector 128c.

[0038] The graphical output of the display 122 can be responsive to input provided at the crown assembly 110, the display 122, and / or another input device 124. For example, the processing unit 120 can be configured to modify the graphical output of the display 122 in response to determining an electrocardiogram, receiving a rotational input, receiving a translational input, or receiving a touch input. The display 122 can be implemented in any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light-emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light-emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. In some cases, the display 122 is positioned beneath a cover sheet forming at least a portion of the housing 102 and is visible through the cover sheet.

[0039] Broadly speaking, the input devices 124 can detect various types of input, and the output devices 126 can provide various types of output. The processing unit 120 can receive input signals from the input devices 124 in response to input detected by the input devices. The processing unit 120 can interpret the input signals received from one or more input devices 124 and transmit output signals to one or more output devices 126. The output signals can cause the output devices 126 to provide one or more outputs. Input detected at the one or more input devices 124 can be used to control one or more functions of the device 100. In some cases, the one or more output devices 126 can be configured to provide output that is dependent on or manipulated in response to input detected by the one or more input devices 124. The output provided by the one or more output devices 126 can also be responsive to or initiated by a program or application executed by the processing unit 120 and / or associated companion device.

[0040] In various embodiments, the input devices 124 can include any suitable components for detecting input. Examples of input devices 124 include audio sensors (e.g., microphones), optical or visual sensors (e.g., cameras, visible light sensors, or non-visible light sensors), proximity sensors, touch sensors, force sensors, mechanical devices (e.g., crown assemblies, switches, buttons, or keys), vibration sensors, orientation sensors, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers or velocity sensors), position sensors (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) devices), thermal sensors, communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), resistive sensors, magnetic sensors, electroactive polymers (EAPs), strain gauges, electrodes, and the like, or some combination thereof. Each input device 124 can be configured to detect one or more particular types of input and provide a signal (e.g., an input signal) corresponding to the detected input. For example, the signal can be provided to the processing unit 120.

[0041] In some cases, the input devices 124 include a set of one or more electrodes. The electrodes can be electrically conductive portions of the device 100 that contact or are configured to contact a user. The electrodes can be disposed on one or more outer surfaces of the device 100, including surfaces of the crown assembly 110, the housing 102, and the like. The processing unit 120 can monitor the voltage or signal received on at least one of the electrodes. In some embodiments, one of the electrodes can be permanently or switchably coupled to a device ground. The electrodes can be used to provide electrocardiogram (ECG) functionality for the device 100. For example, a 2-lead ECG functionality can be provided when a user of the device 100 contacts a first electrode and a second electrode that receive signals from the user. As another example, a 3-lead ECG functionality can be provided when a user of the device 100 contacts a first electrode and a second electrode that receive signals from the user and a third electrode that grounds the user to the device 100. In both the 2-lead and 3-lead ECG embodiments, the user can press the first electrode against a first part of their body and the second electrode against a second part of their body. The third electrode can be pressed against either the first body part or the second body part depending on the location of the third electrode on the device 100. In some cases, the housing 102 of the device 100 can function as an electrode. In some cases, input devices such as buttons, crowns, and the like can function as electrodes.

[0042] The output devices 126 can include any suitable components for providing output. Examples of output devices 126 include audio output devices (e.g., speakers), visual output devices (e.g., lights or displays), tactile output devices (e.g., haptic output devices), communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), and the like, or some combination thereof. Each output device 126 can be configured to receive one or more signals (e.g., output signals provided by the processing unit 120) and provide an output corresponding to the signal.

[0043] The processing unit 120 can be operatively coupled to the input device 124 and the output device 126, e.g., via connectors 128d and 128e. The processing unit 120 can be adapted to exchange signals with the input device 124 and the output device 126. For example, the processing unit 120 can receive, from the input device 124, an input signal corresponding to an input detected by the input device. The processing unit 120 can interpret the received input signal to determine whether to provide and / or change one or more outputs in response to the input signal. The processing unit 120 can then send, to the output device(s) 126, an output signal to provide and / or change the output(s), as needed. Exemplary processing units are discussed below with respect to Figure 7 FIG. 1.

[0044] Figure 2A An example of a watch 200 (e.g., an electronic watch or a smart watch) incorporating a switch module as described herein is shown. The watch 200 can include a watch body 231 and a watch band 232. Other devices that can incorporate a crown assembly include other wearable electronic devices, other timekeeping devices, other health monitoring or fitness devices, other portable computing devices, mobile telephones (including smartphones), tablet computing devices, digital media players, and the like. The watch 200 can have similar components, structure, and / or functionality as the device 100 described with respect to Figure 1 FIG. 1.

[0045] The watch body 231 can include a housing 202. The housing 202 can include a front side housing member and a back side housing member, the front side housing member facing away from a user’s skin and the back side housing member facing toward the user’s skin when the watch 200 is worn by the user. Alternatively, the housing 202 can include a single housing member or more than two housing members. The one or more housing members can be metallic, plastic, ceramic, glass, or other types of housing members (or combinations of these materials).

[0046] The housing 202 can include a cover sheet 234 mounted to a front side of the watch body 231 (i.e., facing away from the user's skin) and can protect a display 222 mounted within the housing 102. The display 222 can produce graphical output that is viewable by the user through the cover sheet 234. In some cases, the cover sheet 234 can be part of a display stack that can include touch sensing or force sensing capabilities. The display can be configured to depict graphical output of the watch 200 and the user can interact with the graphical output (e.g., using a finger, stylus, or other pointer). As one example, the user can select (or otherwise interact with) a graphic, icon, etc. presented on the display by touching or pressing (e.g., providing a touch input) at a graphical location on the cover sheet 234. As used herein, the term "cover sheet" can be used to refer to any transparent, translucent, or semi-transparent surface made of glass, crystalline material (such as sapphire or zirconium oxide), plastic, or the like. Thus, it should be understood that the term "cover sheet" as used herein includes amorphous solids as well as crystalline solids. The cover sheet 234 can form a portion of the housing 202. In some examples, the cover sheet 234 can be a sapphire cover sheet. The cover sheet 234 can also be formed of glass, plastic, or other materials.

[0047] In some embodiments, the watch body 231 can include an additional cover sheet (not shown) that forms a portion of the housing 202. The additional cover sheet can have one or more electrodes thereon. For example, the watch body 231 can include an additional cover sheet mounted to a rear side of the watch body 231 (i.e., facing toward the user's skin). The one or more electrodes on the additional cover sheet can be used to determine biological parameters such as heart rate, electrocardiogram, etc. In some cases, the electrodes are used in conjunction with one or more additional electrodes such as the surface of a crown assembly or other input device.

[0048] The watch body 231 can include at least one input device or selection device such as a crown assembly, scroll wheel, knob, dial, button, etc. that can be operated by a user of the watch 200. In some embodiments, the watch 200 includes a crown assembly 210 that includes an actuation member 212. The housing 202 can define an opening through which the actuation member 212 extends. The actuation member 212 is accessible by a user outside of the housing 202. The actuation member 212 can be rotatable by the user and can be manipulated (e.g., rotated, pressed) by the user. As one example, the actuation member 212 can be mechanically, electrically, magnetically, and / or optically coupled to components within the housing 202. Manipulation of the actuation member 212 by the user can in turn be used to manipulate or select various elements displayed on the display, adjust the volume of a speaker, turn the watch 200 on or off, etc.

[0049] The housing 202 can also include an opening through which a button 236 protrudes. The button 236 can be used to provide input to the watch 200. In some embodiments, the actuation member 212, scroll wheel, knob, dial, button 236, etc. can be touch sensitive, electrically conductive, and / or have an electrically conductive surface, and can provide signal routing between the electrically conductive portion of the actuation member 212, scroll wheel, knob, dial, button 236, etc. and circuitry (such as a processing unit) within the watch body 231.

[0050] The housing 202 can include structures for attaching the band 232 to the watch body 231. In some cases, these structures can include elongated recesses or openings through which the ends of the band 232 can be inserted and attached to the watch body 231. In other cases (not shown), these structures can include indentations (e.g., dimples or recesses) in the housing 202 that can receive the ends of spring pins that are attached to or pass through the ends of the band to attach the band to the watch body. The band 232 can be used to secure the watch 200 to a user, another device, a holding mechanism, etc.

[0051] In some examples, the watch 200 can lack any or all of the cover sheet 234, display 222, crown assembly 210, or buttons 236. For example, the watch 200 can include an audio input or output interface, a touch input interface, a force input or haptic output interface, or other input or output interfaces that do not require a display, crown assembly 210, or buttons 236. The watch 200 can include the aforementioned input or output interfaces in addition to the display 222, crown assembly 210, or buttons 236. When the watch 200 does not have a display, the front side of the watch 200 can be covered by the cover sheet 234 or by a metal housing member or other type of housing member.

[0052] Figure 2B A partial cross-sectional view of an example watch 200 taken through section line A-A of Figure 2A A partial cross-sectional view of an example watch 200 taken through section line A-A of

[0053] The crown assembly 210 can include a switch module 216 for detecting a translational input to the crown assembly. The actuation member 212 can define an input surface 214 that a user can touch to provide touch input or biometric signals to the watch 200. The actuation member 212 and the switch module 216 can form at least a portion of a conductive path 230 between the input surface 214 and the processing unit 220. This can facilitate the transmission of inputs and / or signals from the input surface 214 to the processing unit 220. The input surface 214 can be a conductive surface. The conductivity of the input surface 214 can facilitate a conductive path (e.g., the conductive path 230) from a user's finger in contact with the input surface to other components of the electronic device.

[0054] The switch module 216 can include a conductive dome 240 and a friction guard 250 positioned between the conductive dome 240 and the actuation member 212 of the crown assembly 210. The conductive dome 240 and / or the friction guard 250 can define at least a portion of the conductive path 230 from the input surface 214 to the processing unit 220.

[0055] The conductive dome 240 and / or the friction guard 250 can provide an outward biasing force that holds the actuation member in an unactuated position as Figure 2B shown in the absence of an inward force on the actuation member. The outward biasing force can include a spring force exerted on the actuation member 212 by the conductive dome 240 and / or the friction guard 250.

[0056] As described herein, the crown assembly 210 can receive a translational input that causes the actuation member 212 to translate inward from the unactuated position to the actuated position. Figure 2C The actuation member 212 of the crown assembly 210 is shown in the actuated position in response to a translational input on the actuation member 212. The translational input can be provided to the crown assembly 210 in the form of an inward force F that overcomes the outward biasing force provided by the conductive dome 240 and / or the friction guard 250 and causes the actuation member 212 to translate inward to the actuated position as Figure 2C shown. When the inward force F is removed or reduced, the outward biasing force can cause the actuation member 212 to return to the unactuated position as Figure 2B shown.

[0057] The conductive dome 240 can collapse in response to a translational input that moves the actuation member 212 from the unactuated position to the actuated position. As Figure 2B shown, the conductive dome 240 is in an uncollapsed configuration when the actuation member 212 is in the unactuated position. As Figure 2C shown, the conductive dome 240 is in a collapsed configuration when the actuation member 212 is in the actuated position.

[0058] At least a portion of the conductive dome 240 can be electrically coupled to a persistent electrical contact 260, which forms at least a portion of a conductive path 230 from the input surface 214 to the processing unit 220. The persistent electrical contact 260 can be electrically coupled to the processing unit 220, for example, via a connector 228a, to facilitate signal transmission between the input surface 214 and the processing unit. The conductive dome 240 can directly contact the persistent electrical contact 260. The conductive dome 240 can contact the persistent electrical contact 260 in an uncollapsed configuration, a collapsed configuration, and a position in between, such that the conductive coupling between the input surface 214 and the processing unit 220 can be maintained regardless of the position of the actuating member 212.

[0059] like Figure 2C As shown, in the collapsed configuration, the conductive dome 240 can contact the switch contact 262. Contacting the switch contact 262 with the conductive dome 240 can electrically couple at least a portion of the conductive dome 240 to the switch contact 262, which can close the circuit to register the translation input. This circuit may include a processing unit 220 and / or be operatively coupled to the processing unit, for example, via a connector 228b.

[0060] In both the uncollapsed and / or collapsed configurations, the conductive dome 240 can contact a reference electrical contact 264, which provides a bias voltage for detecting translation input and / or input signals at the input surface 214. The reference electrical contact 264 can be operatively coupled to the processing unit 220, for example, via connector 228c. The conductive dome 240 contacting the switch contact 262 can close a circuit including the reference electrical contact 264, thereby enabling registration of the translation input. The circuitry may include the processing unit 220 and / or be operatively coupled to it, for example, via connectors 228b and 228c.

[0061] The conductive dome 240 can be a single piece of conductive material capable of collapsing and subsequently returning to an uncollapsed configuration. The conductive dome 240 may comprise multiple pieces, such as multiple layers. In some cases, the conductive dome 240 is substantially homogeneous, meaning that the conductive dome has a uniform material throughout its entire volume. The conductive dome 240 can be formed from any suitable conductive material or combination of materials (e.g., metal, carbon fiber, conductive polymer, conductive ceramic, etc.).

[0062] The conductive dome 240 can define one or more conductive paths that are electrically isolated from one another. The conductive dome 240 can include vias or other structural elements for defining the isolated conductive paths. The conductive dome 240 can define a first conductive path between the friction guard 250 and the persistent electrical contact 260 that forms at least a portion of the conductive path 230. The conductive dome 240 can define a second conductive path between the switch electrical contact 262 and the reference electrical contact 264 that forms a portion of an electrical circuit for detecting a translational input. The first and second conductive paths can be electrically isolated from one another to prevent signal interference. In some cases, the conductive dome 240 does not define separate conductive paths. That is, the conductive path between the friction guard 250 and the persistent electrical contact 260 that forms at least a portion of the conductive path 230 is not electrically isolated from the conductive path between the switch electrical contact 262 and the reference electrical contact 264 that forms a portion of an electrical circuit for detecting a translational input.

[0063] The friction guard 250 can be positioned between the actuation member 212 and the conductive dome 240 and can protect the conductive dome 240 or other components of the switch module 216 from damage caused by contact with the actuation member 212. For example, the friction guard 250 can protect the conductive dome 240 from shear forces caused by rotation of the actuation member 212. As described herein, the friction guard 250 can form a portion of the conductive path 230. The friction guard 250 can be formed from any suitable electrically conductive material or combination of materials (e.g., metal, carbon fiber, electrically conductive polymer, electrically conductive ceramic, etc.). In some cases, the friction guard 250 can be omitted or integrated with the conductive dome 240.

[0064] As noted herein, the conductive dome 240 and / or the friction guard 250 can provide an outward biasing force that maintains the actuation member in an unactuated position as Figure 2B shown. In embodiments in which the friction guard 250 provides at least a portion of the outward biasing force, the friction guard can include one or more flexures that provide the outward biasing force. As described in more detail below with respect to Figures 4A-5C The friction guard 250 can maintain a gap between the friction guard and the conductive dome 240 such that the friction guard 250 provides the outward biasing force when the actuation member 212 is in the unactuated position and / or at least partially transitions to the actuated position. During the transition from the unactuated position to the actuated position, the friction guard 250 can come into contact with the conductive dome 240 or otherwise cause the force exerted on the actuation member 212 to be transferred to the conductive dome 240, causing the dome to collapse.

[0065] Switch module 216 may include a switch housing 270 that at least partially surrounds one or more components of switch module 216. Housing 270 may define a recess 272 in which a conductive dome 240, a friction guard 250, and / or one or more electrical contacts 260, 262, 264 are positioned. Switch housing 270 may include a bracket or other fastening member for coupling switch module 216 to housing 202 or one or more other components of electronic watch 200. In some cases, electrical contacts 260, 262, 264 may be encapsulated within switch housing 270. For example, electrical contacts may be injection molded as part of the base of switch housing 270.

[0066] like Figure 2B As shown, the crown assembly 210 may include a rotation sensor 218 positioned along one side of the crown axis 212b or at another suitable location. The rotation sensor 218 may have a similar structure or function to the rotation sensor discussed herein (e.g., rotation sensor 118). The processing unit 220 may have a similar structure to the processing unit discussed herein (e.g., processing unit 118). Figure 1 The processing unit 120) has a similar structure or function.

[0067] Figure 3A An exemplary switch module 316 for an electronic device is shown. The switch module 316 may be part of a crown assembly (e.g., crown assembly 110, 210) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100, 200). The switch module 316 may include a housing 370 defining an opening 375 through which an actuating member 312 may extend partially. The switch module 316 may detect movement of the actuating member 312 to detect a translational input, and the switch module may define at least a portion of a conductive path between the actuating member 312 and a processing unit.

[0068] Figure 3B An exploded view of an exemplary switch module 316 is shown. Figure 3BAs shown, the switch module 316 includes the conductive dome 340 and the friction guard 350 positioned at least partially within a switch housing formed by the cover 374 and the base 376. The cover 374 can be coupled to the base 376. The base 376 can define a recess 372 in which the persistent electrical contact 360, the switch electrical contact 362, and the reference electrical contact 364 are located. The conductive dome 340 can be positioned in the recess 372. Each of the electrical contacts 360, 362, 364 can be defined by and / or conductively coupled to a conductive member (e.g., conductive members 363, 365) that can contact a connector to conductively couple the respective electrode to a processing unit or other circuitry when the switch module 316 is installed in an electronic watch. The switch electrical contact 362 can be positioned in a central region of the recess 372. The persistent electrical contact 360 and / or the reference electrical contact 364 can be positioned in a peripheral region of the recess 372 that surrounds the central region. The switch electrical contact 362 can contact a central portion of the conductive dome 340 when the conductive dome 340 collapses. The persistent electrical contact 360 can contact a peripheral portion of the conductive dome 340 that surrounds the central portion.

[0069] The cover 374 and the base 376 can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and the like. In some cases, the cover 374 is formed from a non-conductive material, such as a polymer, to electrically isolate the actuation member 312, the friction guard 350, and / or the conductive dome 340 from the switch module 316 or other components of the electronic device. The base 376 can include a non-conductive material, such as a polymer, that surrounds a conductive material, such as a metal, that forms the electrical contacts 360, 362, 364 and / or the conductive members 363, 365. In some cases, the electrical contacts 360, 362, 364 and / or the conductive members 363, 365 are encapsulated within the base 376, for example, by injection molding.

[0070] The switch housing 370 can include a cradle 378 for attaching the switch module 316 to an electronic watch. The cradle 378 can be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and the like. In some cases, the cradle 378 includes one or more metals, and the base 376 is attached to the cradle by molding the base around the cradle.

[0071] The cover 374 can define an opening 375 through which the actuation member 312 can extend at least partially. The cover 374 can extend around the actuation member 312. The cover 374 can retain the conductive dome 340 and / or the friction guard 350 within the recess 372. The friction guard 350 can be aligned with the opening such that the actuation member 312 contacts the friction guard. The friction guard 350 can include a recess 352 for receiving the actuation member 312 and preventing lateral movement of the actuation member.

[0072] Figure 3C and 3D Through Figure 3A An exemplary cross-sectional view of the switch module 316, taken by section line BB. Figure 3C The actuating member 312 in the unacted position and the conductive dome 340 in the uncollapsed configuration are shown. Figure 3D An actuating member 312 in an actuated position, for example, in response to a force applied to it, and a conductive dome 340 in a collapsed configuration are shown. The conductive dome 340 can provide an outward biasing force that holds the actuating member 312 in the unacted position in the absence of an inward force on it.

[0073] As described herein, the friction guard 350 and the conductive dome 340 may define at least a portion of the conductive path 330 from the input surface of the actuating member 312 to the processing unit 320 of the electronic device. The durable electrical contact 360 may also define a portion of the conductive path 330 between the input surface of the actuating member 312 and the processing unit 320. Figure 3C and Figure 3D As shown, the conductive dome 340 contacts the persistent electrical contact 360 in both the uncollapsed and collapsed configurations, such that the conductive path 330 is maintained regardless of whether the actuating member 312 is in the unacted or actuated position. The persistent electrical contact 360 may be defined and / or electrically coupled to a conductive member 361 extending through the base 376. The conductive member 361 may be electrically coupled to the processing unit 320, for example, via a connector 328a. As described above, the persistent electrical contact 360 and / or the conductive member 361 may be encapsulated within the base 376, for example, by injection molding.

[0074] like Figure 3C As shown, when the actuating member 312 is in the non-actuated position, the conductive dome 340 is in an uncollapsed configuration, and the conductive dome is not in contact with the switch contact 362. Figure 3D As shown, when the actuating member 312 is in an actuated position, for example in response to an inward force applied to the actuating member 312, the conductive dome 340 is in a collapsed configuration and contacts the switching contact 362, which closes the circuit including the switching contact 362 and the reference contact 364 to register the translation input. The switching contact 362 may be defined and / or electrically coupled to the conductive member 363 extending through the base 376. The conductive member 363 may be electrically coupled to the processing unit 320, for example, via connector 328b. The reference contact 364 may be defined and / or electrically coupled to the conductive member 365 extending through the base 376. The conductive member 365 may be electrically coupled to the processing unit 320, for example, via connector 328c.

[0075] Figure 3E and 3F Through Figure 3A An exemplary cross-sectional view of the switch module 316, taken by the section line CC. Figure 3E The actuating member 312 in the unacted position and the conductive dome 340 in the uncollapsed configuration are shown. Figure 3F An actuating member 312 in an actuated position, for example, in response to a force applied to it, and a conductive dome 340 in a collapsed configuration are shown. Figure 3E As shown, when the actuating member 312 is in the non-actuated position, the conductive dome 340 is in an uncollapsed configuration, and the conductive dome is not in contact with the switch contact 362. Figure 3F As shown, when the actuating member 312 is in an actuated position, for example in response to an inward force applied to the actuating member 312, the conductive dome 340 is in a collapsed configuration and contacts the switch electrical contact 362 to register the translation input.

[0076] Figures 4A-4C An exemplary switch module 416 for an electronic device is shown. The switch module 416 may be part of a crown assembly (e.g., crown assembly 110, 210) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100, 200). Figure 4A An exploded view of the switch module 416 is shown.

[0077] Switching module 416 may include a friction guard 450. As noted herein, the friction guard 450 may provide an outward biasing force that holds an actuating member in an unactuated position. The friction guard 450 may include a translational portion 458 and one or more flexures 454 that allow the translational portion 458 to move relative to the switch housing. The friction guard 450 may be attached to a base 476 via a support member 456. The flexures 454 may extend from the support member 456 and at least partially surround the translational portion 458 of the friction guard 450. The translational portion 458 may be adapted to receive an actuating member 412. The actuating member 412 may contact the translational portion 458, and the translational portion may translate relative to the support member 456 and the base 476 to allow translation of the actuating member. The friction protector 450 can be used as a spring, wherein the flexure 454 exerts a reaction force on the translational portion 458 (and thus on the actuating member 412), the reaction force depending on the position of the translational portion. The spring force of the friction protector 450 can be defined by the material properties, thickness, and length of the flexure 454. In some cases, such as Figure 4AAs shown, the flexure 454 can be an M-shaped flexure. This can allow the flexure to have sufficient length to provide a desired outward biasing force while minimizing or reducing the size of the friction guard 450. Minimizing or reducing the size of the friction guard can reduce the size of the switch module 416, which can reduce the size of a device in which the switch module is installed.

[0078] As described herein, the friction guard 450 can define at least a portion of an electrically conductive path from the actuation member 412 to a processing unit. In some cases, the flexure 454 can define a portion of this electrically conductive path. For example, the actuation member 412 can contact the translating portion 458 of the friction guard, and the electrically conductive path can extend from the translating portion 458 through one or both flexures 454 and through the support member 456 to an electrically conductive member 460 extending from the support member 456. The electrically conductive member 460 can be electrically conductively coupled to a connector that is electrically conductively coupled to a processing unit or another circuit of an electronic device.

[0079] The switch module 416 can include a housing 470 that includes a base 476 and a cradle 478 for attaching the switch module 416 to an electronic device. The base 476 can define a recess 472, and the electrically conductive dome 440 can be positioned in the recess. The switch electrical contact 462 and the reference electrical contact 464 for detecting a translating input can be positioned at least partially in the recess 472. Each electrical contact 462, 464 can be defined by and / or electrically conductively coupled to an electrically conductive member 463, 465 that can contact a connector to electrically conductively couple the respective electrical contact to a processing unit or other circuit when the switch module 416 is installed in an electronic watch.

[0080] The housing 470 can include a flexible cover 480 that is attached to the base using an adhesive 484 (e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive or a heat sensitive adhesive). The flexible cover 480 and / or the spacer 482 can electrically isolate the friction guard 450 and the electrically conductive dome 440 so that signals related to sensing a translating input at the electrically conductive dome 440 do not interfere with signals from the actuation member 412 being transmitted through the friction guard 450.

[0081] The base 476 can be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, etc. The base 476 can include a non-conductive material (such as a polymer) surrounding a conductive material (such as a metal) that forms the electrical contacts 462, 464 and / or the electrically conductive members 463, 465. In some cases, the electrical contacts 462, 464 and / or the electrically conductive members 463, 465 are encapsulated within the base 476, e.g., by injection molding.

[0082] Figure 4B and 4C are exemplary cross-sectional views of the switch module 416.Figure 4B The actuating member 412 in the unacted position and the friction guard 450 and conductive dome 440 in the uncollapsed configuration are shown. Figure 4C An actuating member 412 is shown, for example, in an actuated position in response to a force applied to it, and a friction guard 450 and a conductive dome 440 are shown in a collapsed configuration. The friction guard 450 provides an outward biasing force that keeps the actuating member 412 in place when there is no inward force on it. Figure 4B The unactivated position is shown.

[0083] When the actuating member 412 is in the unacted position and / or at least partially transitioning to the actuated position, the friction guard 450 may maintain a gap 490 between the friction guard and the conductive dome 440, such that the friction guard provides an outward biasing force to the actuating member 412. During the transition from the unacted position to the actuated position, the friction guard 450 may contact the spacer 482 or otherwise cause the force applied to the actuating member 412 to be transferred to the conductive dome 440, thereby causing the dome to collapse.

[0084] like Figure 4B and Figure 4C As shown, the conductive path 430 can be maintained when the actuating member 412 is in the inactive position, the actuated position, and a position in between. The friction guard 450 can be electrically coupled to the processing unit, for example, via connector 428a. The conductive path 430 can be electrically isolated from the conductive dome so that the signal used to detect the translation input does not interfere with the signal from the actuating member 412.

[0085] like Figure 4B As shown, when the actuating member 412 is in the non-actuated position, the conductive dome 440 is in an uncollapsed configuration, and the conductive dome is not in contact with the switch contact 462. Figure 4C As shown, when the actuating member 412 is in an actuated position, for example in response to an inward force applied to the actuating member 412, the conductive dome 440 is in a collapsed configuration and contacts the switching contact 462, which closes the circuit including the switching contact 462 and the reference contact 464 to register the translation input. The switching contact 462 may be defined and / or electrically coupled to the conductive member 463 extending through the base 476. The conductive member 463 may be electrically coupled to the processing unit 420, for example, via connector 428b. The reference contact 464 may be defined and / or electrically coupled to the conductive member 465 extending through the base 476. The conductive member 465 may be electrically coupled to the processing unit 420, for example, via connector 428c.

[0086] Figures 5A-5CAn example switch module 516 for an electronic device is shown. The switch module 516 can be part of a crown assembly (e.g., crown assembly 110, 210) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100, 200). Figure 5A An exploded view of the switch module 516 is shown. Figure 5B is a first example cross-sectional view of the switch module 516. Figure 5C is a second example cross-sectional view of the switch module 516.

[0087] The switch module 516 can include a friction guard 550. Similar to the friction guard 450 described above with respect to Figures 4A-4C the friction guard 450, the friction guard 550 can provide an outward biasing force that maintains the actuation member 512 in an unactuated position. The friction guard 550 can act as a spring and can include one or more flexures 554 that define a spring force of the friction guard. The friction guard 550 can be attached to a base 576 via support members 555a, 555b. Each flexure 554 can extend from the support members 555a, 555b and at least partially surround a translation portion 558 of the friction guard 550. The actuation member 512 can contact the translation portion 558, and the translation portion can translate relative to the support members 555a, 555b and the base 576 to allow translation of the actuation member. The spring force of the friction guard 550 can be defined by material properties, thickness, and length of the flexures 554. In some cases, as shown, the flexures 554 can be U-shaped flexures. This can allow the flexures 554 to have sufficient length to provide a desired outward biasing force while minimizing or reducing a size of the friction guard 550. Minimizing or reducing the size of the friction guard 550 can reduce a size of the switch module 516, which can reduce a size of a device in which the switch module is installed. Figure 5A

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the friction guard 550 can define at least a portion of an electrically conductive path 530 from the actuation member 512 to the processing unit 520. In some cases, one or more of the flexures 554 can define a portion of the electrically conductive path. For example, the actuation member 512 can contact the translation portion 558 of the friction guard, and the electrically conductive path 530 can extend from the translation portion 558 through the flexures 554 and through the support members 555a. The support members 555a can be electrically conductively coupled to a persistent electrical contact 560, which is defined by and / or electrically conductively coupled to an electrically conductive member 561, which can be electrically conductively coupled to the processing unit 520 or other circuitry of the electronic device. Figure 5B Figure 5C

[0089] ​​​The switch module 516 can include a housing 570 that includes a base 576 and a cradle 578 for attaching the switch module 516 to an electronic device. The base 576 can define a recess 572 and the conductive dome 540 can be positioned in the recess. The switch electrical contacts 562 and the reference electrical contacts 564a-d for detecting a translational input can be positioned at least partially in the recess 572. In some cases, the persistent electrical contact 560 and the switch electrical contacts 562 can share a common conductive member (e.g., conductive member 561) such that they are conductively coupled to one another. As Figure 5A and Figure 5B shown, the switch electrical contacts 562 and the persistent electrical contact 560 can be conductively coupled to the processing unit 520 via the conductive member 561 and the connector 528a. This can reduce the number of conductive paths from the switch module 516 to the processing unit 520. Each of the electrical contacts 564a-d can be defined by and / or conductively coupled to a conductive member 565 that can contact a connector to conductively couple the electrical contacts to the processing unit or other circuitry when the switch module 516 is installed in an electronic watch.

[0090] In some cases, the persistent electrical contact 560 and the switch electrical contacts 562 can have separate conductive members that are electrically isolated from one another. As Figure 5C shown, the persistent electrical contact 560 can be defined by and / or conductively coupled to a conductive member 561 that is conductively coupled to the processing unit 520 via the connector 528a. The switch electrical contacts 562 can be defined by and / or conductively coupled to a conductive member 563 that is conductively coupled to the processing unit 520 via the connector 528b.

[0091] As Figures 5A-5C shown, the switch module can have a friction guard and a conductive dome as separate components. In some embodiments, the friction guard and the conductive dome of the switch module can be formed as a single component. Figures 6A-6B An example switch module 616 for an electronic device is shown in which the conductive dome 640 and the friction guard 650 are formed as a single component. Forming the conductive dome 640 and the friction guard 650 as a single component can reduce the size of the switch module 616, which can reduce the size of a device in which the switch module is installed, and can simplify manufacturing by reducing the number of components. The switch module 616 can be part of a crown assembly (e.g., crown assembly 110, 210) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100, 200). Figure 6A An exploded view of the switch module 616 is shown. Figure 6B is an example cross-sectional view of the switch module 616. The switch module 616 can be similar to the switch module 516 described with respect to Figures 5A-5CThe switch module 516.

[0092] As Figure 6B illustrated, the conductive dome 640 and the friction guard 650 can define at least a portion of the conductive path 630 from the actuation member 612 to the processing unit 620. The conductive dome 640 and the friction guard 650 can provide an outward biasing force that maintains the actuation member 612 in the unactuated position.

[0093] The conductive dome 640 can be positioned in a recess 672 of a base 676 of the switch module 616. The conductive dome 640 can contact persistent electrical contacts 660a-d, one or more of which form at least a portion of the conductive path 630. Each persistent electrical contact 660a-d can be defined by and / or conductively coupled to a conductive member 661 that is conductively coupled to the processing unit 620 via the connector 628b. The conductive dome 640 can be configured to collapse in response to translational motion of the actuation member 612 such that it contacts a switch electrical contact 662 to register the translational input. The switch electrical contact can be defined by and / or conductively coupled to a conductive member 663 that is conductively coupled to the processing unit 620 via the connector 628b.

[0094] Figure 7 A sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device 700 that can incorporate a switch module is shown. In some cases, the electronic device can take the form of any of the electronic devices described with reference to Figures 1-6B FIGS. 1-6, or other portable or wearable electronic devices. The electronic device 700 can include a display 712 (e.g., a light-emitting display), a processing unit 702, a power source 714, a memory 704 or storage device, an input device 706 (e.g., a crown assembly), and an output device 710.

[0095] The processing unit 702 can control some or all of the operations of the electronic device 700. The processing unit 702 can be in communication, directly or indirectly, with some or all of the components of the electronic device 700. For example, a system bus or other communication mechanism 716 can provide communication between the processing unit 702, the power source 714, the memory 704, the input device 706, and the output device 710.

[0096] The processing unit 702 can be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processing unit 702 can be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination of such devices. As described herein, the term “processing unit” is intended to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other appropriate configuration of one or more computing elements.

[0097] It should be noted that components of electronic device 700 can be controlled by multiple processing units. For example, selected components of electronic device 700 (e.g., input device 706) can be controlled by a first processing unit, and other components of electronic device 700 (e.g., display 712) can be controlled by a second processing unit, where the first and second processing units can or can not be in communication with each other. In some cases, processing unit 702 can determine a biometric parameter of a user of the electronic device, such as an ECG of the user.

[0098] Power source 714 can be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to electronic device 700. For example, power source 714 can be one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries. Additionally or alternatively, power source 714 can be a power connector or power cord that connects electronic device 700 to another power source, such as a wall outlet.

[0099] Memory 704 can store electronic data that can be used by electronic device 700. For example, memory 704 can store electronic data or content, such as audio files and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals, control signals, and data structures or databases. Memory 704 can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, memory 704 can be implemented as random access memory, read only memory, flash memory, removable memory, other types of storage elements, or a combination of such devices.

[0100] In various embodiments, display 712 provides graphical output associated with, for example, an operating system, user interface, and / or application program of electronic device 700. In one embodiment, display 712 includes one or more sensors and is configured as a touch-sensitive display (e.g., single-point touch, multi-point touch) and / or a force-sensitive display to receive input from a user. For example, display 712 can be integrated with a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) and / or a force sensor to provide a touch-sensitive display and / or a force-sensitive display. Display 712 is operatively coupled to processing unit 702 of electronic device 700.

[0101] Display 712 can be implemented with any suitable technology, including but not limited to liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting diode (LED) technology, organic light emitting display (OLED) technology, organic electroluminescence (OEL) technology, or another type of display technology. In some cases, display 712 is positioned beneath a cover that forms at least a portion of a housing of electronic device 700 and is viewable through the cover.

[0102] In various embodiments, the input devices 706 can include any suitable components for detecting input. Examples of input devices 706 include audio sensors (e.g., microphones), optical or visual sensors (e.g., cameras, visible light sensors, or non-visible light sensors), proximity sensors, touch sensors, force sensors, mechanical devices (e.g., crowns, switches, buttons, or keys), vibration sensors, orientation sensors, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers or velocity sensors), position sensors (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) devices), thermal sensors, communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), resistive sensors, magnetic sensors, electroactive polymers (EAPs), strain gauges, electrodes, and the like, or some combination thereof. Each input device 706 can be configured to detect one or more particular types of input and provide a signal (e.g., an input signal) corresponding to the detected input. For example, the signal can be provided to the processing unit 702.

[0103] As discussed above, in some cases, the input devices 706 include touch sensors (e.g., capacitive touch sensors) integrated with the display 712 to provide a touch-sensitive display. Similarly, in some cases, the input devices 706 include force sensors (e.g., capacitive force sensors) integrated with the display 712 to provide a force-sensitive display.

[0104] The output devices 710 can include any suitable components for providing output. Examples of output devices 710 include audio output devices (e.g., speakers), visual output devices (e.g., lights or displays), tactile output devices (e.g., haptic output devices), communication devices (e.g., wired or wireless communication devices), and the like, or some combination thereof. Each output device 710 can be configured to receive one or more signals (e.g., output signals provided by the processing unit 702) and provide an output corresponding to the signal.

[0105] In some cases, the input devices 706 and the output devices 710 are implemented together as a single device. For example, input / output devices or ports can transmit electrical signals via a communication network such as a wireless and / or wired network connection. Examples of wireless and wired network connections include, but are not limited to, cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IR, and Ethernet connections.

[0106] The processing unit 702 can be operatively coupled to the input device 706 and the output device 710. The processing unit 702 can be adapted to exchange signals with the input device 706 and the output device 710. For example, the processing unit 702 can receive input signals from the input device 706 corresponding to inputs detected by the input device 706. The processing unit 702 can interpret the received input signals to determine whether to provide and / or change one or more outputs in response to the input signals. The processing unit 702 can then send output signals to one or more of the output devices 710 to provide and / or change the outputs as needed.

[0107] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

[0108] While the foregoing disclosure describes certain exemplary embodiments and implementations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various features, aspects and functionality of one or more individual embodiments can be combined and / or divided into other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and / or their equivalents.

[0109] It can be appreciated that while a number of embodiments have been disclosed in the foregoing disclosure, the operations and steps provided in the methods and techniques described herein are intended to be illustrative only and that alternative steps, order of the steps, and fewer or additional steps can be employed without departing from the scope of the methods and techniques provided herein. It can be further appreciated that the steps of the methods and techniques provided herein can be carried out by one or more components of the systems described herein.

[0110] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" following a series of items separated by the terms "and" or "or" modifies the list as a whole, not each member of the list. The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least one of each of the listed items; rather, it allows for the inclusion of at least one of any item in the list and / or at least one of any combination of items and / or at least one of each item in the list. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" each refer 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 to be understood that the order of elements presented with respect to the combined or separate lists provided herein should not be construed as limiting this disclosure to the order provided.

[0111] As described above, one aspect of the present invention is determining electrocardiograms, etc. This disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, the collected data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate specific individuals. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, Twitter IDs (or other social media aliases or processing), home addresses, data or records related to a user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying information or personal information.

[0112] This disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the techniques of this invention can be beneficial to users. For example, personal information data can be used to provide users with customized haptic or audiovisual outputs. Furthermore, this disclosure also contemplates 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 the technology to pursue health goals.

[0113] The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining privacy and security, which some jurisdictions periodically audit. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and / or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection / sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, such entities can subject themselves to clinical testing and labeling practices by a number of organizations. Thus, such entities are likely to adhere to privacy policies and practices that are well understood and constitute generally accepted means for

[0114] Regardless of the previous options, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and / or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of determining spatial parameters, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to "opt in" or "opt out" of permitting the collection of personal information data during registration for or while using a service. In addition to providing the "opt in" and "opt out" choice, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user can be notified upon download of an application that their personal information data will be accessed. Additionally, the user can be notified when their personal information data is accessed.

[0115] Furthermore, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use of personal information data. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, data de-identification can be used to protect the privacy of users. When appropriate, de-identification can be facilitated, when in a proper context, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or

[0116] Accordingly, while the present disclosure broadly covers technologies using personal information data, the present disclosure also contemplates techniques that can be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology can be implemented in a way that does not require access to, or collection of, such personal information data. For example, a tactile output can be provided based on non-personal information data or a bare minimum amount of personal information, such as an event or status at a device associated with a user, other non-personal information, or publicly available information.

Claims

1. An electronic watch, the electronic watch comprising: a display; a cover over the display; a housing coupled to the cover and at least partially enclosing the display; a crown assembly, the crown assembly comprising: an actuation member extending through an opening in the housing and comprising a knob positioned along an outer side of the housing, the knob defining an input surface configured to receive user input thereon; a collapsible dome positioned at an end of the actuation member and configured to collapse in response to a translational input at the actuation member; and a friction guard positioned between the end of the actuation member and the collapsible dome; and a processing system within the housing and conductively coupled to the input surface of the knob via a conductive path extending through the collapsible dome, the friction guard, and the actuation member, the conductive path persisting when the collapsible dome is collapsed and when the collapsible dome is not collapsed.

2. The electronic watch of claim 1, wherein: the crown assembly further comprises a switch housing; the collapsible dome is coupled to the switch housing; and the crown assembly further comprises a conductive member at least partially encapsulated in the switch housing, the conductive path further extending through the conductive member.

3. The electronic watch of claim 2, wherein: the conductive member is a first conductive member; the first conductive member is conductively coupled to the collapsible dome when the collapsible dome is collapsed and when the collapsible dome is not collapsed; the crown assembly further comprises a second conductive member; the collapsible dome is conductively coupled to the second conductive member when the collapsible dome is collapsed; and the collapsible dome is conductively decoupled from the second conductive member when the collapsible dome is not collapsed.

4. The electronic watch of claim 3, wherein the second conductive member is at least partially encapsulated in the switch housing.

5. The electronic watch of claim 1, wherein the processing system is configured to determine a biological parameter of a user based at least in part on a voltage detected at the input surface via the conductive path.

6. The electronic watch of claim 1, wherein the friction guard is configured to apply a biasing force to the actuation member to bias the actuation member toward an unactuated position.

7. The electronic watch of claim 6, wherein: the biasing force is a first biasing force; and the collapsible dome is configured to apply a second biasing force to the actuation member to bias the actuation member toward the unactuated position.

8. A wearable electronic device, the wearable electronic device comprising: a housing at least partially defining an interior volume; an input assembly configured to receive rotational input and translational input, and the input assembly comprising: a body portion outside the housing and defining an input surface; and a collapsible dome positioned at an end of the body portion and configured to collapse in response to a translational input at the body portion. a shaft extending from the body portion through an aperture defined in the housing; a collapsible dome positioned in the interior volume and configured to transition from an uncollapsed state to a collapsed state in response to the translational input, and the collapsible dome is configured to remain electrically coupled to the shaft when the collapsible dome is in the uncollapsed state and the collapsed state; a processing system within the interior volume and electrically coupled to the input surface via an electrically conductive path through the collapsible dome, the shaft, and the body portion, the processing system configured to determine a biological parameter of a user based at least in part on a voltage detected at the input surface.

9. The wearable electronic device of claim 8, wherein the wearable electronic device is a watch.

10. The wearable electronic device of claim 8, wherein the wearable electronic device further comprises a wiper that defines an insertion portion positioned between the shaft and the collapsible dome.

11. The wearable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the wiper electrically couples the shaft to the collapsible dome when the collapsible dome is in the uncollapsed state and the collapsed state.

12. The wearable electronic device of claim 10, wherein: the wearable electronic device further comprises a switch housing positioned in the interior volume; the collapsible dome is coupled to the switch housing; and the wiper is coupled to the switch housing.

13. The wearable electronic device of claim 12, further comprising an electrically conductive member at least partially encapsulated in the switch housing and defining at least a portion of the electrically conductive path.

14. The wearable electronic device of claim 12, wherein: the wiper further comprises a flexure that couples the insertion portion to the switch housing; the flexure is configured to exert a biasing force on the shaft via the insertion portion; and the biasing force biases the input assembly toward an unactuated position.

15. A wearable electronic device, the wearable electronic device comprising: a housing; an actuation member coupled to the housing and configured to receive a rotational input and a translational input, and the actuation member comprises: a knob external to the housing; and a shaft coupled to the knob and extending through an aperture defined in the housing; an electrically conductive dome positioned at an end of the shaft and configured to transition from an uncollapsed state to a collapsed state in response to a translational input applied to the knob; and a wiper positioned between the shaft and the electrically conductive dome, and the wiper electrically couples the shaft to the electrically conductive dome when the electrically conductive dome is in the uncollapsed state and when the electrically conductive dome is in the collapsed state.

16. The wearable electronic device of claim 15, further comprising a processing system at least partially within the housing, and the processing system is configured to determine a biological parameter of a user based at least in part on a voltage detected at an input surface of the knob via a conductive path extending through the knob, the shaft, the conductive dome, and the friction guard.

17. The wearable electronic device of claim 16, wherein the processing system is configured to determine the biological parameter when the conductive dome is in the collapsed state and when the conductive dome is in the uncollapsed state.

18. The wearable electronic device of claim 15, further comprising a switch housing at least partially within the housing, and the switch housing comprises: a body; and a conductive member coupled to the body, and the conductive member is configured to conductively couple to the conductive dome when the conductive dome is in the collapsed state and when the conductive dome is in the uncollapsed state.

19. The wearable electronic device of claim 18, wherein: the conductive member is a first conductive member; the switch housing further comprises a second conductive member coupled to the body; and the conductive dome is configured to conductively couple to the second conductive member in response to a collapse of the conductive dome.

20. The wearable electronic device of claim 19, wherein: the switch housing further comprises a third conductive member coupled to the body, and the third conductive member is configured to conductively couple to the conductive dome when the conductive dome is in the collapsed state and when the conductive dome is in the uncollapsed state; and a bias voltage is provided to the conductive dome via the third conductive member.

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