Electronic device with sealed biometric input system

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device with a sealed biometric input system. A portable electronic device may include a housing member defining a side surface of the portable electronic device, a portion of the housing member defining a sidewall extending through an aperture of the housing member; a button member positioned along the side surface and defining a base portion and a hollow post extending into the bore defined by the housing member; and a first waterproof seal defined between the hollow post and the sidewall of the bore. The portable electronic device may also include a biometric sensing component, the biometric sensing component coupled to the base portion; a flexible circuit element extending through the hollow post and conductively coupling the biometric sensing component to a component within the housing; and a second waterproof sealing member which is limited in the hollow column.

Description

[0001] Division Statement

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with the application date of September 17, 2021, the invention name of “Electronic device with sealed biometric input system” and the application number: 202111093465.2.

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This application is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 209,769 filed on June 11, 2021 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 083,610 filed on September 25, 2020 and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed herein. Technical Field

[0005] The disclosed subject matter relates generally to electronic devices and, more particularly, to electronic devices having an environmentally sealed biometric input system for capturing fingerprint images. Background Art

[0006] Modern consumer electronic devices come in many shapes and forms and have many uses and functions. For example, smartphones facilitate communication, productivity, entertainment, etc. Such devices may include many systems for facilitating such functions. For example, a smartphone may include a touch-sensitive display for providing graphical output and for accepting touch input, a wireless communication system for connecting with other devices to send and receive voice and data content, a camera for capturing photos and videos, buttons for controlling device functions and providing other inputs to the device, etc. However, there are many technical challenges in integrating these subsystems into a compact and reliable product that can withstand daily use. The systems and techniques described herein can address most of these challenges while providing a device with many different functions. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides a portable electronic device, which may include a housing member defining a side surface of the portable electronic device, a portion of the housing member defining a side wall of a hole extending through the housing member; a button member, the button member is positioned along the side surface and defines a base portion and a hollow column extending into the hole defined by the housing member; and a first waterproof seal, the first waterproof seal is defined between the hollow column and the side wall of the hole. The portable electronic device may also include a biometric sensing component, the biometric sensing component is coupled to the base portion; a flexible circuit element, the flexible circuit element extends through the hollow column and the biometric sensing component is conductively coupled to the component within the housing; and a second waterproof seal, the second waterproof seal is defined in the hollow column. The biometric sensing component may be configured to capture a representation of a user's fingerprint and use the representation of the fingerprint to authenticate the user, and the portable electronic device may also include an input sensor, the input sensor is configured to detect an input force applied to the button member. The first waterproof seal may include an O-ring. The second waterproof seal may include a potting material that at least partially fills the hollow column.

[0008] The portable electronic device may further include a sapphire cap attached to the base portion and covering the biometric sensing component. The portable electronic device may further include a third waterproof seal between the sapphire cap and the base portion. The second waterproof seal may be formed by a first curable liquid having a first viscosity, and the third waterproof seal may be formed by a second curable liquid having a second viscosity that may be lower than the first viscosity.

[0009] The portable electronic device may include a housing member defining a sidewall extending through an aperture of the housing member; a display at least partially located within the housing; a transparent cover located above the display and coupled to the housing; and a button member positioned along a side of the housing member. The button member may define a base portion and a post extending from the base portion and at least partially located in the aperture, the post defining a channel extending from the base portion through the post to an end of the post. The portable electronic device may also include a biometric sensing component coupled to the base portion; and a flexible circuit element extending through the channel and conductively coupling the biometric sensing component to a component within the housing.

[0010] The hole may be a first hole, the housing may define a second hole extending through the housing member, and the button member may further define an additional column extending from the base portion and positioned in the second hole. The additional column may be a solid column. The portable electronic device may also include an anti-roll bar retained to the housing and coupled to the hollow column and the additional column, the anti-roll bar being configured to maintain uniform travel of the column and the additional column during actuation of the button member.

[0011] The portable electronic device may further include a sealing member that contacts the outer surface of the column and the sidewall of the hole and is configured to prevent liquid from entering between the outer surface of the column and the sidewall of the hole. The portable electronic device may further include a potting material that is located within the channel and at least partially encapsulates the flexible circuit element, and the potting material may be configured to prevent liquid from entering through the channel. The potting material may at least partially encapsulate the biometric sensing component.

[0012] The portable electronic device may further include an input sensor configured to detect an input force applied to the button member. The input sensor may be a capacitive sensor.

[0013] A portable electronic device may include a housing defining a side surface of the portable electronic device; a display at least partially located within the housing; a transparent cover located above the display and coupled to the housing; a button member positioned along the side surface and defining a hollow column extending into a hole defined by the housing; a biometric sensing component coupled to the button member; a cap covering the biometric sensing component and secured to the button member; a flexible circuit element extending through the hollow column and electrically coupling the biometric sensing component to a component within the housing; and a potting material at least partially encapsulating the flexible circuit element and the biometric sensing component and at least partially filling the hollow column.

[0014] The button member may also define a solid post extending into an additional hole defined by the housing. The portable electronic device may also include a first sealing member positioned between the hollow post and a first surface of the housing defining the hole; and a second sealing member positioned between the solid post and a second surface of the housing defining the additional hole. The portable electronic device may also include a sealing material positioned in a gap defined between the cap and the button member. The potting material may abut the sealing material. The biometric sensing component may be a capacitive sensor of a fingerprint sensing system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like structural elements, and wherein:

[0016] Figure 1A to Figure 1B An exemplary electronic device having a fingerprint sensing button is shown;

[0017] Figure 2A Shows Figure 1A to Figure 1B a side view of an electronic device;

[0018] Figure 2B Shows Figure 1A to Figure 1B A partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device;

[0019] Figure 2C Shows Figure 1A to Figure 1B A partial exploded view of the electronic equipment;

[0020] Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view showing a portion of a fingerprint sensing button;

[0021] Figure 2E Shows Figure 1A to Figure 1B An internal part of an electronic device;

[0022] Figure 3A A partial exploded view of a fingerprint sensing button is shown;

[0023] Figure 3B Another partial exploded view of a fingerprint sensing button is shown;

[0024] Figure 3C A partial cross-sectional view of a fingerprint sensing button is shown;

[0025] Figure 4A showing a side view of a portion of another fingerprint sensing button;

[0026] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A A partial cross-sectional view of a fingerprint sensing button;

[0027] Figure 5 A button assembly for use with a fingerprint sensing button is shown;

[0028] Fig. 6A showing a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of another fingerprint sensing button;

[0029] Figure 6B Shown include Fig. 6A A partial exploded view of a device having a fingerprint sensing button;

[0030] Figure 7 showing a partial cross-sectional view of a device showing another exemplary fingerprint sensing button;

[0031] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B Shows Figure 7 A partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a fingerprint sensing button;

[0032] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7 A partial exploded view of the fingerprint sensing button;

[0033] Fig.10 Shows Figure 7 Another partial exploded view of the fingerprint sensing button; and

[0034] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of an exemplary electronic device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] 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 embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalent forms that may be included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0036] Portable electronic devices such as tablet computers, mobile phones, smart watches, etc. as described herein may employ various security measures to ensure that only authorized users can access certain functions and operations of the device. For example, a user may be required to enter a password to unlock the device. As another example, the device may include a biometric authentication system that uses some biometric information about the user, such as a fingerprint, to authenticate the user. In some cases, a fingerprint sensor may be integrated with an input button so that the button can provide multiple functions. For example, a user may touch a button to initiate a biometric authentication (e.g., using the user's fingerprint), and may also press a button to provide input to control a function or operation of the device.

[0037] Portable electronic devices may be sealed to prevent the ingress of water, sweat, lotions, and other contaminants to increase the durability and functionality of the device. However, external components and input devices such as buttons, biometric sensors, etc. may introduce pathways for liquids and contaminants to enter the device. Therefore, such components and input devices need to be sealed in order to maintain the overall sealing integrity of the device. In the case of multi-function input devices (such as buttons with structurally integrated fingerprint sensors), the task of sealing the input device may be more complex because both the mechanical and electrical systems need to be properly sealed, and in some cases, the input device must be allowed to move.

[0038] Described herein is an electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device) having a biometric input system that facilitates both conventional force-based input (e.g., button presses) and biometric input (e.g., fingerprint sensing) while providing a high degree of sealing to prevent the ingress of water or other liquids or contaminants. For example, a button member may include a base or frame on which a fingerprint sensor (or a portion thereof) may be mounted. The button member may be configured to function as a removable input button and may include a sealing member that seals the mechanical interface between the button member and the device housing to which the button member is attached. Since the fingerprint sensor is attached to the button member, an electrical connection must be made between the fingerprint sensor and the components within the device, such as using a flexible circuit element. In order to seal the path of the flexible circuit element into the interior of the device, an additional sealing material may be used. For example, the flexible circuit element may pass through a hollow column of the button member, and the hollow column may be filled with a potting material that encapsulates the flexible circuit element and forms a waterproof seal. Therefore, the techniques and structures described herein are equivalent to a double-sealed structure, in which both the mechanical interface (between the button and the housing) and the path of the electronic components (e.g., through the button member) are sealed to prevent the ingress of liquids and other contaminants.

[0039] Figure 1A An exemplary electronic device 100 is shown embodied as a tablet computer (e.g., an example of a portable electronic device). Although device 100 is a tablet computer, the concepts presented herein may be applicable to any suitable electronic device, including a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch), a laptop computer, a handheld gaming device, a mobile phone (e.g., a smartphone), or any other device that combines an input device (e.g., a button) and a biometric input system (e.g., a fingerprint sensor). Thus, any reference to an "electronic device" encompasses any and all of the foregoing.

[0040] The electronic device 100 includes a cover 102 (e.g., a front cover) such as glass, plastic, or other substantially transparent material, component, or assembly attached to a housing 104. The cover 102 (which may be referred to as a transparent cover 102) may be positioned above the display 103. The cover 102 may be formed of glass (e.g., chemically strengthened glass), sapphire, ceramic, glass-ceramic, plastic, or another suitable material. The housing 104 may include one or more metal components coupled to a polymer (or other dielectric) material. In some cases, the housing 104 is a single piece of metal, a single piece of polymer, or it may use other materials and / or constructions. The housing 104 (and / or a housing component of the housing) may define one or more side surfaces of the device 100, which may define the outer side surface of the device 100.

[0041] The device 100 may also include buttons, switches, and other types of physical input devices. For example, the device 100 may include a button 116, a switch 118, a fingerprint sensing button 120 (or other types of biometric sensing buttons), and / or other physical input systems. Such input systems may be used to control various operations and functions of the device 100. For example, the button 116 may be used to change the speaker volume, and the switch 118 may be used to switch between a "ring" mode and a "silent" mode. The fingerprint sensing button 120 may include a fingerprint sensor or a component thereof. The fingerprint sensor may be configured to capture an image or other representative data of a finger in contact with the fingerprint sensing button 120. The device may verify that the user is an authorized user by comparing the captured image (or other representative data) of the finger in contact with the fingerprint sensing button 120 with the stored image (or other representative data) of the authorized user. For example, an image of a fingerprint captured by a capacitive fingerprint sensor may be understood as a multidimensional array corresponding to the electrical response of the sensor to the user's finger. The image does not necessarily have to be able to depict a visual representation of the user's finger or fingerprint.

[0042] Although Figure 1A to Figure 1B , and more generally, the application describes an exemplary fingerprint sensing button 120, but it should be understood that the fingerprint sensor (or other biometric sensor) can be integrated with other buttons or input devices. In addition, the fingerprint sensing button 120 can perform any suitable function when actuated, such as controlling the power state of the device, changing the volume, activating or deactivating the display, etc.

[0043] Display 103 may be at least partially positioned within the interior volume defined by housing 104. Display 103 may be coupled to transparent cover 102, such as via an adhesive or other coupling scheme. In some cases, the assembly including display 103 and transparent cover 102 may be referred to as a top module. The top module may also include other components, such as touch sensing components and / or force sensing components, structural members, cameras, biometric sensors (e.g., facial recognition systems), ambient light sensors, etc.

[0044] Display 103 (which may also be referred to herein as a display stack) may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode 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, etc. Display 103 may be configured to display graphical output, such as a graphical user interface that a user may view and interact with. Device 100 may also include an ambient light sensor that may determine properties of ambient light conditions surrounding device 100. Device 100 may use information from the ambient light sensor to change, modify, adjust, or otherwise control display 103 (e.g., by changing the hue, brightness, saturation, or other optical aspects of the display based on information from the ambient light sensor).

[0045] Display 103 may include or be associated with one or more touch sensing systems and / or force sensing systems. In some cases, components of the touch sensing system and / or force sensing system are integrated with the display stack. For example, electrode layers of touch sensors and / or force sensors may be provided in the form of a stack that includes display components (and is optionally attached to or at least visible through cover 102).

[0046] The touch sensing system and / or force sensing system may use any suitable type of sensing technology, including capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, surface acoustic wave sensors, piezoelectric sensors, resistive sensors, etc. The exterior or outer surface of cover 102 may define an input surface (e.g., a touch-sensitive input surface and / or a force-sensitive input surface) of the device. Although both a touch sensing system and a force sensing system may be included, in some cases, device 100 includes a touch sensing system and does not include a force sensing system.

[0047] Device 100 may also include a front-facing camera 106. Forward-facing camera 106 may be positioned beneath cover 102 or otherwise covered and / or protected by the cover.

[0048] The device 100 may also include a speaker outlet 110 to provide audio output to the user (e.g., to the user's ear) during a voice call. The device 100 may also include a charging port 112 (e.g., for receiving a power cable for providing power to the device 100 and charging a battery of the device 100). The device 100 may also include a speaker opening 114. The speaker opening 114 may allow sound output from the internal speaker system to exit the housing 104. The device 100 may also include one or more microphones. In some cases, the microphone within the housing 104 may be acoustically coupled to the surrounding environment through the speaker opening 114.

[0049] Figure 1BThe back side of the device 100 is shown. The electronic device 100 may include a rear cover 132 coupled to the housing 104. The rear cover 132 may include a substrate formed of glass, but other suitable materials (e.g., plastic, sapphire, ceramic, glass ceramic, etc.) may alternatively be used. The rear cover 132 may define the rear outer surface of the device 100. The rear cover 132 may include one or more decorative layers on the outer surface or inner surface of the substrate. For example, one or more opaque layers may be applied to the inner surface of the substrate (or otherwise positioned along the inner surface of the substrate) to provide a specific appearance to the back side of the device 100. The opaque layer may include a sheet, an ink, a dye, or a combination of these (or other) layers, materials, etc. In some cases, the opaque layer has a color that substantially matches the color of the housing 104 (e.g., the outer surface of the housing member and the joint structure).

[0050] In some cases, housing 104 can define a rear wall of device 100. For example, a single component or assembly can define the side surfaces and the rear wall (and therefore the rear surface) of device 100. In some cases, rear cover 132 can be attached to the rear wall of housing 104 such that rear cover 132, rather than the rear wall of housing 104, defines the rear surface of device 100.

[0051] The device 100 may include a wireless charging system, whereby the device 100 may be powered and / or its battery may be recharged via inductive (or other electromagnetic) coupling between a charger and the wireless charging system within the device 100. In such cases, the rear cover 132 may be formed of a material (e.g., glass) that allows and / or facilitates wireless coupling between the charger and the wireless charging system.

[0052] Device 100 may also include a rear-facing camera 134 and a flash 136 configured to illuminate a scene to facilitate capturing an image with camera 134. Flash 136 is configured to illuminate a scene to facilitate capturing an image with camera 134. Flash 136 may include one or more light sources, such as one or more light emitting diodes (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more LEDs).

[0053] Figure 2A is a side view of the device 100 showing additional details of the fingerprint sensing button 120 positioned along a side surface of a housing member 203 of the device 100. (The housing member 203 may be a component of the housing 104 and may define a side surface of the housing 104 and / or the device 100.) For example, the fingerprint sensing button 120 may include a button member 200 and a cap 202 attached to the button member 200. The button member 200 may serve as a structural component of the fingerprint sensing button 120 to which other components (e.g., biometric sensing components, the cap 202, a circuit board, etc.) are coupled.

[0054] The cap 202 can cover the fingerprint sensing component 204 ( Figure 2B ) and can define the input surface of the fingerprint sensing button 120. The user can touch the input surface so that his fingerprint can be imaged by the fingerprint sensor for user authentication. When the fingerprint sensing button 120 is operated as a conventional button, the user can also contact the input surface to provide the necessary input or actuation force to the fingerprint sensing button 120. The cap 202 can be formed of sapphire, glass, ceramic, glass ceramic, plastic or another suitable material. The cap 202 can be a single piece of material or multiple parts assembled together. The cap 202 can be formed of one or more materials that allow biometric sensing to pass through it. For example, if the fingerprint sensor of the fingerprint sensing button 120 uses capacitive sensing, the cap 202 can be a dielectric material (e.g., glass, sapphire). The cap 202 can have a thickness between about 100 microns and about 200 microns. In some cases, the cap 202 may include one or more layers of ink, dye, coating, film or other material. Such layers can be used to provide optical masking, decorative coloring, shielding, etc. The thickness of the cap 202 having one or more layers of material may be between about 200 microns and about 300 microns.

[0055] Figure 2B is along Figure 2A 2B-2B in FIG. 1 , showing an exemplary arrangement of the fingerprint sensing button 120 and associated components. Figure 2C 1 is a partially exploded view of a portion of the device 100 including the fingerprint sensing button 120. The fingerprint sensing button 120 includes a button member 200 that defines a base portion 205 and posts 220, 222. The base portion 205 and posts 220, 222 can be a unitary structure (e.g., a single piece of material, such as a die cast, molded, or machined component), or it can be an assembly including multiple separate components secured together. The button member 200 can be formed of aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, amorphous metal, polymer, or any other suitable material.

[0056] The biometric sensing component can be coupled to the base portion 205 so that the biometric sensing component can sense, detect, or otherwise receive biometric input from a user. As shown and described herein, the biometric sensor of the device 100 is a fingerprint sensor, and the biometric sensing component is a component of a fingerprint sensing system. More specifically, Figure 2BA fingerprint sensing component 204 is shown. The fingerprint sensing component 204 can be a capacitive sensing layer configured to capture an image of a user's fingerprint to authenticate the user. For example, the capacitive sensing layer, along with other components of the fingerprint sensing system, can detect physical characteristics of the user's fingerprint, such as the ridges and valleys and / or other patterns of the fingerprint. Upon authentication (and optionally, in addition in response to detecting a press or force or other actuation of the fingerprint sensing button 120), the device can take an action, such as unlocking the device, initiating payment, activating the device's display, opening or launching an application, etc.

[0057] The fingerprint sensing component 204 may be coupled to a substrate 206 such as a circuit board, and the flexible circuit element 212 may be conductively coupled to the fingerprint sensing component 204 (optionally via conductors of the circuit board). The flexible circuit element 212 may conductively couple the fingerprint sensing component 204 (or other biometric sensing component) to components within the housing of the device. For example, the flexible circuit element 212 may be conductively coupled to a flexible circuit element 238 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit, etc.) via a set of interface connectors 234, 236. The flexible circuit element 238 may in turn be conductively coupled to a processor or other component within the device 100. Thus, information from the fingerprint sensing component 204 may be provided to the processor or other component to facilitate fingerprint sensing, biometric authentication, etc. The flexible circuit element 212 may be attached to the inner surface of the housing member 203 via an adhesive layer 232 (such as an adhesive foam), which secures the flexible circuit element 212 in place and provides a biasing force to maintain the connection between the interface connectors 234, 236. As used herein, a flexible circuit element may include a flexible substrate, such as a polymer film, with conductive traces formed of metal or other conductive materials positioned on or otherwise integrated with the flexible substrate.

[0058] As described above, the fingerprint sensing button 120 may include a cap 202, such as a sapphire cap. The cap 202 may be attached to the base portion 205 of the button member 200 via an adhesive 210. The adhesive 210 may be a heat-activated adhesive, such as a heat-activated film, or any other suitable adhesive (e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive, epoxy, etc.). The adhesive 210 may hold the cap 202 in place and securely attach it to the base portion 205. As described herein with respect to Figure 2D As described above, a sealing material such as a curable liquid may be introduced into the gap or space between the cap 202 and the base portion 205. The sealing material may help prevent liquid or other materials such as water, sweat, lotions, sunscreens, etc. from entering the space between the cap 202 and the base portion 205, which may help improve the integrity and reliability of the fingerprint sensing component 204.

[0059] The posts 220, 222 may extend to (e.g., through) holes 214, 215 that extend through the housing member 203. The sidewalls of the holes 214, 215 (e.g., the axes of the holes) may be defined by a surface of the housing member 203. The plate 240 may be attached to the posts 220, 222 inside the housing 104. The plate 240 may serve several functions. For example, the plate 240 may retain the button member 200 to the housing 104 (e.g., by preventing the button member 200 from being removed in a vertical direction, such as Figure 2B 200 ). Plate 240 may also interact with input sensor 228. For example, when button 120 is pressed by a user, plate 240 may apply a force to input sensor 228. Device 100 may detect the force and take appropriate action in response to detecting the force. Input sensor 228 may be a switch (e.g., a dome switch), a force sensor, or a component of a force sensor (e.g., a strain gauge, piezoelectric or piezoresistive material, a capacitive force sensor, etc.). In some cases, input sensor 228 applies a biasing force to button member 200 to force button member 200 outward and in an unpressed configuration.

[0060] The input sensor 228 may be conductively coupled to a flexible circuit element 238, which may be mounted to or otherwise in contact with the bracket 226. The bracket 226 may be secured to the housing member 203 via fasteners 230, or otherwise secured to the housing 104 and / or the device 100. The flexible circuit element 238 may conductively couple both the input sensor 228 and the fingerprint sensing component 204 (via the flexible circuit element 212) to other components within the device, such as a processor or other circuitry.

[0061] An anti-roll bar 239 may also be attached to the posts 220, 222. Figure 2E The anti-roll bar 239, discussed in more detail, can help maintain alignment of the button member 200 (e.g., maintain uniform travel of both posts) when the button 120 is pressed. For example, a force applied to the button 120 that is not directly centered on the cap 202 can tend to cause the button member 200 to rock, twist, or otherwise bind in the holes 214, 215. The anti-roll bar 239 can help distribute the force evenly between the posts 220, 222 so that even a biasing force on the button member 200 causes the posts 220, 222 to move in unison, and the input surface of the button (e.g., the cap 202) remains perpendicular to the input force as it is pressed and / or translated.

[0062] As described above, in order to provide a durable device that can withstand exposure to liquids and optionally even complete immersion, buttons and other input devices need to be adequately sealed to prevent the ingress of water, other liquids, and contaminants. In the case of fingerprint sensing button 120, sealing may be more complex than conventional buttons. For example, in addition to making the mechanical interface between button member 200 and housing waterproof, the path of the flexible circuit element connected to fingerprint sensing component 204 must also be waterproof. In order to achieve these goals, a variety of waterproof seals are used. For example, in order to form a waterproof seal at the interface between button member 200 and housing 104, sealing member 218 can be positioned around posts 220, 222 and contact with posts 220, 222 and the side walls of holes 214, 215. In some cases, sealing member 218 is an O-ring formed of an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber), which can be retained in a channel or groove formed in posts 220, 222 (as shown), or they can be retained in a channel or groove formed in the side walls of holes 214, 215. Instead of or in addition to O-rings, other sealing components may be used, such as insert molded polymer seals, wiper seals, bushings, and the like.

[0063] As used herein, a waterproof seal may refer to a seal (which may be formed by one or more components or structures) configured to prevent the ingress of liquids. In some cases, the waterproof seal may achieve an ingress protection rating defined by IEC60529, such as at least IP61, IP62, IP63, IP64, IP65, IP66, IP67, IP68, or IP69.

[0064] While the holes 214, 215 through the housing member 203 allow physical access through the housing so that the button member can actuate the input sensor, access must also be provided into the housing so that the fingerprint sensing component (which must be accessible from the outside by the user, if necessary) can be conductively coupled to the components within the housing 104. In order to utilize the waterproof seal that already exists between the posts 220, 222 and the side walls of the holes 214, 215, access to the fingerprint sensing component 204 can be provided through the hollow post. For example, Figure 2B As shown, the post 222 can be a hollow post defining a channel that extends from an opening in the base portion 205 (e.g., where the fingerprint sensing component 204 is located) to an opening 224 that passes through the sealing member 218 and communicates with the interior volume of the device 100. The flexible circuit element 212 can extend through the hollow post 222 to conductively couple the fingerprint sensing component 204 to the flexible circuit element 238 (or any other suitable component, circuit board, conductive connector, etc.).

[0065] Although routing the flexible circuit element 238 through the hollow post 222 avoids the necessity of forming another hole through the housing member 203, it still provides another possible entry path for liquid. Thus, a second waterproof seal can be formed within the hollow post 222. For example, a potting material 208 can be positioned within the hollow post 222 to at least partially encapsulate the flexible circuit element 238 and form a waterproof seal within the hollow post 222. More generally, the potting material 208 can fill spaces and gaps in the fingerprint sensing button 120. For example, the potting material 208 can contact and / or at least partially encapsulate the fingerprint sensing component 204, the substrate 206, the back side of the cap 202, etc. Thus, the potting material 208 can fill substantially all of the voids defined between the button member 200 and components coupled to the button member 200 (e.g., the cap 202, the fingerprint sensing component 204, etc.), thereby preventing liquid from entering the device through the hollow post 222 (and more generally, through the button member 200). Because the potting material 208 extends around the fingerprint sensing component 204 and other components, it effectively prevents liquids or other contaminants from contacting and potentially damaging those components.

[0066] The potting material 208 can be positioned in the hollow column 222 and in the gap between the button member 200 and other components by flowing a liquid or otherwise flowable material into place and then allowing the liquid or flowable material to solidify or otherwise harden. The potting material 208 can be an epoxy, a glue, a polymer, or another suitable material. The potting material 208 can be introduced in various ways and via various entry points. For example, the potting material 208 can flow, inject, or otherwise introduce through a hole 255 defined by the base portion 205 of the button member 200. Instead of or in addition to flowing through the hole 255, the potting material 208 can flow, inject, or otherwise introduce through the hollow column 222. Other introduction points (e.g., a second hollow column, an injection port formed through the base portion 205, etc.) are also conceivable. Regardless of the introduction and / or flow path, the potting material 208 can flow into the hollow column 222, into the gap defined between the button member 200 and the components coupled to the button member 200, and flow onto the fingerprint sensing component 204 and / or the substrate 206 (e.g., to at least partially encapsulate the fingerprint sensing component 204 and / or the substrate 206).

[0067] like Figure 2B As shown, column 220 can be a solid column. However, in some cases, column 220 can also be a second hollow column. The second hollow column can be used to reduce the weight of the device and can also be used to facilitate the introduction of the potting material. For example, the second hollow column can allow air to be vented from the volume into which the potting material 208 is introduced. In some cases, suction can be applied to the second hollow column to help the potting material 208 flow into and fill the target volume.

[0068] As mentioned above, Figure 2C is a partially exploded view of a portion of device 100 including fingerprint sensing button 120, and shows the Figure 2B Additional details of the components shown and described.

[0069] like Figure 2C As shown, the adhesive 210 may include two discrete adhesive layers positioned at the longitudinal ends of the cap 202. In some cases, the potting material 208 may work in conjunction with the adhesive 210 to secure the cap 202 (as well as the fingerprint sensing component 204 and the substrate 206, which may be secured to the cap 202 before the cap 202 is assembled to the button member 200) to the button member 200. For example, the potting material 208 may bond to and / or mechanically engage features of the substrate 206, the fingerprint sensing component 204, and the cap 202, as well as bond to and / or mechanically engage features of the button member 200. The bonding and / or mechanical engagement (e.g., mechanical interlocking) provided by the potting material 208 may help retain the cap 202, the fingerprint sensing component 204, and the substrate 206 to the button member 200. As shown in FIG. Figure 2C As shown, the potting material 208 is in a cured or hardened state, but it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes and the potting material 208 is not installed or assembled in a cured or hardened state, but rather flows into the appropriate position and is allowed to cure after the cap 202 is attached to the button member 200 (e.g., via the adhesive 210).

[0070] During assembly, Figure 2C The components shown to the right of the housing member 203, including the flexible circuit element 212 and the connector 234, can be assembled together to form a button subassembly, which can then be assembled with the device 100. For example, the flexible circuit element 212 can be threaded through the hole 215 in the housing member 203, and the posts 220, 222 of the button member 200 can be inserted into the holes 214, 215 in the housing member 203. Thereafter, the plate 240 and the anti-roll bar 239 can be attached to the button member 200, and the remaining components can be assembled to complete that portion of the device.

[0071] Figure 2D is along Figure 2A FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fingerprint sensing button 120 observed along line 2D-2D in FIG. Figure 2DAn exemplary arrangement of components and materials in the base portion 205 of the button member 200 is shown, and a sealing material 248 that may be introduced between the cap 202 and portions of the base 205 is shown. For example, the cap 202 may be fitted into the base 205 with a tight tolerance such that a gap 249 between the side surface of the cap 202 and the inner surface of the base 205 is small (e.g., between about 10 microns to about 100 microns, between about 15 microns to about 30 microns, etc.). In such cases, the potting material may not be able to fill the gap 249. For example, the viscosity of the potting material 208 in liquid form may be too high to effectively fill the gap 249.

[0072] Thus, the sealing material 248 may be introduced into the gap 249 to help fill and seal the gap 249. The sealing material 248 may be introduced into the gap 249 as a liquid, wherein the viscosity of the liquid allows the liquid to at least partially fill the gap 249. The viscosity of the liquid may be lower than the liquid viscosity of the potting material 208. The sealing material 248 may then be allowed to cure or otherwise harden in place, thereby filling the gap 249, so that liquid or other contaminants cannot enter the button member through the gap 249. Thus, the sealing material 248 may also define a third waterproof seal between the cap 202 and the base 205 in addition to those defined by the sealing member 218 and the potting material 208. After the sealing material 248 is introduced into the gap 249, the potting material 208 may flow into place. The potting material 208 may abut the sealing material, forming an intimate contact with the sealing material 248, thereby further enhancing the waterproof seal provided by the potting material 208 and the sealing material 248.

[0073] Sealing material 248 can be introduced into gap 249 by making liquid or otherwise flowable material flow to the appropriate position, and then allowing the liquid or flowable material to solidify or otherwise harden. Sealing material 248 can be introduced in various ways and via various entry points. For example, sealing material 248 can flow, inject or otherwise introduce through hole 255, which is limited by the base portion 205 of button member 200, and / or sealing material 248 can flow, inject or otherwise introduce through hollow column 222. For another example, sealing material 248 can flow, inject or otherwise directly introduce into gap 249 from the outside of button member. Other introduction points (e.g., second hollow column, injection port formed through base portion 205, etc.) can also be imagined. Regardless of the introduction and / or flow path, sealing material 248 can flow into gap 249, as shown.

[0074] The sealing material 248 can perform several functions. For example, it acts as a barrier so that liquids such as water, sweat, lotions, sunscreens, etc. cannot enter the gap 249 where they could be trapped, travel further into the button member, or damage components in the button member (e.g., the fingerprint sensing component 204 or other electrical or conductive components). In addition, the sealing material 248 helps ensure that the conductive properties of the material near the fingerprint sensing component 204 remain relatively constant and are not affected by different liquids or other materials introduced into the gap 249. For example, without the sealing material 248, water or another liquid can enter the gap 249 during use of the device, which can affect the capacitive coupling between the fingerprint sensing component 204 and the base 205 (which can be formed of a metal such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc.). Changes in the capacitive coupling between these components can negatively affect the operation of the fingerprint sensing component 204. Therefore, filling or substantially filling the gap 249 with the sealing material 248 can help improve the integrity and reliability of the fingerprint sensing function.

[0075] In some cases, sealing material 248 completely fills gap 249 so that top surface 246 of base, top surface of sealing material 248, and top surface of cap 202 (eg, Figure 2D In some cases, the top surface of the sealing material 248 is recessed relative to the top surface 246 of the base and the top surface of the cap 202. In the case where the top surface of the sealing material 248 is recessed, the top surface of the sealing material 248 may be recessed from the top surface of the cap 202 by less than about 5%, less than about 10%, less than about 15%, or less than about 20% of the thickness of the cap 202. In some cases, the top surface of the sealing material 248 is recessed from the top surface of the cap 202 by between about 20 microns and about 30 microns.

[0076] like Figure 2D As shown, the top surface 246 of the base and the top surface of the cap 202 can be flush (e.g., to within a threshold, such as about 100 microns, about 50 microns, about 25 microns, etc.). In some cases, the top surface 246 of the base and the top surface of the cap 202 can be offset from each other, wherein the top surface 246 of the base or the top surface of the cap 202 protrudes from the other.

[0077] In some cases, the base 205 is configured to serve as a connection between a user's finger (when the finger is in contact with the fingerprint sensing button 120) and the electrical ground of the device 100. In some cases, the ground connection between the user's finger and the base 205 (and more generally, the ground of the base 205) helps to electrically shield the fingerprint sensing component 204, improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the fingerprint sensing component 204, and generally improve the operation of the fingerprint sensing component 204 and its ability to capture images or other data from the user's finger. To facilitate electrical grounding, the base 205 (and indeed the entire button member 200) can be conductively coupled to the electrical ground of the device 100. For example, the ground path can be defined by a solder joint between the base 205 and the flexible circuit element 212, which is conductively coupled to other components within the device 100 (e.g., the flexible circuit element 212 conductively couples the base 205 to the electrical ground of the device 100).

[0078] As described above, the fingerprint sensing button 120 may include the anti-roll bar 239 . Figure 2E A simplified view of an interior portion of the device 100 is shown, showing an exemplary configuration of an anti-roll bar 239 and its integration with the housing structure and button components. For example, the anti-roll bar 239 can be retained to the housing 104 by positioning the shaft 256 of the anti-roll bar 239 in a recess 254 or other feature formed in the housing member 203. The ends of the anti-roll bar 239 can be coupled to the posts 220, 222, such as via connection features 250, 252, respectively. The connection features 250, 252 can be holes into which the ends of the anti-roll bar 239 extend, or they can be any other suitable features or mechanisms (e.g., clamps, sockets, etc.).

[0079] The shaft 256 may be allowed to rotate within the recess 254, but translation of the shaft (at least in the actuation direction of the fingerprint sensing button) may be limited or constrained. Therefore, when the button is pressed, the posts 220, 222 move inwardly in the actuation direction, causing the anti-roll bar 239 to pivot or rotate within the recess 254. In this way, binding or twisting of the fingerprint sensing button 120 due to eccentric force applied to the button may be reduced or eliminated. For example, any inward movement of one of the posts 220, 222 substantially causes the other post to be pulled inwardly by substantially the same amount, even if no force or a smaller force is applied directly to the other post.

[0080] Although Figure 2E The anti-roll bar 239 is shown being held to the housing via a shaft 256 positioned in a recess 254, but this is merely an exemplary configuration. In some cases, the anti-roll bar 239 may be held to the housing via a clamp, bracket, fastener, etc. instead of or in addition to the recess.

[0081] Figure 3Ais a partial exploded view of a portion of the fingerprint sensing button 120. For example, Figure 3A The button member 200 is shown with the cap 202 and adhesive 210 removed. The adhesive 210 can be positioned on the coupling surface 300 of the button member 200 to secure the cap 202 to the button member 200.

[0082] The button member 200 may also define a channel 302 between the button coupling surface 300 and an edge 304 of the button member 200. The channel 302 may be configured to allow a sealing material, such as the sealing material 248, to flow into the space between the cap 202 and the inner surface of the base 205 and into the gap 249 ( Figure 2D ) without being blocked by adhesive 210. In some cases, channel 302 and the bottom surface of cap 202 can define a capillary channel that pulls sealing material through the channel and toward or into gap 249 so that sealing material 248 reaches its target location and substantially or completely fills gap 249.

[0083] Figure 3B is a partial exploded view of a portion of the fingerprint sensing button 120 , showing a lower side view of the fingerprint sensing button 120 . Figure 3B The fingerprint sensing component 204 and the substrate 206 coupled to the cap 202 are shown, as well as the flexible circuit element 212 coupled to the substrate 206 . Figure 3B It can also represent a stage of the assembly process of the fingerprint sensing button 120 when the cap subassembly (e.g., the assembled cap 202, fingerprint sensing component 204, substrate 206, and flexible circuit element 212) is attached to the button member 200. Specifically, the flexible circuit element 212 now extends through the hollow post 222, and the adhesive 210 is now positioned between the cap 202 and the button member 200.

[0084] like Figure 3B As shown, substrate 206 (which may be a circuit board) may include circuit components 308. Such components may be coated and / or potted before the cap subassembly is attached to button member 200. The coating and / or potting material may help seal and protect circuit components 308 from liquids or other contaminants, as well as protect circuit components 308 from direct contact with potting materials.

[0085] Figure 3B Also shown is a ground feature 310 of the button member 200. The ground feature 310 may be a tab, a protrusion, or any other suitable feature that may be soldered (or otherwise conductively coupled) to a conductive pad 306 (e.g., a solder pad) on the flexible circuit element 212. As described above, the flexible circuit element 212 may conductively couple the button member 200 to an electrical ground of the device 100.

[0086] Figure 3C is corresponding to along Figure 2A FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the button member 200 , taken along line 2B- 2B in FIG. 2 , showing the cap subassembly attached to the button member 200 . Figure 3C Also shown is an optional support member 312 that can be positioned in the hollow post 222 to position the portion of the flexible circuit element 212 in the post, at least until the potting material 208 is introduced into the button member 200 and the hollow post 222. The support member 312 can be attached to the flexible circuit element 212 so that the support member 312 is properly positioned when the flexible circuit element 212 is threaded through the hollow post 222. As another example, the support member 312 can be attached to or otherwise positioned in the hollow post 222 before the flexible circuit element 212 is installed.

[0087] The support member 312 can help position the flexible circuit element 212 away from the inner surface of the hollow post 222. In this way, the flexible circuit element 212 can be protected from accidental electrical shorting with the button member 200, and / or other potential damage that may occur during assembly due to contact with the inner surface of the hollow post 222. The support member 312 can also maintain the flexible circuit element 212 in a target position within the hollow post 222 during the introduction and curing of the potting material 208, so that the flexible circuit element 212 does not move to an undesirable position within the post or otherwise become misaligned during the potting process.

[0088] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An exemplary fingerprint sensing button 403 is shown ( Figure 4B ), wherein the button member defines a single elongated hollow column. Figure 4A Shown for FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B A side view of a button member 400 in a fingerprint sensing button of FIG. The button member 400 defines a column 402, which may be hollow, such as Figure 4B As shown. Button member 400 also includes a sealing member 404. Sealing member 404 can be molded to, adhered to, or otherwise attached to button member 400. Sealing member 404 can be formed of or include an elastomeric material, such as rubber or other polymers. Sealing member 404 can extend substantially completely around post 402 and can define a seal between button member 400 and housing member (e.g., housing member 401, Figure 4B , which may be similar to a waterproof seal between the housing components 203).

[0089] Figure 4B is corresponding to along Figure 2A4B-2B in FIG. 4B . Similar to the fingerprint sensing button 120 , the fingerprint sensing button 403 may include a cap 406 attached to the button member 400 via an adhesive 410 . A sealing material 414 may be positioned in the gap between the cap 406 and the surface of the button member 400 , and a potting material 412 may at least partially fill the hollow column 402 . The potting material 412 may also at least partially encapsulate the flexible circuit element 426 and the sensing stack 408 (which may include fingerprint sensing components, substrates, and optional other electrical components or other components). In some cases, the fingerprint sensing button 403 may also include an anti-roll mechanism, such as an anti-roll bar 239 . The components of the fingerprint sensing button 403 may be embodiments of corresponding components described with respect to the fingerprint sensing button 120 or otherwise similar thereto. The details of these components will be understood to be equally applicable to those of the fingerprint sensing button 403 , and therefore their details are not repeated herein.

[0090] The fingerprint sensing button 403 may also include a plate 416 coupled to the button member 400 (e.g., via fasteners 418 or any other suitable attachment component or technology). The plate 416 may overlap a portion of the housing member 401 to hold the button member 400 to the device. The plate 416 may also define a hole 424 through which a flexible circuit element 426 may extend. The plate 416 may also be configured to contact an input sensor 420, such as a dome switch, a capacitive force sensor, a strain gauge, etc. When the button member 400 is pressed, the button member 400 may compress or otherwise exert a force on the input sensor 420, which the device may recognize as an input and perform an appropriate action. The input sensor 420 may be conductively coupled to a circuit element (e.g., a flexible circuit element) 430, which is also conductively coupled to other components of the device (e.g., a processor). The flexible circuit element 426 may also be conductively coupled to the circuit element 430, thereby facilitating conductive coupling between the fingerprint sensing component and other components of the device (e.g., a processor). The frame 428 may be coupled to the housing member 401 and may support the input sensor 420 and the circuit element 430 .

[0091] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary configuration of a button assembly 500 including a button member and a cap-shaped member of a fingerprint sensing button. Specifically, while other button members described herein define an edge around the side of the cap-shaped member (and optionally define a ground path to the user's finger), Figure 5 An exemplary button member is shown in which the cap is not surrounded by the edge of the button member.

[0092] For example, the button assembly 500 includes a cap 502 that is attached to a button member 516 along a bottom surface of the cap 502 by an adhesive 510. The adhesive 510 can be configured to define a waterproof seal between the cap 502 and the button member 516. Notably, the sides of the cap 502 are exposed and / or not surrounded by an edge or other structure of the button member 516. By omitting the edge, the use of a fingerprint sensing button that includes an edge around the outer periphery of the cap is less likely to cause a fingerprint to be lost. Figure 5 The fingerprint sensing button of the configuration shown may have smaller outer dimensions and / or occupy a smaller volume.

[0093] Figure 5 The button member 516 of the device further defines a hollow post 518 through which the flexible circuit element 512 can extend. The potting material 514 can also at least partially fill the hollow post and at least partially encapsulate the flexible circuit element 512 and the fingerprint sensing component 504 and / or the substrate 506. The potting material 514 can define a waterproof seal within the hollow post 518, and the sealing member 508 can be coupled to the post of the button member 516 to define a waterproof seal between the button member 516 and the housing of the device.

[0094] Figure 5 The components shown (e.g., cap 502, adhesive 510, potting material 514, fingerprint sensing component 504, substrate 506, sealing member 508, flexible circuit element 512) may be embodiments of or otherwise similar to corresponding components described with respect to other fingerprint sensing buttons described herein. The details of these components will be understood to apply equally to Figure 5 those shown, so their details are not repeated here.

[0095] As described above, the button functionality may be provided in part by an input sensor (such as a dome switch) that is actuated in response to a force applied to a button member. In some cases, the input sensor detects force input using force sensing technology such as a capacitive force sensor. Figure 2B and Figure 4B As shown, such a force sensor may be positioned beneath a movable button member to be actuated by movement of the button member or a force applied by the button member. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B Another exemplary integration of a capacitive force sensor in a fingerprint sensing button is shown.

[0096] Fig. 6A is along the corresponding Figure 2A In Figure 2B-2B 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fingerprint sensing button 600 along the line of . Figure 6B600. The fingerprint sensing button 600 includes a button member including a base portion 601 and a pedestal portion 605. The base portion 601 and the pedestal portion 605 may be coupled together via an adhesive and / or a mechanical fastener (e.g., a screw, a latch, a mechanical interlock, etc.). A sealing member 618 may be molded to, adhered to, or otherwise attached to the pedestal portion 605. The sealing member 618 may be formed of or include an elastomeric material, such as rubber or other polymers. The sealing member 618 may extend substantially completely around the pedestal portion 605 and may define a waterproof seal between the pedestal portion 605 and a housing member (such as the housing member 603), which may be similar to the housing member 203.

[0097] The button member, and more specifically the base portion 605 of the button member, may be secured to the housing member 603 via fasteners 620 and / or via any other suitable attachment system or technique (e.g., adhesive, mechanical interlock, clamps, rivets, etc.). Figure 2B and Figure 4B The fingerprint sensing button shown in FIG. 1 is configured to move (e.g., translate) relative to the housing member so that the input sensor can be compressed, moved, or otherwise stressed, but Fig. 6A The button member in the embodiment may be fixed in position relative to the housing member 603. In this example, the force sensor (or a portion thereof) may be integrated into the button member so that any movement or deformation required to detect the force is provided within the button member itself. For example, as described herein, a force applied to the button member (e.g., the cap 602) may cause the cap 602 to deform or deflect relative to another structure of the button member. The force sensor may detect a change in the size of the gap to determine whether a threshold force has been reached.

[0098] The fingerprint sensing button 600 also includes a cap 602 and a fingerprint sensing component 604 below the cap 602. The cap 602 and the fingerprint sensing component 604 can be similar to or embodiments of other caps and fingerprint sensing components described herein, and for the sake of brevity, the details of these components are not repeated here. The fingerprint sensing component 604 can be conductively coupled to a flexible circuit element 606, such as a flexible circuit board, which conductively couples the fingerprint sensing component 604 to other components of the device (e.g., a processor).

[0099] Cap 602 can be attached to base portion 601 via compliant adhesive component 610. Compliant adhesive component 610 can include multiple layers of material to provide targeted adhesion and compliance to the joint between cap 602 and base portion 601. For example, compliant adhesive component 610 can include a compliant material, such as an elastomeric foam, disposed between two layers of adhesive (e.g., a heat-sensitive adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, etc.). Compliant adhesive component 610 can attach cap 602 to base portion 601 while also allowing cap 602 to move relative to base portion 601 (e.g., toward base portion 601) when a force is applied to cap 602.

[0100] As described above, the fingerprint sensing button 600 can detect the force applied to the cap 602 by detecting deformation or deflection of the cap 602 relative to the housing. This can be facilitated by a capacitive gap sensor. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the capacitive gap sensor may be provided by a first electrode 623 or electrode group (eg, a first electrode 623 or a first electrode group 623) positioned at and / or integrated with the first sensing portion 607 of the flexible circuit element 606. Figure 6B ) and a second electrode 625 or electrode group ( positioned at and / or integrated with the second sensing portion 612 of the flexible circuit element 606 Figure 6B ). The second sensing portion 612 and the first sensing portion 607 can be separated by a gap 622 (which can be an air gap or it can include a compliant material, such as a foam, an elastomer, a potting material, etc.). The second sensing portion 612 of the flexible circuit element 606 can be positioned on a bracket 624 fixed to the base portion 605. The bracket 624 supports the second sensing portion 612 of the flexible circuit element 606 so that a force applied to the cap 602 causes the gap 622 to decrease (e.g., by the cap 602 deflecting or deforming downward while the bracket 624 and the second sensing portion remain fixed, or by the cap 602 deflecting or deforming downward more than the bracket 624 and the second sensing portion deflect downward).

[0101] When a force is applied to the cap 602, the gap 622 between the first electrode 623 and the second electrode 625 may change (e.g., decrease), thereby generating a capacitance change that can be detected by one or both of the first electrode 623 and the second electrode 625. Although the foregoing describes a capacitive gap sensor, other types of force sensors may be implemented in the button member to detect changes in the gap 622. For example, a force sensor using a strain gauge, a piezoelectric or piezoresistive material, a dome switch, etc. may be positioned between the cap 602 and the bracket 624.

[0102] As described above, the first electrode 623 and the second electrode 625 of the force sensor can be conductively coupled to different portions of the same flexible circuit element 606. To facilitate the use of a single flexible circuit element, the flexible circuit element 606 can define a loop portion 614 that extends from a portion of the flexible circuit element 606 that is attached to the cap 602 to a portion of the flexible circuit element 606 that is attached to the bracket 624. The loop portion 614 can flex or bend during an input event when an input force pushes the cap 602 downward.

[0103] The flexible circuit element 606 also defines a tail portion 630 ( Figure 6B ), the tail portion facilitates conductively coupling the fingerprint sensing component 604 and the first electrode 623 and the second electrode 625 (or any other suitable force sensing component that can be coupled to the flexible circuit element 606) to other components within the device. The tail portion can extend through the hole 626 defined in the base portion 605 and the hole 628 defined in the housing member 603. The tail portion 630 can be coupled to another circuit element (e.g., a circuit board) within the device.

[0104] As described above, the sealing member 618 defines a waterproof seal between the base portion 605 and the housing member 603. In some cases, a sealing material, such as the sealing material 248 described above, may be provided between the cap 602 and the base portion 601 to define a waterproof seal between the cap 602 and the base. A potting material may also be introduced to fill gaps and / or voids within the button member to prevent or limit water from entering the button member and also provide a barrier around the internal components of the fingerprint sensing button 600. Where a potting material is used, the potting material may be sufficiently compliant to allow the cap 602 to deform or deflect relative to the bracket 624, thereby facilitating the force sensing operation described above.

[0105] In the foregoing discussion, a flexible circuit element may be used to conductively couple components of a fingerprint sensing button to other components within a device. In some cases, the flexible circuit element or a portion thereof may be implemented using other types of conductive members. For example, wires, wiring harnesses, or other flexible conductors may also be used. In some cases, a rigid circuit board may be used in place of a portion of the flexible circuit element. For example, referring to FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B As shown, the first sensing portion 607 and the second sensing portion 612 of the flexible circuit element 606 may use a rigid circuit substrate that may be coupled together via a loop portion that includes the flexible circuit element.

[0106] Figure 7A partial cross-sectional view of a device 700 having another exemplary fingerprint sensing button 701 that can be used in an electronic device is shown. The fingerprint sensing button 701 may be an embodiment of the fingerprint sensing button 120 and may perform the same or similar functions as other fingerprint sensing buttons described herein. For example, the fingerprint sensing button 701 may be operable to receive input (e.g., button presses) that may control or change various operations and functions of the device (e.g., change speaker volume, activate or deactivate a display, change device mode, etc.). The fingerprint sensing button 701 may also include a fingerprint sensor or a component thereof that may be configured to capture an image or other representative data of a finger in contact with the fingerprint sensing button 701 (e.g., for verifying a user). The electronic device 700 may be a tablet computer, a mobile phone, a smart watch, a laptop or notebook computer, etc. It should be understood that the components, features, functions, and / or other aspects of other fingerprint buttons described herein may also be applicable to the fingerprint sensing button 701.

[0107] The fingerprint sensing button 701 includes a button structure 702, which includes a base 704 and a cap 705 attached to the base 704. The base 704 may be formed of aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, ceramic, amorphous metal, polymer, or any other suitable material. The cap 705 may be attached to the base 704 via an adhesive 709. The adhesive 709 may be a heat-activated adhesive, such as a heat-activated film, or any other suitable adhesive (e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive, epoxy, etc.). The adhesive 709 may hold the cap 705 in place and securely attach it to the base 704. In some cases, a sealing material, such as a curable liquid, may be introduced into the gap or space between the cap 705 and the base 704. The sealing material may help prevent liquids or other materials, such as water, sweat, lotions, sunscreens, etc., from entering the space between the cap 705 and the base 704, which may help improve the integrity and reliability of the fingerprint sensing component of the fingerprint sensing button 701. Reference Figure 2D The sealing material between the cap and base is described in more detail, and these details will be understood to apply equally to the cap 705 and base 704.

[0108] Cap 705 can cover fingerprint sensing component 706, and can define the input surface of fingerprint sensing button 701. The user can touch the input surface so that his fingerprint can be imaged by the fingerprint sensor for user authentication. When fingerprint sensing button 701 is operated as a conventional button, the user can also contact the input surface to provide the necessary input or actuation force to fingerprint sensing button 701. Cap 705 can be formed of sapphire, glass, ceramic, glass ceramic, plastic or another suitable material. Cap 705 can be a single piece of material or multiple parts assembled together. Cap 705 can be formed of one or more materials that allow biometric sensing to pass through it. For example, if the fingerprint sensor of fingerprint sensing button 701 uses capacitive sensing, cap 705 can be a dielectric material (e.g., glass, sapphire). Cap 705 can have a thickness between about 100 microns and about 200 microns. In some cases, cap 705 may include one or more layers of ink, dye, coating, film or other materials. Such layers can be used to provide optical masking, decorative coloring, shielding, etc. The thickness of the cap 705 having one or more layers of material may be between about 200 microns and about 300 microns.

[0109] The fingerprint sensing component 706 (or other biometric sensing component) can be a capacitive sensing layer configured to capture an image of a user's fingerprint to authenticate the user. The fingerprint sensing component 706 can be coupled to the circuit component 707, and the flexible circuit element 708 can be conductively coupled to the fingerprint sensing component 706 (optionally via the conductors of the circuit component 707). The circuit component 707 can be a system-in-package that includes multiple electronic components in a single carrier. For example, the system-in-package circuit component 707 may include electronic components such as a processor, memory, and / or other components for biometric sensing on a single substrate. The flexible circuit element 708 can conductively couple the fingerprint sensing component 706 (or other biometric sensing component) to components within the housing of the device in the same or similar manner as the flexible circuit element 212 described above.

[0110] The fingerprint sensing component 706 and the circuit component 707 can be attached to the cap 705, such as via an adhesive. In some cases, neither the fingerprint sensing component 706 nor the circuit component 707 contacts the base 704.

[0111] The button member 702 can be coupled to the compressible support assembly 710. The button member 712 can be attached via adhesives, fasteners, fusion bonding (e.g., welding), riveting (e.g., heat riveting), brazing, soldering, etc. For example, the upper surface of the compressible support assembly 710 (e.g., the upper surface of the movable member 711) can be adhered to the bottom surface of the base 714.

[0112] The compressible support assembly 710 provides multiple functions for the fingerprint sensing button 701. For example, the compressible support assembly 710 biases the button structure 702 toward an unactuated position (e.g., fully extended and / or not pressed) while also holding the button structure 702 to the device. The compressible support assembly 710 also transmits input forces applied to the button structure 702 to the input sensor. In addition, the compressible support assembly 710 acts as a multi-interface sealing structure to prevent water, liquids, and / or other contaminants from entering the device. In some cases, the seal defined by the compressible support assembly 710 is a waterproof seal.

[0113] The compressible support assembly 710 includes a movable member 711 and a fixed member 712. The movable member 711 is coupled to and supports the button structure 702. For example, the bottom side of the base 704 can be adhered to or otherwise attached to the upper surface of the movable member 711. The fixed member 712 can serve as one side of a clamping structure that secures the compressible support assembly 710, and therefore the button structure 702, to the device housing. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the fixing member 712 and the inner bracket 713 can be used together as a clamping structure to engage or clamp onto a portion of the housing 703. For example, the fixing member 712 and the inner bracket 713 can capture a flange 714 of the housing 713 between the clamping surfaces of the fixing member 712 and the inner bracket 713. Fasteners 715 (e.g., screws) can secure the fixing member 712 to the inner bracket 713 and provide a clamping force that is applied to the flange 715 and holds the fixing member 712 and the inner bracket 713 to the housing 703.

[0114] The compressible support assembly 710 also includes a bias spring 716 that biases the movable member 711 (and therefore the button structure 702) toward an unactuated position (e.g., fully extended and / or not pressed). The bias spring 716 can be positioned between the movable member 711 and the fixed member 712, and an input force applied to the button structure 702 can cause the bias spring 716 to be compressed between the movable member 711 and the fixed member 712. The bias spring 716 can be a coil spring (as shown), or any other suitable type of spring or resilient member or material (e.g., leaf spring, beam spring, elastomer, etc.).

[0115] The movable member 711 can be retained to the fixed member 712 via a retaining pin 720. The retaining pin 720 may include a flange or other feature that engages the movable member 711 to limit its travel in one direction (e.g., outward or toward an unactuated position). The biasing spring 716 can bias the movable member 711 against the retaining pin 720, thereby defining the most outward position of the button structure 702 (e.g., defining an unactuated position). The retaining pin 720 can be attached to the fixed member 712. For example, a retaining clamp 721 (e.g., a c-clip or an e-clip) can engage the end of the retaining pin to retain the retaining pin 720 to the fixed member 712. In some cases, the retaining pin 720 is fixed to the fixed member 712 via the retaining clamp 721.

[0116] The movable member 711 can be configured to actuate an input sensor 719, such as a dome switch (as shown), a capacitive force sensor, a strain gauge, etc. The input sensor 719 can be attached to or mounted on the inner bracket 713. When the button structure 702 is pressed, the button structure 712 and therefore the movable member 711 attached to the button structure 702 can compress or otherwise exert a force on the input sensor 719, which the device can recognize as an input and perform an appropriate action. The input sensor 719 can be conductively coupled to the circuit element via one or more electrical connectors (e.g., through-holes), which can extend through openings or holes in the inner bracket 713, which is also conductively coupled to other components of the device (e.g., a processor).

[0117] The movable member 711 may include or define an actuation structure 717 that engages a plunger 718 to apply a force on an input sensor 719 when the button is pressed. In some cases, the plunger 718 is fixed to the actuation structure 717 (e.g., via an adhesive), while in some cases, the plunger contacts the actuation structure 717 but is not attached. In some cases, the movable member 711 includes an actuation structure 717 that extends completely to the input sensor 719 to directly engage the input sensor 719.

[0118] The compressible support assembly 710 also seals the fingerprint sensing button 701 to prevent water, liquids, or other contaminants from entering the device. More specifically, the compressible support assembly 710 seals several interfaces of the fingerprint sensing button 701 while leaving a large sealed environment in which electrical and mechanical components can be located. For example, the compressible support assembly 710 includes a first seal 722, shown here as a skirt seal (and sometimes referred to as skirt seal 722), which is coupled to the movable member 711 and seals the interface between the base 704 and the movable member 711. The skirt seal 722 includes a sealing wall 801 that is configured to collapse, bend, or otherwise deform when the button structure 702 is pressed (e.g., to actuate the input sensor 719), while keeping the sealed environment closed during button actuation. The compressible support assembly 710 also includes a second seal 723 that is coupled to the fixed member 712 and to the first seal 722 and is configured to seal an interface between the fixed member 712 and the housing 703 (eg, a surface of the flange 714). FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B The first seal 722 and the second seal 723 are further described.

[0119] As described above, the compressible support assembly 710 provides a number of mechanical and sealing functions for the fingerprint sensing button 701. For example, the compressible support assembly 710 biases the button structure 702 to an unactuated position, holds the button structure 702 to the device housing 703, serves as part of a clamping structure that secures the button structure 702 to the device housing, facilitates the transfer of force to the input sensor, provides a tactile response to the user when the button is pressed (e.g., via a spring), and also seals multiple interfaces between components of the fingerprint sensing button 701.

[0120] In some cases, the compressible support assembly 710 may be fully assembled before being attached to the base 704. For example, the movable member 711 may be inserted into a mold, and a polymer material may be introduced into the mold and against the movable member 711 to form a first seal 722. Subsequently, the fixed member 712 (and optionally the retaining pin 720, the biasing spring 716, and the actuating structure) may be introduced into the mold (or a different mold) along with the movable member 711 and the first seal 722, and another polymer material (which may have the same or different composition as the first seal 722) may be introduced into the mold and against both the first seal 722 and the fixed member 712 to define a second seal 723. A retaining fixture 721 may then be included to secure the retaining pin 720 to the fixed member 712. This process may produce a pre-assembled compressible support assembly 710 that may be attached to the base 704 and secured to the housing 703 to effectively and quickly provide a mechanical button function and define a reliable seal for the fingerprint sensing button 701.

[0121] As described above, the compressible support assembly 710 defines a sealed chamber 730 beneath the button structure 702. The sealed chamber 730 is positioned over and / or surrounds a hole formed through the housing 703. The hole in the housing 703 allows mechanical components and / or electrical components to pass through into the interior of the housing 703. Thus, since the hole is located within the sealed chamber 730, these components can be protected from liquids, water, or other contaminants.

[0122] One such component in and / or passing through the sealed chamber 730 is a flexible circuit element 708. The flexible circuit element 708 is coupled to the circuit component 707 and passes through the sealed chamber 730 and into the device through the hole 728 in the inner bracket 713. The flexible circuit element 708 transmits electrical signals between the circuit component 707 and other electrical components of the device 700 (e.g., a processor, a main logic board, etc.). The electrical signals may include signals from the fingerprint sensing component 706. Because the sealed chamber 730 is sealed from the external environment, and because the sealed chamber 730 is relatively large (e.g., surrounding up to 90% or more of the area below the base 704), the flexible circuit element 708 can freely pass through the sealed chamber 730, optionally without the need for additional sealing structures. In addition, the large volume of the sealed chamber 730 allows the flexible circuit element 708 to have sufficient space to flex or bend during button actuation, and allows the flexible circuit element 708 to be guided into the device housing 703 without tight bending or kinking.

[0123] As described above, the inner bracket 713 can be used as one side of the clamping structure that fixes the compressible support assembly 710 to the housing 703. In some cases, the inner bracket 713 also fixes the microphone module 724 to the housing 703. More specifically, the wing portion 726 of the inner bracket 713 can be configured to extend along a portion of the inner surface of the housing including a recess for the microphone module 724. The wing portion 726 can keep the microphone module 724 in the recess. It is worth noting that the same clamping configuration from the inner bracket 713 and the compressible support assembly 710 keeps the microphone module 724 in place. More specifically, by clamping the flange 714 of the housing 703 between the inner bracket 713 and the compressible support assembly 710, the wing portion 726 is rigidly held in a position that fixes the microphone module 724 in place. In some cases, no additional fasteners are required to keep the microphone module 724 in place in its recess. In some cases, a biasing member, such as a foam pad, is positioned between the wing portion 726 and the microphone module 724 to help bias the microphone module against the housing 703. The microphone module 724 can receive sound through an aperture 725 formed through the housing 703.

[0124] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B Shows the corresponding Figure 7A portion of the device 700 in area 8A-8A is shown showing details of the first seal 722 and the second seal 723. Fig. 8A The button is shown in an unactuated state, such as may occur when the fingerprint sensing button 701 is not subjected to an input force (eg, it is not pressed). In this state, the biasing spring may force the movable member 711 into its most outward position.

[0125] like Fig. 8A As shown, the first seal 722 is attached to the movable member 711, such as via injection molding, so that the first seal 722 is bonded to the movable member 711 and a waterproof seal is defined between the first seal 722 and the movable member 711. The first seal 722 defines a first sealing feature 802 that contacts the base 704. The first sealing feature 802 can be a protrusion, a lug, or any other suitable shape or configuration that can be sealed against a surface of the base 704 to define a sealing interface between the first seal 722 and the base 704. Because the size of the first sealing feature 802 is larger than the gap between the sealing surface of the base 704 and the movable member 711, the first sealing feature 802 can be deformed (e.g., compressed) against the base 704.

[0126] The second seal 723 is attached to the fixed member 712, such as via injection molding, so that the second seal 723 is bonded to the fixed member 712 and a waterproof seal is defined between the second seal 723 and the fixed member 712. Therefore, the interface between the second seal 723 and the fixed member 712 can be waterproof. The second seal 723 defines a second sealing feature 805 that contacts the housing 703 (e.g., the flange 714 of the housing 703). The second sealing feature 805 can be a protrusion, a lug, or any other suitable shape or configuration that can be sealed against the surface of the housing (e.g., the flange 714) to define a sealing interface between the second seal 723 and the housing 703. Since the size of the second sealing feature 805 is larger than the gap between the sealing surface of the flange 714 and the fixed member 712, the second sealing feature 805 can be deformed (e.g., compressed) against the flange 714.

[0127] The first seal 722 is also attached to the fixed member 712, and optionally to the second seal 723. Specifically, the second seal 723 can be attached to the end portion 803 of the first seal 722 along the bonding interface 804 (e.g., where the first seal 722 and the second seal 723 are bonded to each other). The attachment between the first seal 722 and the fixed member 712 and the second seal 723 can be produced by an injection process, where the second seal 723 is bonded to the first seal 722 and the fixed member 712. The bonding between the first seal 722 and the movable member 711, between the first seal 722 and the second seal 723, and between the second seal 723 and the fixed member 712 (and the sealing interface provided by the first sealing feature and the second sealing feature) defines a boot-shaped seal around the periphery of the compressible support assembly 710, and thus defines a sealed chamber 730. Therefore, the sealed chamber 730 is sealed to prevent the ingress of water, liquids or other contaminants, and allows a large area below the button structure 702 to be open to the interior of the housing. This large environmentally sealed area may contain many mechanical and electrical components that are not otherwise suitable for free environmental contact (eg, flexible circuit elements, input sensors, fingerprint sensing components, circuit boards, etc.).

[0128] Figure 8B The fingerprint sensing button 701 is shown in a pressed or actuated state, such as may occur when a user presses a button member to provide input to the device. In this state, the button structure 702 (including the base 704) and the movable member 711 move downward (e.g., toward the fixed member 712), thereby causing the first seal 722 to deform along the sealing wall 801. Since the sealing wall 801 deforms during the button actuation, the seal remains intact during the button actuation. In addition, since the sealing wall 801 deforms, during the button actuation, neither of the two sealing interfaces has to move or slide along the sealing surface. More specifically, during the button actuation and movement, the first sealing feature 802 remains static against the sealing surface of the base 704, and the second sealing feature 805 remains static against the sealing surface of the flange 714. Therefore, the movement of the button does not apply force to the sealing feature or generate friction thereon, thereby reducing wear and improving durability. In addition, since the sealing interface is static, the seal may be more secure or less likely to allow liquids, water, etc. to enter. Thus, the configuration of the deformable sealing wall 801 with a static sealing feature provides a robust seal that may have better sealing effectiveness and durability than a seal that moves or slides against a surface during actuation.

[0129] Fig. 9 is a partially exploded view of the fingerprint sensing button 701, showing an example of how the components of the fingerprint sensing button 701 and the device housing 703 are arranged. Fig. 9It may also be shown how the fingerprint sensing button 701 may be assembled.

[0130] like Fig. 9 As shown, a cap 705, which may have a circuit component including a flexible circuit element 708 coupled to its bottom surface, is coupled to the top side of the base 704. A compressible support assembly 710 may also be coupled to the bottom side of the base 704. The compressible support assembly 710 may be secured to a flange or other mounting surface of the base 704 via an adhesive 900 (which may be an adhesive film, a curable liquid adhesive, etc.). The process of attaching the compressible support assembly 710 to the base 704 results in the first sealing feature 802 ( FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B ) is pressed against the base 704 to form a watertight seal between the base 704 and the first seal 722. In addition, during the coupling of the cap 705, the base 704, and the compressible support assembly 710, the flexible circuit element 708 can be guided through the central hole of the base 704 and through the sealed chamber 730 of the compressible support assembly 710.

[0131] Once coupled together, the cap 705, base 704, and compressible support assembly 710 can be positioned in the hole 901 in the housing 703, and the flexible circuit element 708 can be guided through the hole in the inner bracket 713. Fasteners 715 can be installed to secure the inner bracket 713 (along with the input sensor 719) to the compressible support assembly 710, thereby clamping the flange 714 of the housing 703 between the compressible support assembly 710 and the inner bracket 713 and securing the fingerprint sensing button 701 to the housing 703. Fig. 9 Also shown is how the configuration of the flange 714, compressible support assembly 710, and inner bracket 713 creates a clamping interface that extends around the wall of the hole 901 and around the outer perimeter of the compressible support assembly 710. Thus, the clamping interface has an annular shape that extends around a large sealing area through which the component can pass while being retained within a sealed environment.

[0132] The process of clamping the flange 714 of the housing 703 between the compressible support assembly 710 and the inner bracket 713 also causes the second sealing feature 805 ( FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B ) is pressed against the housing (e.g., flange 714) to form a waterproof seal between flange 714 and second seal 723 of housing 703. In addition, as described above, the microphone module can be positioned in a recess in housing 703 such that attaching inner bracket 713 to compressible support assembly 710 causes wing portion 726 of inner bracket 713 to hold the microphone module in place.

[0133] Fig.10 FIG. 7 is another partial exploded view of the fingerprint sensing button 701, showing how the components of the fingerprint sensing button 701 and the device housing 703 are arranged. Fig.10 As shown, the fingerprint sensing component 706 can be attached to the bottom side surface of the cap 705 using an adhesive 1001 (such as an adhesive film, a curable liquid adhesive, etc.). The circuit component 707 (which can be a system-in-package circuit component) can be conductively coupled to the fingerprint sensing component 706. For example, the fingerprint sensing component 706 may include one or more electrode layers for capacitive sensing of details of a user's fingerprint, and the circuit component 707 may include a processor, a memory, and / or other circuits conductively coupled to the electrode layers (and / or other components of the fingerprint sensing component 706) to facilitate fingerprint sensing. The circuit component 707 can be attached to the fingerprint sensing component 706 using an adhesive (such as an adhesive film, a curable liquid adhesive, etc.).

[0134] The flexible circuit element 708 may include a connector 1003 that is conductively coupled to the circuit element 707 and facilitates the flexible circuit element 708 to transmit electrical signals and / or perform other communications between the circuit element 707 and other electronic components of the device. In order to reach the relevant electronic components within the device, the flexible circuit element 708 can be guided through the hole 1002 or open central area of ​​the base 704 and through the hole 1004 in the compressible support assembly 710. Therefore, as described more fully herein, the flexible circuit element 708 extends through the sealed chamber 730 and, more generally, is located within the sealed environment defined by the sealing component of the fingerprint sensing button 701.

[0135] Fig.11 An exemplary schematic diagram of an electronic device 1100 is shown. The electronic device 1100 may be an embodiment of the device 100 or otherwise represent the device. The device 1100 includes one or more processing units 1101, which are configured to access a memory 1102 having instructions stored thereon. These instructions or computer programs may be configured to perform one or more of the operations or functions described with respect to the electronic device described herein. For example, these instructions may be configured to control or coordinate the operation of one or more displays 1108, one or more touch sensors 1103, one or more force sensors 1105, one or more communication channels 1104, one or more audio input systems 1109, one or more audio output systems 1110, one or more positioning systems 1111, one or more sensors 1112, and / or one or more tactile feedback devices 1106.

[0136] Fig.11The processing unit 1101 of the device 1100 may be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving or transmitting data or instructions. For example, the processing unit 1101 may include one or more of the following: 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 "processor" is intended to cover a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or one or more other appropriately configured computing elements. The processing unit 1101 may be coupled to a logic board of the device 1100.

[0137] The memory 1102 can store electronic data that can be used by the device 1100. For example, the memory can store electronic data or content, such as, for example, audio and video files, images, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, programs, instructions, timing and control signals or data for various modules, data structures or databases, etc. The memory 1102 can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory can be implemented as a random access memory, a read-only memory, a flash memory, a removable memory, other types of storage elements, or a combination of such devices. The memory 1102 can be coupled to a logic board of the device 1100.

[0138] The touch sensor 1103 can detect various types of touch-based inputs and generate signals or data that can be accessed using processor instructions. The touch sensor 1103 can use any suitable components and can rely on any suitable phenomenon to detect physical inputs. For example, the touch sensor 1103 can be a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, an acoustic wave sensor, etc. The touch sensor 1103 may include any suitable components for detecting touch-based inputs and generating signals or data that can be accessed using processor instructions, including electrodes (e.g., electrode layers), physical components (e.g., substrates, spacer layers, structural supports, compressible elements, etc.), processors, circuits, firmware, etc. The touch sensor 1103 can be integrated with any part of the device 1100 or otherwise configured to detect touch inputs applied to any part of the device. For example, the touch sensor 1103 can be configured to detect touch inputs applied to any part of the device 1100 including a display (and can be integrated with a display). The touch sensor 1103 can operate in conjunction with the force sensor 1105 to generate signals or data in response to touch inputs. A touch sensor or force sensor positioned above a display surface or otherwise integrated with a display may be referred to herein as a touch-sensitive display, a force-sensitive display, or a touch screen.

[0139] The force sensor 1105 can detect various types of force-based inputs and generate signals or data that can be accessed using processor instructions. The force sensor 1105 can use any suitable components and can rely on any suitable phenomenon to detect physical inputs. For example, the force sensor 1105 can be a strain-based sensor, a piezoelectric-based sensor, a piezoresistive-based sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, etc. The force sensor 1105 may include any suitable components for detecting force-based inputs and generating signals or data that can be accessed using processor instructions, including electrodes (e.g., electrode layers), physical components (e.g., substrates, spacer layers, structural supports, compressible elements, etc.), processors, circuits, firmware, etc. The force sensor 1105 can be used with various input mechanisms to detect various types of inputs. For example, the force sensor 1105 can be used to detect a press or other force input that meets a force threshold (which can represent a more forceful input than a typical input of a standard "touch" input). Similar to the touch sensor 1103, the force sensor 1105 can be integrated with any part of the device 1100 or otherwise configured to detect a force input applied to any part of the device. For example, the force sensor 1105 may be configured to detect force input applied to any portion of the device 1100 including (and may be integrated with) a display. The force sensor 1105 may operate in conjunction with the touch sensor 1103 to generate signals or data in response to touch and / or force-based inputs. The force sensor 1105 may be integrated with a button (e.g., a fingerprint sensing button 120, 403, 600, 701) to detect input applied to the button.

[0140] The device 1100 may also include one or more haptic devices 1106. The haptic devices 1106 may include one or more of a variety of haptic technologies, such as, but not necessarily limited to, rotary haptic devices, linear actuators, piezoelectric devices, vibrating elements, and the like. In general, the haptic devices 1106 may be configured to provide intermittent and different feedback to a user of the device. More specifically, the haptic devices 1106 may be adapted to produce a tapping or tapping sensation and / or a vibration sensation. Such tactile output may be provided in response to detecting an input (such as a touch and / or force input) or an event (such as a successful (or unsuccessful) biometric authentication). The tactile output may be provided via an external surface of the device 1100 (e.g., via glass or other surface used as a touch-sensitive display or surface and / or force-sensitive display or surface) or via an input member such as a button or biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensing button 120, Figure 1A ) is passed to the user.

[0141] One or more communication channels 1104 may include one or more wireless interfaces adapted to provide communication between the processing unit 1101 and an external device. One or more communication channels 1104 may include an antenna (e.g., an antenna including or using a housing member of the housing 104 as a radiating member), a communication circuit, firmware, software, or any other component or system that facilitates wireless communication with other devices. Typically, one or more communication channels 1104 may be configured to transmit and receive data and / or signals that may be interpreted by instructions executed on the processing unit 1101. In some cases, the external device is part of an external communication network configured to exchange data with a wireless device. Generally speaking, the wireless interface may communicate via, but is not limited to, radio frequency, optical, acoustic, and / or magnetic signals and may be configured to operate on a wireless interface or protocol. Exemplary wireless interfaces include radio frequency cellular interfaces (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, GSM, CDMA, etc.), optical fiber interfaces, acoustic interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP / IP interfaces, network communication interfaces, or any conventional communication interfaces. The one or more communication channels 1104 may also include an ultra-wideband interface, which may include any appropriate communication circuitry, instructions, and a suitable number and locations of UWB antennas.

[0142] like Fig.11 As shown in , the device 1100 may include a battery 1107 for storing power and providing power to other components of the device 1100. The battery 1107 may be a rechargeable power source configured to provide power to the device 1100. The battery 1107 may be coupled to a charging system (e.g., a wired and / or wireless charging system) and / or other circuits to control the power provided to the battery 1107 and control the power provided from the battery 1107 to the device 1100.

[0143] Device 1100 may also include one or more displays 1108 configured to display graphical output. Display 1108 may use any suitable display technology, including a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, an active matrix organic light emitting diode display (AMOLED), etc. Display 1108 may display a graphical user interface, images, icons, or any other suitable graphical output. Display 1108 may correspond to Figure 1A Display 103.

[0144] Device 1100 may also provide audio input functionality via one or more audio input systems 1109. Audio input systems 1109 may include microphones, transducers, or other devices that capture sound for voice calls, video calls, audio recording, video recording, voice commands, and the like.

[0145] Device 1100 may also provide audio output functionality via one or more audio output systems (eg, speakers) 1110. Audio output system 1110 may produce sound from a voice call, a video call, streaming or local audio content, streaming or local video content, and the like.

[0146] The device 1100 may further include a positioning system 1111. The positioning system 1111 may be configured to determine the location of the device 1100. For example, the positioning system 1111 may include a magnetometer, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, an optical sensor, a camera, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, an inertial positioning system, etc. The positioning system 1111 may be used to determine spatial parameters of the device 1100, such as the location of the device 1100 (e.g., the geographic coordinates of the device), measurements or estimates of the physical movement of the device 1100, the orientation of the device 1100, etc.

[0147] Device 1100 may also include one or more additional sensors 1112 to receive input (e.g., from a user or another computer, device, system, network, etc.) or detect any suitable property or parameter of the device, the environment surrounding the device, a person or object interacting with the device (or near the device), etc. For example, the device may include a temperature sensor, a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, a spectrometer, a blood oxygen sensor, a blood glucose sensor, etc.), an eye tracking sensor, a retinal scanner, a humidity sensor, a button, a switch, an eyelid closure sensor, etc.

[0148] In reference Fig.11 To the extent that the described multiple functions, operations, and structures are disclosed as part of, incorporated into, or performed by the device 1100, it should be understood that various embodiments may omit any or all of such described functions, operations, and structures. Thus, different embodiments of the device 1100 may have some or all of the various capabilities, devices, physical features, modes, and operating parameters discussed herein, or none of them. Furthermore, the systems included in the device 1100 are not exclusive, and the device 1100 may include alternative or additional systems, components, modules, programs, instructions, etc. that may be necessary or useful to perform the functions described herein.

[0149] As described above, one aspect of the present technology is to collect and use data from various sources. The present 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 a specific person. Such personal information data may include demographic data, location-based data, phone numbers, email addresses, twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records related to the user's health or fitness level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying information or personal information.

[0150] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the present invention technology can be used to benefit users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that users are more interested in. Therefore, the use of such personal information data enables users to have planned control over the content delivered. In addition, the present disclosure also anticipates other uses of personal information data that benefit users. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into the user's overall health status, or can be used as positive feedback for individuals who use technology to pursue health goals.

[0151] This disclosure envisions that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to 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 purposes of the entity and not shared or sold outside of these legitimate uses. In addition, such collection / sharing should be performed after receiving informed consent from the user. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to defend and secure access to such personal information data and ensure that others who have access to personal information data comply with their privacy policies and processes. In addition, such entities may subject themselves to third-party assessments to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adjusted to specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards including specific considerations of jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, the collection or access of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), while health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained in each country for different types of personal data.

[0152] Regardless of the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates implementation schemes in which users selectively block the use or access of personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware elements and / or software elements may be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, with respect to an advertising delivery service, the technology of the present invention may be configured to allow a user to choose to "opt in" or "opt out" at any time during or after registration for the service to participate in the collection of personal information data. In another example, a user may choose not to provide emotion-related data for a target content delivery service. In another example, a user may choose to limit the length of time that emotion-related data is retained, or completely prohibit the development of basic emotional conditions. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications related to access or use of personal information. For example, a user may be notified that their personal information data will be accessed when downloading an application, and then the user may be reminded again just before the personal information data is accessed by the application.

[0153] Furthermore, it is an object of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risks can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data once it is no longer needed. Additionally, and when applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect the privacy of users. Where appropriate, de-identification can be facilitated by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or characteristics of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and / or other methods.

[0154] Thus, while the present disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that various embodiments may also be implemented without access to such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present technology will not fail to function properly due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, content may be selected and delivered to a user by inferring preferences based on non-personal information data or an absolute minimum amount of personal information, such as content requested by a device associated with the user, other non-personal information available to a content delivery service, or publicly available information.

[0155] As used herein, the phrase "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 "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 "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one 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 will be 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.

[0156] For the purpose of illustration, the foregoing description uses specific naming 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 form. 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. Moreover, when used in this article to refer to the position of a component, the term above, below, above, below, left or right (or other similar relative position terms) does not necessarily refer to an absolute position relative to an external reference, but rather refers to the relative position of the component in the referenced figure. Similarly, unless an absolute horizontal or vertical orientation is specified, horizontal and vertical orientations may be understood as orientations relative to the components in the accompanying drawings mentioned.

Claims

1. A portable electronic device, comprising: A housing member, the housing member defining: a side surface of the portable electronic device; and an aperture surface defining an aperture extending through the housing member; a button member positioned along the side surface and defining: Base part; and a hollow column extending into the hole; a first waterproof seal defined between the hollow column and the bore surface; a capacitive sensing component coupled to the base portion; a flexible circuit element extending through the hollow post and conductively coupling the capacitive sensing component to at least one of a processor, a circuit board, or a conductive connector within the portable electronic device; as well as A second watertight seal is defined within the hollow column. 2 . The portable electronic device of claim 1 , further comprising an input sensor configured to detect an input force applied to the button member. The portable electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the input sensor comprises a strain gauge.

4. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The first waterproof seal comprises an O-ring; and The second watertight seal includes a potting material at least partially filling the hollow column. 5 . The portable electronic device of claim 4 , wherein the potting material at least partially encapsulates the flexible circuit element. 6 . The portable electronic device of claim 4 , wherein the potting material at least partially encapsulates the capacitive sensing component.

7. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The capacitive sensing component is configured to capture a representation of a user's fingerprint; and The portable electronic device is configured to authenticate the user using the representation of the fingerprint.

8. A portable electronic device comprising: a housing member defining a bore extending therethrough; monitor; a transparent cover positioned over the display and coupled to the housing member; a button member positioned along a side of the housing member and defining: Base part; and a post extending from the base portion and at least partially positioned in the aperture, the post defining a passage extending from the base portion through the post to an end of the post; a capacitive sensing component coupled to the base portion; as well as A flexible circuit element extends through the passageway and conductively couples the capacitive sensing component to a component within the portable electronic device. 9 . The portable electronic device of claim 8 , further comprising a force sensor configured to detect an input force applied to the button member.

10. The portable electronic device according to claim 8, further comprising: a first waterproof seal defined between the hollow column and a surface of the aperture; a second watertight seal, the second watertight seal being confined within the hollow column; a cap of dielectric material attached to the base portion and covering the capacitive sensing component; as well as A third waterproof seal is located between the dielectric material cap and the base portion.

11. The portable electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The second waterproof seal is formed of a first curable liquid having a first viscosity; and The third waterproof seal is formed of a second curable liquid having a second viscosity lower than the first viscosity.

12. A portable electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the first waterproof seal includes a sealing member, which contacts the outer surface of the hollow column and the surface of the hole, and is configured to prevent liquid from entering between the outer surface of the hollow column and the surface of the hole.

13. The portable electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The hole is a first hole; The housing member defines a second aperture extending therethrough; and The button member also defines an additional post extending from the base portion and positioned in the second aperture. The portable electronic device of claim 13 , wherein the additional post is a solid post.

15. An electronic device, comprising: monitor; a cover, the cover being located above the display; a housing coupled to the cover and including a housing member defining a side of the housing and a hole extending through the housing member; a processing system, the processing system being located within the housing; a button positioned along the side of the housing and comprising: A button component, the button component defining: a base portion; and a hollow post extending from the base portion and into the aperture; a dielectric cap coupled to the base portion and defining an input surface of the button member; a capacitive sensing element disposed beneath the dielectric cap and configured to detect a finger in contact with the input surface of the button member; A flexible circuit element extends through the hollow post and conductively couples the capacitive sensing component to the processing system. 16 . The electronic device of claim 15 , further comprising a potting material located between the base portion and the dielectric cap and at least partially encapsulating the capacitive sensing element.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the potting material at least partially fills the hollow column and defines a waterproof seal within the hollow column.

18. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein: The hole is a first hole; The housing member further defines a second aperture extending through the housing member; The button member further defines an additional post extending into the additional aperture; and The electronic device also includes an anti-roll bar secured to the housing member and coupled to the hollow post and the additional post, the anti-roll bar being configured to maintain uniform travel of the hollow post and the additional post during actuation of the button member.

19. The electronic device according to claim 15, further comprising: a bracket secured to the housing member and at least partially covering the flexible circuit element; as well as An input sensor is coupled to the bracket and is configured to detect an input force applied to the button member.

20. The electronic device of claim 19, wherein the input sensor comprises a strain gauge.

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