Touch sensitive display assembly with three-dimensional display cover

Abstract

A touch sensitive display assembly is provided. A touch-sensitive display assembly includes a three-dimensional display cover defining an interior volume. The three-dimensional display cover includes a central portion and a peripheral portion. The perimeter portion extends around a perimeter of the interior volume. A touch-sensitive display assembly includes a display panel positioned within an interior volume defined by a three-dimensional display cover having a central portion and a peripheral portion extending around a periphery of the interior volume. The touch-sensitive display further includes a first plurality of touch sensors operable to detect a touch input provided at a central portion of the three-dimensional display cover, and a second plurality of touch sensors operable to detect a touch input provided at a central portion of the three-dimensional display cover, the second plurality of touch sensors is operable to detect a touch input provided at a peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover. And a second plurality of touch sensors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to touch-sensitive displays and more particularly to touch-sensitive display assemblies having three-dimensional display covers. Background Art

[0002] A touch-sensitive display may be included in various types of electronic devices (e.g., smart watches, smart phones, thermostats). An electronic device with a touch-sensitive display may include a display cover to protect the touch-sensitive display from damage (e.g., scratches or cracks). The display cover may be formed of a transparent material (e.g., glass). In this way, a user may view the touch-sensitive display through the display cover. Summary of the invention

[0003] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be learned from the description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

[0004] In one aspect, a touch-sensitive display assembly is provided. The touch-sensitive display assembly includes a three-dimensional cover defining an interior volume. The three-dimensional cover includes a central portion and a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion extends around a perimeter of the interior volume. The touch-sensitive display assembly further includes: a first plurality of touch sensors operable to detect touch input provided at the central portion of the three-dimensional display cover; and a second plurality of touch sensors operable to detect touch input provided at the peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0005] In some embodiments, each of the second plurality of touch sensors is positioned on a peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0006] In some embodiments, the second plurality of touch sensors are spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0007] In some embodiments, each of the first plurality of touch sensors is included within a first layer of the plurality of layers of the display panel.

[0008] In some embodiments, each of the first plurality of touch sensors is positioned on a central portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0009] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive display assembly further includes a controller, a first plurality of conductors, and a second plurality of conductors. Each of the first plurality of conductors electrically couples the controller to a corresponding touch sensor in the first plurality of touch sensors. Each of the second plurality of touch sensors electrically couples the controller to a corresponding touch sensor in the second plurality of touch sensors.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first plurality of conductors and the second plurality of conductors are disposed on a peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one of the first plurality of touch sensors or the second plurality of touch sensors is deposited on a surface of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0012] In another aspect, a wearable computing device is provided. The wearable computing device includes a housing and a touch-sensitive display assembly. The touch-sensitive display includes a three-dimensional display cover. The three-dimensional display cover is positioned on the housing and defines an interior volume. The three-dimensional display cover includes a central portion and a peripheral portion extending around a perimeter of the interior volume. The wearable computing device further includes a display panel positioned at least partially within the interior volume defined by the three-dimensional display cover. The touch-sensitive display assembly further includes: a first plurality of touch sensors operable to detect touch input provided at the central portion of the three-dimensional display cover; and a second plurality of touch sensors operable to detect touch input provided at the peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0013] In some embodiments, each of the second plurality of touch sensors is positioned on a peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the second plurality of touch sensors is positioned on a peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of the second plurality of touch sensors is positioned on an area of ​​the inner surface of the three-dimensional display cover corresponding to a peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0016] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive display assembly further includes a controller, a first plurality of conductors, and a second plurality of conductors. Each of the first plurality of conductors electrically couples the controller to a corresponding touch sensor in the first plurality of touch sensors. Each of the second plurality of touch sensors electrically couples the controller to a corresponding touch sensor in the second plurality of touch sensors.

[0017] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive display assembly further includes a plurality of conductors, each of the plurality of conductors coupling a corresponding touch sensor of the second plurality of touch sensors to a flexible printed circuit board disposed within a cavity defined by the housing of the wearable computing device.

[0018] In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive display assembly includes an opaque material positioned between an inner surface of the three-dimensional display cover and the plurality of conductors.

[0019] In some embodiments, the three-dimensional display cover defines a circumferential direction, and the second plurality of touch sensors are spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional display cover comprises a glass material. In some embodiments, a central portion of the three-dimensional display cover is flat, and a peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover is arcuate.

[0020] In some embodiments, a total number of touch sensors included in the first plurality of touch sensors is different from a total number of touch sensors included in the second plurality of touch sensors.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least one of the first plurality of touch sensors or the second plurality of touch sensors comprises a capacitive sensor.

[0022] These and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the relevant principles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] A detailed discussion of the embodiments for those skilled in the art is set forth in this specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 A wearable computing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0025] Figure 2 Depicted is a cross-sectional view of a wearable computing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3 An exploded view of a wearable computing device is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a three-dimensional display cover of a display of a wearable computing device is depicted.

[0028] Figure 5 Depicted is a block diagram of components of a touch-sensitive display assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 6A The first embodiment of the present disclosure is described Figure 5 A touch-sensitive display assembly.

[0030] Figure 6B The second embodiment according to the present disclosure is described Figure 5 A touch-sensitive display assembly.

[0031] Figure 6C The third embodiment according to the present disclosure is described Figure 5A touch-sensitive display assembly.

[0032] Figure 7 Depicted is an arrangement of touch sensors for a touch-sensitive display on a three-dimensional display cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 Depicted are touch sensors of a touch-sensitive display deposited on a surface of a three-dimensional display cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig. 9 Depicted are connections between a printed circuit board and conductors of a touch-sensitive display assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig.10 A block diagram of components of a computing system of a wearable computing device is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure rather than by way of limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used together with another embodiment to produce yet further embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is intended to encompass such modifications and changes within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0037] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device having a three-dimensional display cover for a touch-sensitive display panel. The three-dimensional display cover defines an internal volume, and the touch-sensitive display panel is at least partially positioned in the internal volume to protect the touch-sensitive display panel from damage (e.g., scratches or cracks). In addition, the three-dimensional display cover includes a central portion and a peripheral portion. The central portion is positioned above the touch-sensitive display. More specifically, the central portion is positioned directly above the touch-sensitive display panel. In some embodiments, the central portion positioned directly above the touch-sensitive display panel is flat.

[0038] The peripheral portion extends around the perimeter of the internal volume. However, since the touch-sensitive display panel is an on-cell display or an in-cell display, the user must touch the 3D display cover at a specific location to provide touch input to the touch-sensitive display panel. More specifically, the user must touch the central portion of the 3D display cover to provide touch input to the touch-sensitive display panel. In other words, the user cannot provide touch input by touching the peripheral portion of the 3D display cover.

[0039] Example aspects of the present disclosure relate to a touch-sensitive display assembly. The touch-sensitive display assembly includes a three-dimensional cover. The touch-sensitive display assembly further includes a display panel positioned at least partially within an interior volume of the three-dimensional cover. The display panel includes a plurality of layers (e.g., a display layer, a glass layer). The touch-sensitive display assembly further includes: a first plurality of touch sensors operable to detect touch inputs provided at a central portion of the three-dimensional display cover; and a second plurality of touch sensors operable to detect touch inputs provided at a peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover. Details of the first plurality of touch sensors and the second plurality of touch sensors will now be discussed.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first plurality of touch sensors are included within the touch-sensitive display panel. For example, the first plurality of touch sensors may be included in a first layer (e.g., a touch layer) of a plurality of layers of the display panel. In some embodiments, the first layer may be the topmost layer of the display panel. In alternative embodiments, the first layer may be positioned below one or more other layers of the display panel (e.g., a polarizer layer, a glass layer, etc.).

[0041] In some embodiments, the first plurality of touch sensors are positioned on the three-dimensional display cover. For example, in some embodiments, the first plurality of touch sensors can be positioned on an inner surface of the three-dimensional display cover. As used herein, the "inner surface" of the three-dimensional display cover refers to a surface that faces the interior volume of the three-dimensional display cover. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the first plurality of touch sensors are positioned on the inner surface of the three-dimensional display cover, it should be understood that the first plurality of touch sensors are positioned on an area of ​​the inner surface corresponding to a central portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first plurality of touch sensors are positioned on an outer surface of the three-dimensional display cover. As used herein, the "outer surface" of the three-dimensional display cover refers to a surface that does not face the interior volume of the three-dimensional display cover. In embodiments where the first plurality of touch sensors are positioned on the outer surface of the three-dimensional display cover, it should be understood that the first plurality of touch sensors are positioned on an area of ​​the outer surface corresponding to a central portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0043] The second plurality of sensors are positioned on a peripheral portion (e.g., a bezel) of the three-dimensional display cover. In this way, the touch-sensitive display assembly of the present disclosure can detect touch input provided by a user touching the peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover. In some embodiments, the second plurality of touch sensors are positioned on the inner surface of the three-dimensional display cover. In such embodiments, it should be understood that the second plurality of touch sensors are positioned on an area of ​​the inner surface corresponding to the peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover. In an alternative embodiment, the second plurality of touch sensors are positioned on an outer surface of the three-dimensional display cover. In such embodiments, the second plurality of touch sensors are positioned on an area of ​​the outer surface corresponding to the peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0044] It should be understood that the first plurality of touch sensors and the second plurality of touch sensors can be deposited on the three-dimensional display cover in any suitable manner, specifically on its inner surface or outer surface. For example, in some embodiments, the first plurality of touch sensors, the second plurality of touch sensors, or both can be deposited on a surface (e.g., inner surface, outer surface) of the three-dimensional display cover via a sputtering process.

[0045] The touch-sensitive display assembly includes a controller (e.g., one or more processors) electrically coupled to a plurality of touch sensors (e.g., a first plurality of touch sensors and a second plurality of touch sensors). For example, the touch-sensitive display may include a first plurality of conductors electrically coupling the controller to the first plurality of touch sensors and a second plurality of conductors electrically coupling the controller to the second plurality of touch sensors.

[0046] In some embodiments, each of the first plurality of conductors electrically couples the controller to a corresponding touch sensor in the first plurality of touch sensors. Additionally, each of the second plurality of conductors electrically couples the controller to a corresponding touch sensor in the second plurality of touch sensors. In alternative embodiments, each of the first plurality of first conductors electrically couples the controller to a plurality of touch sensors in the first plurality of touch sensors. Additionally, each of the second plurality of conductors electrically couples the controller to a plurality of touch sensors in the second plurality of touch sensors. In such embodiments, the total number of conductors required to electrically couple the controller to the first plurality of touch sensors may be less than the total number of the first plurality of conductors. Likewise, the total number of conductors required to electrically couple the controller to the second plurality of touch sensors may be less than the total number of the second plurality of touch sensors.

[0047] In some embodiments, a portion of the second plurality of conductors is disposed on an area of ​​the inner surface of the 3D display cover that corresponds to the peripheral portion of the 3D display cover. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the inner surface of the 3D display cover may be covered with an opaque material (e.g., black ink). In this manner, the portion of the conductors disposed on an area of ​​the inner surface that corresponds to the peripheral portion of the 3D display cover may be hidden from the user's view.

[0048] In some embodiments, one or more of the first plurality of conductors may be sputtered onto corresponding touch sensors in the first plurality of touch sensors. Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the second plurality of conductors may be sputtered onto corresponding touch sensors in the second plurality of touch sensors. It should be understood that the conductors may be attached to the touch sensors in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the conductors are deposited on the touch sensors via silver paste. In some embodiments, the silver paste may be transparent. In addition, in some embodiments, the silver paste may be used to connect the conductors to a printed circuit where a controller of the touch-sensitive display assembly is located.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second plurality of touch sensors may be spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the three-dimensional display cover. In addition, in some embodiments, the second plurality of touch sensors may be evenly spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction. In this way, the touch signal indicating that one or more touch sensors in the second plurality of touch sensors detected that the user touched the peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover may be more uniform.

[0050] In some embodiments, the total number of touch sensors included in the first plurality of touch sensors may be different from the total number of touch sensors included in the second plurality of touch sensors. In an alternative embodiment, the total number of touch sensors included in the first plurality of touch sensors may be equal to the total number of touch sensors included in the second plurality of touch sensors.

[0051] In some embodiments, a first plurality of touch sensors may be arranged on a central portion of the three-dimensional cover according to a first pattern (e.g., a rectangle). In addition, a second plurality of touch sensors may be arranged on a peripheral portion of the three-dimensional cover according to a second pattern (e.g., a ring) that is different from the first pattern. It should be understood that the pattern (e.g., first pattern, second pattern) may correspond to the shape of a corresponding portion (e.g., center, periphery) of the three-dimensional display cover. In this way, the touch sensors may be deposited on the three-dimensional display cover so that touch input may be detected regardless of where the user touches the three-dimensional display cover.

[0052] An electronic device with a touch-sensitive display assembly according to the present disclosure can provide many technical effects and benefits. For example, a touch-sensitive display with a touch sensor positioned on a peripheral portion (e.g., a bezel) of a three-dimensional display cover allows a user to provide touch input at a location other than the central portion of the three-dimensional display cover. In addition, a touch-sensitive display according to the present disclosure can eliminate the need for an electronic device to have a separate input device (e.g., a mechanical button) because the functions associated with the separate input device can be supplied by the touch input provided at the peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

[0053] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 3 A wearable computing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. As shown, the wearable computing device 100 can be worn, for example, on an arm 102 (e.g., a wrist) of a user. The wearable computing device 100 can include a housing 110 that defines a cavity 111 in which one or more electronic components (e.g., disposed on a printed circuit board) are disposed. For example, the wearable computing device 100 can include a printed circuit board 120 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board) disposed within the cavity 111. In addition, one or more electronic components can be disposed on the printed circuit board 120. The wearable computing device 100 can further include a battery (not shown) disposed within the cavity 111 defined by the housing 110.

[0054] The wearable computing device 100 may include a first band 130 and a second band 132. As shown, the first band 130 may be coupled to the housing 110 at a first location on the housing. Conversely, the second band 132 may be coupled to the housing at a second location on the housing 110. Furthermore, the first band 130 and the second band 132 may be coupled to each other to secure the housing 110 to the user's arm 102.

[0055] In some embodiments, first strap 130 may include a buckle or a loop (not shown). Additionally, second strap 132 may include a plurality of holes (not shown) spaced apart from one another along the length of second strap 132. In such embodiments, a prong of a buckle associated with first strap 130 may extend through one of a plurality of openings defined by second strap 132 to couple first strap 130 to second strap 132.

[0056] It should be understood that any suitable type of fastener may be used to couple the first strap 130 to the second strap 132. For example, in some embodiments, the first strap 130 and the second strap 132 may include magnets. In such embodiments, the first strap 130 and the second strap 132 may be magnetically coupled to each other to secure the housing 110 to the user's arm 102.

[0057] As shown, the wearable computing device 100 includes a display 140. The display 140 can display content (e.g., time, date, biometrics, notifications, etc.) for the user to view. It should be understood that the display 140 can include any suitable type of display. For example, in some embodiments, the display 140 can be an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display.

[0058] Wearable computing device 100 may include a cover 150 positioned on top of display 140. In this way, cover 150 may protect display 140 from damage (e.g., scratches or cracks). In some embodiments, wearable computing device 100 may include a seal (not shown) positioned between housing 110 and cover 150. For example, a first surface of the seal may contact housing 110, and a second surface of the seal may contact cover 150. In this way, the seal between housing 110 and cover 150 may prevent liquid (e.g., water) from entering cavity 111 defined by housing 110.

[0059] It should be understood that the cover 150 can be optically transparent so that a user can view information displayed on the display 140. For example, in some embodiments, the cover 150 can include a glass material. However, it should be understood that the cover 150 can include any suitable optically transparent material.

[0060] Reference now Figure 4 , a cross-sectional view of a three-dimensional display cover 200 is provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the three-dimensional display cover 200 can be used to protect the wearable computing device 100 ( Figure 1 ) of the display 140. More specifically, the three-dimensional display cover 200 may replace the above reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Discussed Cover 150. The details of the three-dimensional display cover 20 will now be discussed in more detail.

[0061] The 3D display cover 200 may include an outer surface 202 and an inner surface 204. In addition, the 3D display cover 200 may define an inner volume 210 in which the display 140 is positioned. As shown, the inner surface 204 of the 3D display cover 200 may be shaped to cover the inner volume 210. For example, the inner surface 204 of the 3D display cover 200 may define a recess (e.g., the inner volume 210) in which the display 140 is at least partially positioned.

[0062] The 3D display cover 200 may include a central portion 220. The central portion 220 includes an area of ​​the 3D display cover 200 that is positioned above the display 140. More specifically, the central portion 220 may be positioned directly above the display 140. Furthermore, a perimeter 221 of the central portion 220 of the 3D display cover corresponds to (e.g., is the same as) a perimeter of the display 140. In this manner, a touch input provided by the user's finger 104 touching the central portion 220 of the 3D display cover 200 may be detected by the display 140.

[0063] The 3D display cover 200 further includes a peripheral portion 230. The peripheral portion 230 extends around the perimeter 212 of the interior volume 210 of the 3D display cover 200. In other words, the peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover 200 includes any area of ​​the 3D display cover 200 that is located outside the perimeter of the display 140. Therefore, touch input provided by the user's finger 104 touching the peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover 200 cannot be detected by the display 140.

[0064] As shown, the 3D display cover 200 can have a shape corresponding to a dome. However, it should be understood that the 3D display cover can have any suitable shape. For example, in some embodiments, the central portion 220 of the 3D display cover 200 can be flat. Alternatively or additionally, the peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover 200 can be arcuate.

[0065] Reference now Figure 5 , a block diagram of components of a touch-sensitive display assembly 300 for use with a three-dimensional display cover is provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the touch-sensitive display assembly 300 may include the above reference Figure 4 The three-dimensional display cover 200 is discussed. However, it should be understood that the touch-sensitive display assembly 300 can include any suitable three-dimensional display cover for a display of an electronic device.

[0066] The touch-sensitive display assembly 300 may include a display panel 310. The display panel 310 may be at least partially positioned within the interior volume 210 ( Figure 4 ). In this way, the three-dimensional display cover 200 can protect the display panel 310 from damage (e.g., scratches or cracks). The display panel 310 may include a plurality of different layers. It should be understood that a plurality of different layers may be stacked on top of each other to form the display panel 310. It should also be understood that each layer may include different materials and / or components. For example, a display layer of the display panel 310 may include a plurality of pixels that may be controlled to display content for a user to view.

[0067] The touch-sensitive display assembly 300 includes a plurality of touch sensors 320 for detecting a touch of the 3D display cover 200 ( Figure 4 ) provided by the touch input. For example, the plurality of touch sensors 320 include: a first plurality of touch sensors, the first plurality of touch sensors operable to detect a touch input provided by a user touching the central portion 220 ( Figure 4 ) provided by the touch input; and a second plurality of touch sensors, the second plurality of touch sensors operable to detect the user touching the peripheral portion 230 of the three-dimensional display cover 200 ( Figure 4 ) provided by the touch input.

[0068] In some embodiments, one or more of the touch sensors 320 may include a capacitive sensor whose capacitance changes when a touch input is provided at a location on the 3D display cover 200 that corresponds to the capacitive sensor. However, it should be understood that the touch sensors 320 may include any suitable type of sensor configured to detect touch input provided by a user touching the 3D display cover 200.

[0069] The touch-sensitive display assembly 300 includes a controller 330. The controller 330 may include one or more processors 332 and a memory 334. The processor 332 may be communicatively coupled to the plurality of touch sensors 320. In this manner, the processor may receive signals from the plurality of touch sensors 320. In addition, the memory 334 may store instructions 336 that, when executed by the processor 332, cause the processor 332 to process the signals received from the plurality of touch sensors 320 and perform one or more actions based on the location where the touch input is provided. For example, in some embodiments, the processor 332 may be configured to update the content displayed by the display panel 310 (specifically, its display layer).

[0070] Reference now Fig. 6A According to the present disclosure, a touch-sensitive display assembly 300 ( Figure 5 ). As shown, a plurality of touch sensors 320 can be positioned on the outer surface 202 of the three-dimensional display cover 200. For example, a first plurality of touch sensors 320 can be positioned on an area of ​​the outer surface 202 of the three-dimensional display cover 200 corresponding to the central portion 220 of the three-dimensional display cover. Additionally, a second plurality of touch sensors 320 can be positioned on an area of ​​the outer surface 202 of the three-dimensional display cover 200 corresponding to the peripheral portion 230 of the three-dimensional display cover. In this manner, the touch-sensitive display assembly 300 can detect touch input provided by a user touching any location on the three-dimensional display cover 200 (e.g., the central portion 220 and the peripheral portion 230).

[0071] As shown, the touch-sensitive display assembly 300 may include a plurality of conductors 340 (only one is shown for simplicity). It should be understood that each of the conductors 340 may electrically couple the touch sensor 320 to a controller 330 (eg, a controller 330 of the touch-sensitive display assembly 300). Figure 5 For example, in some embodiments, the controller 330 may be provided in the wearable computing device 100 ( Figure 1 ) on a printed circuit board 120. In an alternative embodiment, the touch controller may be disposed on a separate printed circuit board.

[0072] It should be understood that a portion of the conductor 340 may be disposed on the inner surface 204 of the 3D display cover 200. In some embodiments, an opaque material may be positioned on an area of ​​the inner surface 204 of the 3D display cover 200 that corresponds to the peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover 200. Furthermore, the portion of the conductor 340 positioned on the inner surface 204 of the 3D display cover 200 may be positioned on the opaque material. In this manner, the conductor 340 may be hidden from the user's view.

[0073] Reference now Figure 6B According to the present disclosure, a touch-sensitive display assembly 300 ( Figure 5 ). As shown, a plurality of touch sensors 320 can be positioned on the inner surface 204 of the three-dimensional display cover 200. For example, a first plurality of touch sensors 320 can be positioned on an area of ​​the inner surface 204 corresponding to the central portion 220 of the three-dimensional display cover 200. Additionally, a second plurality of touch sensors 320 can be positioned on an area of ​​the inner surface 204 corresponding to the peripheral portion 230 thereof. In this manner, the touch-sensitive display assembly 300 can detect touch input provided by a user touching any location on the three-dimensional display cover 200 (e.g., the central portion 220 and the peripheral portion 230).

[0074] It should be understood that a portion of the conductor 340 may be disposed on the inner surface 204 of the 3D display cover 200. In some embodiments, an opaque material may be positioned on an area of ​​the inner surface 204 of the 3D display cover 200 that corresponds to the peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover 200. Furthermore, the portion of the conductor 340 positioned on the inner surface 204 of the 3D display cover 200 may be positioned on the opaque material. In this manner, the conductor 340 may be hidden from the user's view.

[0075] Reference now Figure 6C According to the present disclosure, a touch-sensitive display assembly 300 ( Figure 5 ) of the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, a plurality of touch sensors 320 ( Figure 5) may include a first plurality of touch sensors 322 disposed within a layer of the display panel 310. For example, the first plurality of touch sensors 322 may be disposed within a touch layer of the display panel 310. In this manner, the first plurality of touch sensors 322 may detect touch input provided by a user touching an area of ​​the outer surface 202 of the 3D display cover 200 corresponding to the central portion 220 of the 3D display cover 200.

[0076] A plurality of touch sensors 320 ( Figure 5 ) further includes a second plurality of touch sensors 324 positioned on the inner surface 204 of the 3D display cover 200. More specifically, the second plurality of touch sensors 324 are positioned on an area of ​​the inner surface 204 corresponding to the peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover. In this manner, the second plurality of touch sensors 324 can detect touch input provided by a user touching an area of ​​the outer surface 202 of the 3D display cover 200 corresponding to the peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover 200.

[0077] It should be understood that the second plurality of touch sensors 324 are electrically coupled to the controller 330 ( Figure 5 ) may be disposed on an area of ​​the inner surface 204 of the 3D display cover 200 corresponding to the peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover 200. In some embodiments, an opaque material may be positioned on an area of ​​the inner surface 204 of the 3D display cover 200 corresponding to the peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover 200. In addition, a portion of the conductor 340 positioned on the inner surface 204 of the 3D display cover 200 may be positioned on the opaque material. In this way, the conductor 340 may be hidden from the user's view.

[0078] In some embodiments, second plurality of touch sensors 324 may include sputtered touch sensors to facilitate coupling each of conductors 340 between printed circuit board 120 and a corresponding touch sensor in second plurality of touch sensors 324. In an alternative implementation, silver paste may be used to couple each of conductors 340 to printed circuit board 120. Additionally, in some embodiments, printed circuit board 120 may be a flexible printed circuit board having a plurality of copper electrodes. In such embodiments, an end of each of conductors 340 may be coupled to a corresponding copper electrode of the flexible printed circuit via silver paste.

[0079] Reference now Figure 7, shows a plurality of touch sensors 320 disposed on a three-dimensional display cover 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a first plurality of touch sensors 320 may be positioned on a central portion 220 of the three-dimensional display cover 200. Additionally, a second plurality of touch sensors 320 may be positioned on a peripheral portion 230 of the three-dimensional display cover 200. In some embodiments, the total number of touch sensors 320 positioned on the central portion 220 of the three-dimensional display cover 200 may be different from the total number of touch sensors 320 positioned on the peripheral portion 230 of the three-dimensional display cover 200. For example, the total number of touch sensors 320 positioned on the central portion 220 of the three-dimensional display cover 200 may be greater than the total number of touch sensors 320 positioned on the peripheral portion 230 of the three-dimensional display cover 200. In an alternative embodiment, the total number of touch sensors 320 positioned on the central portion 220 of the three-dimensional display cover 200 may be the same as the total number of touch sensors 320 positioned on the peripheral portion 230 of the three-dimensional display cover 200.

[0080] As shown, the second plurality of touch sensors 320 positioned on the peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover 200 may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the second plurality of touch sensors 320 may fill less than the entire peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover 200. For example, in some embodiments, certain areas of the peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover 200 may not have touch sensors 320 attached thereto. In this manner, these areas of the peripheral portion 230 of the 3D display cover 200 may be referred to as "dead band areas" where touch input cannot be detected.

[0081] Reference now Figure 8 , a cross-sectional view of a touch sensor 320 deposited on a surface of a three-dimensional display cover is provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the touch sensor 320 can be coupled to the surface (e.g., the outer surface 202, the inner surface 204) via a deposition process. In some embodiments, the deposition process can include sputtering. However, it should be understood that the touch sensor 320 can be coupled to the surface via any suitable chemical process.

[0082] Although reference has been made to the wearable computing device 100 ( Figure 1 ) of a three-dimensional display cover 200 ( Figure 4 ) discusses the touch-sensitive display assembly 300 ( Figure 5 ), but it should be understood that the touch-sensitive display assembly 300 is not intended to be limited in this manner. For example, the touch-sensitive display assembly 300 according to the present disclosure can be used with any electronic device (e.g., smart phone, tablet computer, thermostat) that can adapt to a three-dimensional display cover.

[0083] Reference now Fig. 9 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a connection between a printed circuit board 120 and each of a plurality of conductors 340 is shown. In some implementations, an end 342 of each of the conductors 340 may be deposited on the printed circuit board 120. For example, in some implementations, the printed circuit board 120 may include a plurality of connection points 122, and an end 342 of each of the conductors 340 may be deposited on a corresponding connection point in the plurality of connection points 122. In some implementations, each of the plurality of connection points 122 may include a copper material. In addition, in some implementations, an end 342 of each of the plurality of conductors 340 may be deposited on a corresponding connection point in the connection point 122 via a silver paste.

[0084] Reference now Fig.10 , illustrates components of an example computing system 400 of the wearable computing device 100 that may be utilized in accordance with various embodiments. In particular, as shown, the computing system 400 may also include at least one controller 402. Furthermore, in embodiments, the controller 402 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU) for executing instructions that may be stored in a memory device 404 (such as flash memory or DRAM, among other such options). For example, in embodiments, the memory device 404 may include RAM, ROM, FLASH memory, or other non-transitory digital data storage, and may include a control program that includes a sequence of instructions that, when loaded from the memory device 404 and executed using the controller 402, causes the controller 402 to perform the functions described herein.

[0085] The computing system 400 may include many types of memory, data storage, or computer-readable media, such as data storage for program instructions executed by a controller or any suitable processor. The same or separate storage may be used for images or data, removable memory may be used to share information with other devices, and any number of communication methods may be used to share with other devices. In addition, as shown, the computing system 400 includes a display 140, which may be a touch screen, an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or a liquid crystal display (LCD), but the device may communicate information via other means, such as through an audio speaker, a projector, or projecting a display or streaming data to another device (such as a mobile phone), where an application on the mobile phone displays the data.

[0086] The computing system 400 may include one or more wireless networking components 412 that are operable to communicate with one or more electronic devices within the communication range of a particular wireless channel. The wireless channel may be any suitable channel for enabling devices to communicate wirelessly, such as a Bluetooth, cellular, NFC, ultra-wideband (UWB), or Wi-Fi channel. It should be understood that the computing system 400 may have one or more conventional wired communication connections known in the art.

[0087] The computing system 400 also includes one or more power supply components 408, which are operable to be charged by conventional plug-in methods. In some embodiments, the computing system 400 may also include at least one additional I / O device 410 capable of receiving conventional input from a user. The conventional input may include, for example, a button, a touch pad, a touch screen, a roller, a joystick, a keyboard, a mouse, a keypad, or any other such device or element, whereby a user may input a command to the computing system 400. In some embodiments, the I / O device 410 may be connected by wireless infrared or Bluetooth or other links in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the computing system 400 may include a microphone or other audio capture element that receives voice or other audio commands. In some embodiments, the I / O device 410 may include one or more electrodes, an optical sensor, a barometric pressure sensor (e.g., an altimeter, etc.), etc.

[0088] The computing system 400 may include a driver 414 and at least some combination of one or more emitters 416 and one or more detectors 418 for measuring data of one or more indicators of a human body (such as a person wearing the wearable computing device 100). In some embodiments, for example, this may involve at least one imaging element, such as one or more cameras capable of capturing images of the surrounding environment and capable of imaging a user, person, or object near the device. The image capture element may include any appropriate technology, such as a CCD image capture element with sufficient resolution, focal range, and visual area to capture an image of the user when the user operates the device. Further image capture elements may also include a depth sensor. Methods for capturing images using camera elements with computing devices are well known in the art and will not be discussed in detail herein. It should be understood that image capture may be performed using a single image, multiple images, periodic imaging, continuous image capture, image streaming, etc. Further, the computing system 400 may include the ability to start and / or stop image capture, such as when a command from a user, application, or other device is received.

[0089] In one example, the emitter 416 and the detector 418 may also be capable of obtaining an optical photoplethysmogram (PPG) measurement. Some PPG techniques rely on detecting light at a single spatial location, or adding signals acquired from two or more spatial locations. Both methods result in a single spatial measurement from which a heart rate (HR) estimate (or other physiological indicator) can be determined. In some embodiments, the PPG device employs a single light source (i.e., a single light path) coupled to a single detector. Alternatively, the PPG device may employ multiple light sources (i.e., two or more light paths) coupled to a single detector or multiple detectors. In other embodiments, the PPG device employs multiple detectors coupled to a single light source or multiple light sources (i.e., two or more light paths). In some cases, the light source may be configured to emit one or more of green light, red light, infrared (IR) light, and any other suitable wavelength in the spectrum (such as long IR for metabolic monitoring). For example, the PPG device may employ a single light source and two or more light detectors, each of which is configured to detect a specific wavelength or wavelength range. In some cases, each detector is configured to detect a wavelength or wavelength range that is different from each other. In other cases, two or more detectors are configured to detect the same wavelength or wavelength range. In yet another case, one or more detectors are configured to detect a specific wavelength or wavelength range that is different from one or more other detectors. In embodiments employing multiple light paths, the PPG device can determine an average of the signals generated from the multiple light paths before determining an HR estimate or other physiological indicator.

[0090] In addition, in embodiments, the transmitter 416 and the detector 418 can be coupled to the controller 402 directly or indirectly using a driver circuit, through which the controller 402 can drive the transmitter 416 and obtain a signal from the detector 418. The host computer 422 can communicate with the wireless networking component 412 via one or more networks 420, which can include one or more local area networks, wide area networks, UWB, and / or the Internet using any terrestrial or satellite links. In some embodiments, the host computer 422 executes a control program and / or application configured to perform some of the functions described herein.

[0091] Although the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to various specific example embodiments of the present subject matter, each example is provided by way of explanation rather than limitation of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art, after understanding the foregoing, can easily produce changes, modifications and equivalents of such embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure does not exclude such modifications, changes and / or additions to the present subject matter that will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a feature shown or described as part of an embodiment can be used together with another embodiment to produce yet further embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such changes, modifications and equivalents.

Claims

1. A touch-sensitive display assembly comprising: a three-dimensional display cover defining an interior volume, the three-dimensional display cover comprising a central portion and a peripheral portion extending around a perimeter of the interior volume; a display panel positioned within the interior volume; a first plurality of touch sensors, each of the first plurality of touch sensors being operable to detect a touch input provided at a central portion of the three-dimensional display cover; and A second plurality of touch sensors, each of the second plurality of touch sensors being operable to detect a touch input provided at the peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

2. A touch-sensitive display assembly according to claim 1, wherein Each of the second plurality of touch sensors is positioned on the perimeter portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

3. A touch-sensitive display assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The second plurality of touch sensors are spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction.

4. The touch-sensitive display assembly of claim 2, wherein: Each of the first plurality of touch sensors is included in a first layer of the plurality of layers of the display panel.

5. The touch-sensitive display assembly of claim 2, wherein: Each of the first plurality of touch sensors is positioned on the central portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

6. The touch-sensitive display assembly of claim 5, further comprising: Controller; a first plurality of conductors, each of the first plurality of conductors electrically coupling the controller to a corresponding touch sensor of the first plurality of touch sensors; and A second plurality of conductors, each of the second plurality of conductors electrically coupling the controller to a corresponding touch sensor of the second plurality of touch sensors.

7. A touch-sensitive display assembly according to claim 6, wherein: At least a portion of the first plurality of conductors and the second plurality of conductors are disposed on the peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

8. The touch-sensitive display assembly of claim 5, wherein: At least one of the first plurality of touch sensors or the second plurality of touch sensors is deposited on a surface of the three-dimensional display cover.

9. A wearable computing device comprising: shell; a three-dimensional display cover positioned on the housing and defining an interior volume, the three-dimensional display cover having a central portion and a peripheral portion extending around a perimeter of the interior volume; and A touch-sensitive display assembly, the touch-sensitive display assembly comprising: a three-dimensional display cover positioned on the housing and defining an interior volume, the three-dimensional display cover having a central portion and a peripheral portion extending around a perimeter of the interior volume; a display panel positioned within the interior volume; a first plurality of touch sensors, each of the first plurality of touch sensors being operable to detect a touch input provided at a central portion of the three-dimensional display cover; and A second plurality of touch sensors, each of the second plurality of touch sensors being operable to detect a touch input provided at the peripheral portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

10. The wearable computing device of claim 9, wherein: Each of the second plurality of touch sensors is positioned on the perimeter portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

11. The wearable computing device of claim 10, wherein: Each of the first plurality of touch sensors is positioned on the central portion of the three-dimensional display cover.

12. The wearable computing device of claim 10, wherein: Each of the first plurality of touch sensors is included in a first layer of the plurality of layers of the display panel.

13. The wearable computing device of claim 10, wherein: Each of the second plurality of touch sensors is positioned on an area of ​​the inner surface of the 3D display cover corresponding to the peripheral portion of the 3D display cover.

14. The wearable computing device of claim 13, wherein: The touch-sensitive display assembly further comprises: A plurality of conductors, each of the plurality of conductors coupling a corresponding touch sensor of the second plurality of touch sensors to a flexible printed circuit board disposed within a cavity defined by the housing of the wearable computing device.

15. The wearable computing device of claim 14, wherein: The touch-sensitive display assembly further comprises: An opaque material is positioned between the inner surface of the three-dimensional display cover and the plurality of conductors.

16. The wearable computing device of claim 9, wherein: The three-dimensional display cover defines a circumferential direction; and The second plurality of touch sensors are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction.

17. The wearable computing device of claim 9, wherein: The three-dimensional display cover includes a glass material.

18. The wearable computing device of claim 9, wherein: The central portion of the 3D display cover is flat, and the peripheral portion of the 3D display cover is arcuate.

19. The wearable computing device of claim 9, wherein: A total number of touch sensors included in the first plurality of touch sensors is different from a total number of touch sensors included in the second plurality of touch sensors.

20. The wearable computing device of claim 9, wherein: At least one of the first plurality of touch sensors or the second plurality of touch sensors comprises a capacitive sensor.

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