Input device incorporating a biosensor

Abstract

SOLUTION: A button assembly 200, for an electronic device having an input device to biologically authenticate a user, integrates a biometric sensor (fingerprint sensor 208) below a top face of a button. The button assembly is arranged with respect to a secondary display of the electronic device. The secondary display can be arranged with respect to a keyboard, e.g., above an uppermost row of keys of a keyboard.EFFECT: To enable a button assembly abutted against an end of a secondary display to be integrated within a lower part of a casing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This Patent Cooperation Treaty patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 235,538, filed on September 30, 2015, entitled "Input Devices Incorporating Biometric Sensor", and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 239,977, filed on August 18, 2016, entitled "Input Devices Incorporating Biometric Sensors". The entire contents of each of them are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The embodiments described herein generally relate to user input devices, and more particularly to input devices configured to authenticate their users.

Background Art

[0003] An electronic device can include one or more buttons. Buttons are typically associated with one or more functions or operations of the electronic device. In some examples, a user of an electronic device may wish to restrict control (and / or access thereto) of the associated functions or operations of a particular button to a limited set of authenticated users.

[0004] When a button is activated, a conventional electronic device may require a password or passcode before performing the restricted function or operation of the button, thereby halting a particular operation of the conventional electronic device until the password or passcode is supplied.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The specific embodiments described herein generally relate to buttons incorporating a biosensor. A biosensor associated with such a button can be used by an electronic device to restrict the function or access to the function of the electronic device associated with that button. Such buttons are generally referred to herein as "restricted access buttons."

[0006] For example, an electronic device as described herein can include a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion connected by a hinge. The electronic device can integrate a primary display into the upper portion of the housing, a keyboard into the lower portion of the housing, a secondary display into the lower portion of the housing between the keyboard and the hinge, and a restricted access button that abuts an end of the secondary display can be integrated into the lower portion of the housing. The restricted access button can include a biosensor such as a fingerprint sensor. In these embodiments, the electronic device can acquire an image of a fingerprint each time the restricted access button is pressed by a user. The electronic device can then determine whether the acquired fingerprint image matches that of a previously authenticated user, and if so, the electronic device can execute an action.

[0007] Further embodiments relate to components and assemblies that can be used to form a restricted access button as described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the button assembly can include an electrical switch, such as a compressible dome switch, in addition to the biosensor. The compressible dome switch can be formed from any number of suitable materials, including but not limited to metal, plastic, rubber, conductive polymer, or non-conductive polymer, gel, etc. In some cases, the electrical switch can be an inverted dome switch, although this is not essential to all embodiments. The electrical switch can be disposed below the biosensor so that the operation of the biosensor is not adversely affected by the presence of the electrical switch.

[0008] In some embodiments, seals (e.g., ring seals, gasket seals, caulking, etc.) can be disposed around the support rods so as to seal the gap between each support rod and the side wall of the through hole(s). In many cases, the seal can provide a liquid-impermeable barrier between the support rod and the side wall of the through hole. Further, one or more seals can be disposed between any surface (or both surfaces) of the spring plate and the housing of the electronic device.

[0009] In some embodiments, the biosensor and the electrical switch can be coupled to a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit can be configured to fold over the upper surface of the housing of the electronic device below the button assembly. The flexible circuit may be hidden behind an element or feature of the electronic device disposed adjacent to the button assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the button assembly can be disposed adjacent to a substantially flat input surface such as, but not limited to, a touch-sensitive display, an adaptive input row, a force-sensitive input surface, etc. In other examples, the flexible circuit may be hidden behind another feature of the electronic device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Reference is made below to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit these embodiments to one preferred embodiment. In contrast, it is intended to cover variations, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

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[0022] The use of the same or similar reference numerals in different drawings indicates similar, related, or identical articles.

[0023] Hatching or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally used to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and to enhance the readability of the drawings. Accordingly, hatching or shading, whether present or not, does not represent and does not indicate any preference or requirement regarding a particular material, material property, ratio of elements, dimensions of elements, the commonality of the elements illustrated as well, or any other feature, attribute or property of any of the elements shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Furthermore, the (either relative or absolute) ratios and dimensions of various features and elements (as well as their sets and groups), and the boundaries, intervals and positional relationships presented therebetween are provided in the accompanying drawings only to facilitate the understanding of the various embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that they are not necessarily presented or illustrated at a certain scale and, except for the embodiments described with reference thereto, are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for the illustrated embodiments.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] The embodiments described herein generally refer to input components for an electronic device incorporating a biosensor. Input components as described herein can be any suitable input components such as, but not limited to, buttons, keys, scroll wheels, joysticks, force sensors, touch sensors, and the like. Accordingly, although many of the embodiments described below refer to buttons or keys as exemplary input components, it can be understood that any suitable input component may incorporate a biosensor that uses the systems and methods described herein.

[0026] In some embodiments, the buttons of an electronic device incorporate a biometric sensor. As used herein, the term "biometric sensor" generally refers to a sensor configured to acquire data related to one or more physiological or biometrically identifying characteristics of a living subject. The electronic device may utilize the biometric sensor to determine and / or authenticate the identification information of a user of the electronic device. In many embodiments, the biometric sensor may be incorporated within the power button of the electronic device.

[0027] In other cases, the electronic device utilizes the biometric sensor of a particular button to control and / or restrict access to the functions or operations of the electronic device associated with that button to a limited set of previously authenticated users. As used herein, such a restriction may generally be referred to as a "restricted action" or "restricted function" of the button, which can only be carried out after the biometric sensor has been used to authenticate the identification information of the user pressing the button.

[0028] For example, in one embodiment, the power button of an electronic device may incorporate a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor). One or more functions associated with the power button may be restricted functions that can only be executed by an authenticated user. For example, turning the electronic device on or off may be a restricted function that can only be executed by an authenticated user or a group of users. In this example, when the power button is pressed, an image of the fingerprint is acquired and compared with previously acquired fingerprint images of a limited set of authenticated users. If the acquired image is determined to match one of the previously acquired fingerprint images of the limited set of authenticated users, the electronic device may execute an operation associated with the power button (e.g., turn on, turn off, enter standby mode, etc.). Alternatively, if the acquired image is determined not to match one of the previously acquired fingerprint images of the limited set of authenticated users, the electronic device may not be able to execute the operation associated with the power button. In some cases, the electronic device may notify the user that access has been denied. In other cases, the electronic device may not react in any way.

[0029] In many cases, the biometric sensor incorporated within the button may be a fingerprint sensor. However, this is not essential for all embodiments and other suitable biometric sensors may be included, such as but not limited to, a heart rate sensor, a skin temperature sensor, an electro-dermal response sensor, a vein imaging sensor, a luster imaging sensor, etc. Thus, while many embodiments will be described below with respect to fingerprint sensors, it will be understood that any suitable or implementation-specific biometric sensor may be substituted. In this specification, a button incorporating a fingerprint sensor is referred to as a "restricted access button".

[0030] The restricted access button can be incorporated into the electronic device in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the restricted access button can extend some distance from the housing of the electronic device in which it is incorporated. For example, such a button can be, but is not limited to, a keyboard key, a function button, a command button, an alternative button, a control button, a power button, a shutter button, a space bar, an eject button, a mode button, a setting button, a network connection button, a restart button, a reset button, a factory restore button, a delete button, a shortcut button, an audio volume button, an eject button, an end button, a multifunction button, etc. The electronic device incorporating such a button can be, but is not limited to, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a peripheral input device, an imaging device, a head unit device, a navigation device, an industrial control device, a wearable electronic device, a multimedia device, etc.

[0031] For many of the embodiments described herein, the restricted access button is a multifunction and multimode button. For example, the button can be the shutter button of a camera device that causes an image or video of an object to be captured when pressed by a user. In other words, the shutter button can be associated with an image capture mode, a video capture mode, an autofocus mode, or any other suitable mode. In these examples, buttons for various modes can be associated with restricted functions, while buttons for other modes may be associated with unrestricted functions. As used herein, the phrase "unrestricted function" or "unrestricted action" refers to a function or action associated with a button incorporating a fingerprint sensor that can be performed without using the fingerprint sensor to authenticate the identification information of the user pressing the button. In other words, it is understood that a restricted access button as described herein can be configured to perform both restricted and unrestricted functions. Further, in some configurations, it will be understood that the restricted access button can be adapted to perform only unrestricted functions. In other words, the fingerprint sensor of the restricted access button can be disabled and / or configured to be used in a manner not associated with the function of the button that includes the fingerprint sensor.

[0032] Returning to the example presented above, the shutter button of a camera device can be a restricted access button. In some examples, the shutter button can be a multimode button associated with both restricted and unrestricted functions. For example, the image capture function can be a restricted function, while the autofocus function can be an unrestricted function. The camera can change the restricted state of a particular function over time. As used herein, the phrase "restricted state" generally relates to whether a particular function of a restricted access button is a restricted function or an unrestricted function.

[0033] In many embodiments, the restricted access button is configured to be integrated with other input components of the electronic device. For example, the restricted access button can be incorporated as a key on the keyboard. In other cases, each key on the keyboard can be a restricted access button.

[0034] In these embodiments, the restricted access button can include aesthetic features and characteristics that match other input components or other features of the electronic device near the restricted access button. In one example, the top surface of the restricted access button is aligned with the top surface of another input component disposed adjacent to the button and is substantially in the same plane. The other components can include, but are not limited to, another button, another restricted access button, a portion of the housing of the electronic device, a trackpad, a keyboard, a touch screen, a scroll bar, another input device such as a microphone, a display, a speaker grill, or a non-input device such as an input / output port, etc. In many embodiments, the restricted access button can form a substantially continuous surface and / or a contacting surface with other nearby components.

[0035] The restricted access button as described herein is typically formed from a plurality of individual components collectively referred to as a "button assembly". In one example, the button assembly includes a button cap, an electrical switch, a fingerprint sensor, a support rod, and a spring plate. In many cases, the button assembly is configured to be coupled to the housing of the electronic device. Generally and broadly, the button cap is disposed above the fingerprint sensor, and the fingerprint sensor is disposed above the electrical switch. Herein, the button cap, the fingerprint sensor, and the electrical switch are collectively referred to as the "upper assembly portion" of the button assembly of the restricted access button.

[0036] The upper assembly portion can be attached to the housing of the electronic device in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the upper assembly portion may be movable with respect to the housing, but this is not essential (for example, the upper assembly portion may be fixed to the housing for some embodiments). In this specification, the upper assembly portion fixed with respect to the housing is called a "fixed upper assembly", while the upper assembly portion movable with respect to the housing is called a "movable upper assembly".

[0037] The fixed upper assembly is typically arranged in such a manner that the restricted access button is placed in the same plane as the housing of the electronic device in which it is incorporated. However, in other examples, the fixed upper assembly may project and extend from the surface of the housing of the electronic device in which it is incorporated. In these examples, the height of the fixed upper assembly can be selected to be approximately equal to the height of the elements adjacent to the restricted access button. In one example, the fixed upper assembly is disposed above the keys of a keyboard, and the height of the fixed upper assembly can be approximately equal to the height of the keys of that keyboard. In many embodiments, the electrical switch of the fixed upper assembly can be a soft button such as a capacitive button that detects the presence of the user's fingertip. In other cases, the electrical switch may be a force sensing switch that detects and / or measures the force with which the user applies a fingertip to the button assembly. In some cases, the fingerprint sensor itself may be used as a soft button, and in certain embodiments implementing the fixed upper assembly, the electrical switch may be omitted.

[0038] The movable upper assembly of the movable button may be constrained along one direction and allowed to move along another direction (e.g., an axis). In one embodiment, the movable upper assembly may be substantially constrained in the X and Y directions but not in the Z direction (however, it rebounds). In other words, the upper assembly portion may be allowed to translate along the Z direction without a specific rebound. In other cases, the movable upper assembly may rebound in another manner. In one embodiment, the movable upper assembly may be configured as a cantilever beam. In many embodiments, the electrical switch of the movable upper assembly may be a compressible switch such as a dome switch that crushes when a force is applied by the user's fingertip. In many examples, the dome switch may be disposed in contact with the housing of an electronic device incorporating a restricted access switch, and when a downward force is applied to the button cap, the dome switch presses against the housing of the electronic device to facilitate crushing of the dome. The compressible portion of the dome switch can be formed from any number of suitable materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, conductive polymer or non-conductive polymer, gel, etc. In some cases, the electrical switch may be an inverted dome switch, but this is not essential for all embodiments. The electrical switch is typically disposed below the fingerprint sensor so that the operation of the fingerprint sensor is not adversely affected by the presence of the electrical switch.

[0039] In many embodiments, the fingerprint sensor and the electrical switch may be coupled to a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit may be configured to fold over below the button assembly and onto the upper surface of the housing of the electronic device incorporating it. The flexible circuit may be hidden behind an element or feature of the electronic device disposed adjacent to the button assembly. For example, in one embodiment, the button assembly may be disposed adjacent to a substantially flat input surface such as, but not limited to, a touch-sensitive display, an adaptive input row, a force-sensitive input surface, etc. In other examples, the flexible circuit may be hidden behind another feature of the electronic device.

[0040] These and other embodiments are described below with reference to FIGS. 1-6. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to these figures are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0041] FIGS. 1A-1C generally show an exemplary electronic device that may incorporate a restricted access button. As shown, the electronic device is a foldable laptop computing device, although such an implementation is not essential. In the illustrated embodiment, the foldable laptop computing device (more generally, a "laptop") includes an upper clam shell portion and a lower clam shell portion. The lower clam shell portion incorporates a keyboard including a plurality of rows of depressible keys. The restricted access button is disposed adjacent to a display area enclosed by a line (e.g., a touch-sensitive display), and the display area itself is generally disposed below a display incorporated into the upper clam shell portion of the laptop adjacent to the uppermost row of keys. In some cases, the restricted access button abuts an end of the display enclosed by a line. Typically, the upper clam shell portion is connected to the lower clam shell portion by a hinge, although this is not essential for all embodiments, and the upper clam shell portion can be removable with respect to the lower clam shell portion. The restricted access button may have a fixed upper assembly or a movable upper assembly, and may also project and extend from the housing of the keyboard (e.g., FIG. 1B), or may be in the same plane as the housing of the keyboard (e.g., FIG. 1C). In the illustrated embodiment, the restricted access button is configured to form a surface that is substantially continuous with the display area enclosed by a line.

[0042] More specifically, FIG. 1A shows the laptop 100 in the open position. The laptop 100 includes a keyboard 102 having a plurality of rows of depressible keys, each key extending from (or being in the same plane as) the lower housing portion 104a (e.g., the lower clam shell portion) of the laptop 100. The laptop 100 also includes a main display 106 in the upper housing portion 104b (e.g., the upper clam shell portion). A user of the laptop 100 may utilize the keyboard 102 as an interface to interact with the laptop 100. More specifically, the user may utilize the laptop 100 to interact, at least in part, with the user interface presented by the laptop 100 on the main display 106.

[0043] The laptop 100 also includes a touch-sensing display 108. Generally, the touch-sensing display 108 can be disposed above the uppermost row of keys of the keyboard 102. The touch-sensing display 108 may include a secondary display used to present a set of instructions or visual cues corresponding to a set of commands or functions that can be selected by a user of the laptop 100. The touch-sensing display 108 can respond to user touches or force inputs. In some cases, the touch-sensing display 108 can be used to perform functions similar to the conventional static function rows of a conventional keyboard.

[0044] As described above, the touch-sensing display 108 can be configured to display a set of visual instructions corresponding to one or more input modes of the laptop 100 or the keyboard 102. The instructions on the display can be used, without limitation, for a hardware-dependent input mode used to control one or more devices or hardware elements of the laptop 100 or the keyboard 102, a software-dependent input mode used to control one or more aspects of a software program running on the laptop 100, a user-definable mode configurable by a user of the laptop 100 or the keyboard 102, and one or more of the other input mode examples described herein. The display of the touch-sensing display 108 can be used to present a set of static instructions, one or more animated instructions, or a combination of static and animated instructions.

[0045] The display of the touch-sensing display 108 can be integrated with one or more touch sensors and / or force sensors configured to detect various combinations of user touches and force inputs (e.g., gestures) on the surface of the touch-sensing display 108. The touch sensors and / or force sensors can provide a touch-sensing surface configured to detect the location of the touch, the magnitude and / or direction of the applied force, and / or the movement of the touch along the touch-sensing display 108. The touch sensors and / or force sensors can be used separately or in combination to interpret a wide range of user inputs, such as, without limitation, touch-based gestures, force-based gestures, touch patterns, tap patterns, single-finger gestures, multi-finger gestures, multi-force gestures, and the like.

[0046] The restricted access button 110 is disposed adjacent to the touch-sensing display 108. In many embodiments, the restricted access button 110 optionally includes a fingerprint sensor that can be used to obtain an image of the user's fingerprint pressing on the restricted access button 110 with the user's fingertip. As described with respect to other embodiments herein, the laptop 100 and / or the keyboard 102 can facilitate access control to the functions and / or operations associated with the restricted access button 110 using the restricted access button 110.

[0047] In one embodiment, the upper surface 110' of the restricted access button 110 can be configured to be substantially in the same plane as the upper surface 108' of the touch-sensing display 108 (e.g., see FIG. 1B), and / or in the same plane as the lower housing portion 104a. In other cases, the upper surface 110' of the restricted access button 110 can be configured to be substantially in the same plane as the upper surface 102' of the lower housing portion 104a of the laptop 100 (e.g., see FIG. 1B). In many cases, as illustrated, the restricted access button 110 can be disposed directly adjacent to or in contact with the touch-sensing display 108 so as to substantially conceal the seam 112 between the touch-sensing display 108 and the restricted access button 110 (e.g., see FIGS. 1B - 1C). While the restricted access button 110 can be in contact with the touch-sensing display 108, there may be a small gap (e.g., less than 5 mm) between the two components. In some cases, the touch-sensing display 108 and the restricted access button 110 may be formed from the same material and / or share a portion of the same component. In these embodiments, the restricted access button 110 forms a part of the touch-sensing display 108.

[0048] In one example, the restricted access button 110 is a multi-mode power button. The power button can be configured to change the power state of the laptop 100 and / or the power state of the keyboard 102.

[0049] In one example, when the user presses the power button, the keyboard 102 can send a signal that the button has been pressed to the laptop 100. In response, the laptop 100 can transition to various power states, including but not limited to, an on power state, an off power state, a standby power state, a low power state, or any other suitable power state. One or more functions of the power button may be restricted functions, while other functions of the power button may be unrestricted functions. More specifically, in this example, the operation of transitioning between various power states, which is performed by the laptop 100, may be a restricted action or an unrestricted action. In one example, the transition from the off power state to the on power state may be an unrestricted action, while the transition from the on power state to the off power state may be a restricted action. In another non-limiting syntax, the laptop 100 may be configured such that any user can turn on the laptop 100 or another associated electronic device, while only a specific user may be able to turn off the laptop 100.

[0050] In these examples, when the user presses the restricted access button 110, the laptop 100 can first determine whether the action or function to be performed by the laptop 100 or the keyboard 102 is a restricted action or an unrestricted action. If the action is a restricted action, an image of the fingerprint can be obtained by the fingerprint sensor of the restricted access button 110. The obtained fingerprint image can then be compared to each fingerprint image (or template) in a set of previously obtained fingerprint images (or templates) to determine whether the user who pressed the restricted access button 110 is authenticated to perform the requested function. Alternatively, if the action is an unrestricted action, the laptop 100 may perform the action without first obtaining a fingerprint image.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the restricted access button 110 can be configured to operate in different modes. For example, the restricted access button 110 can be configured to record and / or log the identification information of the user who last touched the restricted access button 110 and / or information related to an unrecognized fingerprint obtained by the restricted access button 110.

[0052] In some cases, the operation of obtaining a fingerprint image and comparing the fingerprint with known images can be performed by the laptop 100. In other examples, the operation can be performed by the laptop 100. In yet another example, the operation can be performed by a processor or circuit connected to or disposed within the restricted access button 110.

[0053] After the fingerprint obtained by the fingerprint sensor of the restricted access button 110 is recognized, one of various operations can be performed by the laptop 100, the keyboard 102, or the restricted access button 110. For example, in one embodiment, after a fingerprint image is obtained and recognized by the fingerprint sensor of the restricted access button 110, the keyboard 102 can send a signal to the laptop 100 and instruct the laptop 100 to perform the requested action. In another example, after a fingerprint image is obtained and recognized by the fingerprint sensor of the restricted access button 110, the keyboard 102 can send an encrypted signal, a security certificate, a password, or other information to the laptop 100 and notify the laptop 100 that the keyboard 102 has identified the user. The laptop 100 can analyze the received information to determine whether the user is authenticated to perform the requested task.

[0054] In a further embodiment, the laptop 100 and / or the keyboard 102 can utilize a fingerprint sensor separate from the button that includes a sensor. For example, fingerprint image data can be obtained from a user of the laptop 100 without pressing the button that includes the fingerprint sensor. In yet other cases, the fingerprint sensor can be configured to image a user's fingerprint separately from the activation of each button or associated action. More specifically, the button may have a default function that can be executed by the laptop 100, and this default function can be changed, updated, enhanced, or extended only after a fingerprint image has been recognized later. For example, in these embodiments, a fingerprint image may be taken after the button has been fully pressed.

[0055] In many cases, the laptop 100 and / or the keyboard 102 can require both a full button press and an authenticated fingerprint to perform a task. For example, if the button is a power button, a full button press by an authenticated user may be required to turn on the laptop 100 or the keyboard 102. By doing so, two different types of inputs are required to power on the electronic device.

[0056] In a further embodiment, the laptop 100 and / or the keyboard 102 can utilize the fingerprint sensor within the restricted access button 110 in a manner that decouples it from the various functions and / or operations of the restricted access button 110. For example, the laptop 100 may periodically request that the user of the laptop 100 or the keyboard 102 authenticate the user's identification information by placing the user's fingertip on the restricted access button 110. The laptop 100 may, without limitation, permit access to an application or program that the laptop 100 executes, permit access to the functions of an application or program that the laptop 100 executes, complete an electronic purchase, access confidential information and / or personal information stored on the laptop 100 or to which the laptop may in some cases have access, access system-level files and / or directories stored on the laptop 100 or to which the laptop may in some cases have access, approve or deny the establishment of a communication link between the laptop 100 and another local or remote electronic device, apply settings associated with a particular user to the laptop 100 or an application or program operating thereon, etc., for which the user of the laptop 100 may be required to authenticate the user's identification information.

[0057] The above description of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A - 1C, as well as various alternative forms and variations thereof, is generally presented for illustrative purposes to facilitate a complete understanding of the detailed embodiments presented herein. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some of the specific details presented herein are not necessarily essential for implementing the particular described embodiments or their equivalents. Therefore, it is understood that the above and following descriptions of specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and limited description. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms described herein. On the contrary, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. In particular, it will be understood that the restricted access buttons shown in FIGS. 1A - 1C can be implemented in a plurality of suitable and implementation - specific ways.

[0058] FIG. 2A shows an exploded cross - sectional assembly view of the button assembly of FIG. 1C. The button assembly 200 includes an upper assembly portion 202 and a lower assembly portion 204. The upper assembly portion 202 includes a button cap 206, a fingerprint sensor 208, and a compressible dome switch 210. The lower assembly portion 204 includes a spring plate 212 and one or more fasteners 214.

[0059] First, reference is made to the bi - directional action between the upper assembly portion 202, the lower assembly portion 204, and the housing 216 of an electronic device (such as the laptop 100 shown in FIG. 1C) to which the button assembly 200 can be connected.

[0060] Generally and comprehensively, the upper assembly part 202 and the lower assembly part 204 are configured to be connected to each other through an opening defined in the housing 216. The housing 216 can be formed as an integral part, or alternatively, formed by removably or permanently adhering a plurality of parts to each other, or in some cases, attaching them. A part of the housing 216 can be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to metals, amorphous metals, glass, sapphire, plastics, ceramics, composite materials, organic materials, etc., or any suitable combination or mixture thereof specific to their implementation forms. In some cases, a part of the housing 216 can exhibit anisotropic or isotropic electrical or magnetic properties. The housing 216 can be formed in any number of suitable ways, including but not limited to machining, molding, insert molding, transfer molding, casting, or any other suitable process or combination of processes.

[0061] The housing 216 is shown in a cutaway view, with a portion of the recess 218 where the upper assembly part 202 can be seated exposed. The recess 218 extends from its upper surface into the housing 216. The depth of the recess 218 can vary depending on the embodiment. The recess 218 is typically dimensioned to conform to the peripheral shape of at least one element of the upper assembly part 202. For example, as shown in the figure, the recess 218 has an overall rounded rectangular shape. In other cases, the recess 218 can take another shape. The recess 218 can be formed in the housing in any number of suitable ways, including but not limited to machining, molding, transfer molding, casting, or any other suitable process or combination of processes.

[0062] The recess 218 defines four independent through-holes, each identified as a through-hole 220. The upper assembly portion 202 includes a portion that extends through the through-hole 220 for connection to the lower assembly portion 204. In many embodiments, the through-hole 220 is generally cylindrical in shape, but this is not essential for all embodiments. Similarly, while four through-holes are included in many embodiments, this is not essential. In other embodiments, more or fewer through-holes 220 may be implemented.

[0063] As described above, the upper assembly portion 202 includes a button cap 206, a fingerprint sensor 208, and a compressible dome switch 210. Next, various parts, components, and functions of the button cap 206 will be referred to.

[0064] The button cap 206 can be formed as a single piece, or alternatively, can be formed by removably or permanently adhering or, in some cases, attaching a plurality of parts to each other. A portion of the button cap 206 can be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, glass, sapphire, plastic, ceramic, composite materials, organic materials, etc., or any suitable combination or mixture specific to their implementation. In some cases, a portion of the button cap 206 can exhibit anisotropic or isotropic electrical or magnetic properties. As shown in the figure, in many embodiments, the button cap 206 may have a substantially flat upper surface (e.g., top surface). In many cases, the upper surface of the button cap 206 can be formed from a material that exhibits properties particularly suitable for a button cap that can be pressed by the user many times over its operating life. Suitable properties can include oleophobic properties, hydrophobic properties, anti-reflective properties, mirror-like quality, anti-scratch properties, anti-fouling properties, etc.

[0065] In some embodiments, the button cap 206 can include a frame and a cover (as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C). A portion of the frame of the button cap 206 can be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, glass, sapphire, plastic, ceramic, composite materials, organic materials, or any suitable combination or mixture specific to their implementation forms. The cover is typically formed from a dielectric or insulating material such as, but not limited to, sapphire, glass, plastic, etc.

[0066] The button cap 206 can be supported by four independent support rods, each configured to be placed within one of the through-holes 220. Each of the support rods is identified as support rod 222 in FIG. 2A. Each of the support rods 222 can be formed as an integral part, or alternatively, formed by removably or permanently adhering or optionally attaching a plurality of parts to each other. A portion of an individual support rod can be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to metal, glass, sapphire, plastic, ceramic, composite materials, organic materials, or any suitable combination or mixture specific to their implementation forms. In some cases, a portion of an individual support rod can exhibit anisotropic or isotropic electrical or magnetic properties. In many embodiments, the support rods 222 are generally cylindrical in shape, but this is not essential for all embodiments. Similarly, while four support rods are included in many embodiments, this is not essential. In other embodiments, a greater or fewer number of support rods can be implemented.

[0067] In many cases, each support rod can be made of the same material, but this is not essential. Each of the support rods 222 can be rigid or each can be flexible, or different support rods can have different relative flexibilities. In some embodiments, the support rods 222 can be formed as a portion of the frame of the button cap 206.

[0068] In some embodiments, a seal (e.g., a ring seal, a gasket seal, a caulking, etc.) can be disposed around the support rod 222 so as to seal the gap between each support rod and the sidewall of the through hole 220. In some cases, the seal can provide a liquid-impermeable barrier between the support rod 222 and the sidewall of the through hole 220. In other cases, the seal can electrically insulate the button assembly 200 from the housing 216. Further, one or more seals can be disposed between any surface (or both surfaces) of the spring plate 212 and the housing 216 of the electronic device.

[0069] Also, the button cap 206 may include a bumper 224. The bumper 224 can be configured to extend from the back surface of the button cap 206. The bumper 224 can be formed of the same material as a portion of the button cap 206, but this is not essential. For example, the bumper 224 can be formed of materials such as, but not limited to, rubber, foam, plastic, silicone, and the like.

[0070] The bumper 224 can be configured to impact the surface of the recess 218. In this way, the bumper 224 controls and / or defines the movement of the button cap 206 when pressed downward by the user.

[0071] In some cases, as shown, only one bumper may be included. In these embodiments, the bumper 224 can also function as a cantilever and / or a strut. In other words, when the button cap 206 is pressed by the user by a sufficient distance such that the bumper 224 impacts the surface of the recess 218, the button cap 206 can become cantilevered at a certain angle away from the bumper 224.

[0072] As described above, the upper assembly portion 202 includes the button cap 206, the fingerprint sensor 208, and the compressible dome switch 210. Next, the fingerprint sensor 208 and the compressible dome switch 210 will be referred to.

[0073] As described above with respect to other embodiments described herein, the restricted access button may include any number of suitable biosensors, one of which may be a fingerprint sensor. In the illustrated embodiment, the fingerprint sensor 208 is generally square in shape, but this is not essential for all embodiments. For example, in some cases, the fingerprint sensor 208 can be circular or rectangular in shape.

[0074] The fingerprint sensor 208 can be implemented using any suitable detection technique including, but not limited to, any suitable fingerprint imaging or capacitance sensing, optical sensing, electrical impedance sensing, acoustic impedance sensing, etc. In some examples, the fingerprint sensor 208 can include a plurality of independent electrical components in addition to electrical components configured to acquire a fingerprint image. For example, the fingerprint sensor 208 can include, but is not limited to, analog circuit components, digital circuit components, processors, digital logic circuits, memory circuits, or any combination thereof.

[0075] In some embodiments, the fingerprint sensor 208 may include a two-dimensional array of electrodes, such as a capacitive sensor, an electrical impedance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, etc. The fingerprint sensor 208 can be disposed on the lower surface (or its cover) of the button cap 206 such that an image of the user's fingerprint can be acquired when the user touches the button cap 206 with the user's fingertip.

[0076] The compressible dome switch 210 can be any suitable dome switch configured to complete an electrical circuit upon compression. In many examples, the compressible dome switch 210 includes a compressible dome made of any number of suitable materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, glass-filled plastic, polymer, etc. In other examples, the compressible dome switch 210 may be included simply to provide tactile feedback.

[0077] Next, the order of assembling various elements and components of the upper assembly portion 202 is mentioned. In many embodiments, as shown in the figures, the fingerprint sensor 208 can be disposed below the button cap 206. The fingerprint sensor 208 can abut against the lower surface of the button cap 206. In embodiments where the button cap 206 includes a frame and a cover, the fingerprint sensor 208 may be disposed at least partially within the frame or may be disposed to abut against the lower side of the cover.

[0078] In many cases, the fingerprint sensor 208 can be placed within the area circumscribed by the support bars 222. For example, the fingerprint sensor 208 can be aligned such that each corner of the fingerprint sensor 208 is adjacent to one of the support bars 222. In another example, the fingerprint sensor 208 can be aligned at a certain angle with respect to the support bars 222. For example, the fingerprint sensor 208 may be rotated 45 degrees with respect to the layout of the support bars 222.

[0079] In many embodiments, the compressible dome switch 210 is disposed below the fingerprint sensor 208. This configuration ensures that the operation of the fingerprint sensor 208 is not affected by the presence of the compressible dome switch 210. In some examples, the fingerprint sensor 208 and the compressible dome switch 210 may be connected to each other. For example, the compressible dome switch 210 may be adhered or optionally attached to the back of the fingerprint sensor 208. In other embodiments, the compressible dome switch 210 and the fingerprint sensor 208 may be separated by one or more intermediate elements such as, but not limited to, foam pads, separators, spacers, shims, etc.

[0080] The compressible dome switch 210 can be disposed above the surface of the recess 218. In this way, when the user presses the button cap 206 in the downward direction (e.g., in the negative Z direction), the compressible dome switch 210 can be compressed between the fingerprint sensor 208 and the surface of the recess 218.

[0081] As described above, in many embodiments, the fingerprint sensor 208 is configured to move with the button cap 206 in response to force by a user. In other cases, the fingerprint sensor 208 may be stationary and the button cap 206 may move with respect thereto.

[0082] Next, reference is made to the lower assembly portion 204, which includes a spring plate 212 and one or more fasteners 214.

[0083] Generally and broadly, the spring plate 212 functions to provide an upward biasing force to the button cap 206 via the support bar 222. The spring plate 212 can be implemented in any number of suitable ways. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the spring plate 212 is formed as a plate having two opposed cutouts that form two independent tongues, each marked with an inner tongue 226 and an outer tongue 228. The inner tongue 226 is defined within the outer tongue 228. In many cases, the spring plate 212 is formed from metal, although this is not essential for all embodiments. For example, the spring plate 212 can be formed as one or more layers of metal, plastic, reinforced plastic, acrylic, etc., or a laminate thereof.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the spring plate 212 can be fixed to the inner surface of the housing 216. In many cases, one or more of the fasteners 214 can be used to attach the spring plate 212 to the housing 216. In one embodiment, the inner tongue 226 is directly connected to the housing 216. In this way, the remaining portion of the spring plate 212 can be configured to move away from the housing 216. More specifically, the periphery of the spring plate 212, together with the outer tongue 228, can be configured to flex away from the inner surface of the housing 216. In many examples, this configuration allows for a substantially uniform (e.g., constrained in the X and Y directions and substantially flat in the Z direction) downward translational movement of the button cap 206. In many examples, as described above, the bumper 224 of the button cap 206 can impact the surface of the recess 218 after the button cap 206 has translated downward a specific distance. For example, the bumper 224 of the button cap 206 can impact the surface of the recess 218 between two of the through holes 220. After the bumper 224 impacts the surface, the button cap 206 can continue to pivot downward in a cantilever fashion on the bumper 224 acting as a strut. As can be appreciated, the configuration of the spring plate 212 can also facilitate this cantilever movement, and in so doing, the spring plate 212 facilitates both a substantially flat downward movement in addition to the cantilever movement.

[0085] Furthermore, in many embodiments, the inner tongue 226 and the outer tongue 228 are formed as notches linearly aligned in the spring plate 212. The notches can be U-shaped as shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner tongue 226 is a small inverted U-shaped that is fitted inside a larger U-shaped outer tongue 228. In particular, in these and other embodiments, the inner tongue 226 and the outer tongue 228 are aligned in a direction in which the button cap 206 can move in a cantilever fashion after the bumper 224 impacts the surface of the recess 218 of the housing 206. In another non-limiting syntax, it can be understood that the tongues of the spring plate 212 are aligned such that the spring plate 212 can bend and flex along the Z and Y directions while being substantially restricted in the X direction. In many embodiments, this configuration can tighten the dimensional tolerances between the housing 206 of the electronic device and the button cap 206. Similarly, this configuration can tighten the dimensional tolerances between the button cap 206 and the display area 232 (e.g., a touch-sensitive display) surrounded by a straight line.

[0086] Thus, generally and broadly speaking, for many of the embodiments described herein, the spring plate 212 can serve several purposes, including but not limited to: applying an upward biasing force to the button cap of the button assembly, facilitating a substantially flat downward translational movement along the Z direction, facilitating a cantilevered or partially angled translational movement along the Y direction, restricting any movement or translational movement along the X direction, and so on.

[0087] It should be understood that in other embodiments, the spring plate 212 can be implemented in other ways suitable for providing more restricted or less restricted movement of a button cap such as the button cap 206. Further, the specific geometry of the spring plate 212 shown in FIGS. 2A - 2B is merely an example, and it should be understood that in different embodiments, other configurations of the spring plate 212 may be suitable.

[0088] In many embodiments, the support bar 222 of the button cap 206 extends through the housing 216 to couple to a portion of the outer tongue 228 of the spring plate 212. In so doing, when the user presses the button cap 206, the support bar 222 moves into the housing 216 through the through-hole 220, thereby being able to bend the outer tongue 228 of the spring plate 212 inwardly with respect to the housing. When the user releases the button cap 206, the spring plate 212 provides an upward biasing force to return the button cap 206 to its original position.

[0089] Next, the fingerprint sensor 208 and / or the compressible dome switch 210 may couple another circuit to the electronic device in which they are incorporated.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, the fingerprint sensor 208 and the electrical switch may be coupled to a flexible circuit 230. The flexible circuit 230 may be configured to fold over the upper surface of the housing 216 of the electronic device, below the upper assembly portion 202. The flexible circuit 230 may be hidden behind an element or feature of the electronic device disposed adjacent to the button assembly 200, such as the linearly bounded display area 232. The linearly bounded display area 232 may correspond to the touch sensing display 108 of FIGS. 1A - 1C.

[0091] As described with respect to other embodiments described herein, when the button assembly 200 is assembled as shown in FIG. 2B, the upper surface 206' of the button cap 206 may be substantially coplanar with the upper surface 232' of the linearly bounded display area 232 (or another element disposed nearby). In many embodiments as illustrated, the upper surface 206' of the button cap 206 may also be substantially coplanar with the upper surface 216' of the housing 216 of the electronic device.

[0092] Often, the material of the button cap 206 may be the same as the material of the upper surface 232' of the linearly bounded display area 232. In one example, the material may be glass or sapphire.

[0093] Similar to other embodiments described in this specification, the above descriptions of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, as well as various alternatives and variations thereof, are generally presented for illustrative purposes to facilitate a complete understanding of the detailed embodiments presented herein. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some of the specific details presented herein are not necessarily essential for implementing the specific described embodiments or their equivalents. Therefore, it is understood that the above and following descriptions of the specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and explanation. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms described herein. On the contrary, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. In particular, it will be understood that the button assembly shown in FIGS. 2A-2B can be implemented in a plurality of suitable and implementation-specific ways using additional components or fewer components than those described above.

[0094] Generally and broadly speaking, FIGS. 3A-3C show the button assembly of FIG. 2B along section line B-B. These figures show the relationships between the various components of the button assembly after the button assembly is fully assembled into the housing of the electronic device.

[0095] Specifically, reference is next made to FIG. 3A, which is a cross-sectional view of the button assembly of FIG. 2B taken through section B-B of FIG. 2B. The button assembly 200 is shown with the upper assembly portion connected to the lower assembly portion through an opening defined in the housing 216. The button cap 206 is shown with the frame 234 supporting the cover 236. The cover 236 is supported within the frame 234 by a lip 238 extending from the frame 234. The fingerprint sensor 208 includes a sensor portion 240 and a substrate portion 242 and is disposed below the cover 236. In some cases, as shown, the fingerprint sensor 208 is at least partially disposed behind the lip 238. The compressible dome switch 210 is coupled to the underside of the substrate portion 242 of the fingerprint sensor 208. The support rod 222 extends through the housing 216 and is coupled to the spring plate 212 by the fastener 214.

[0096] In this configuration, the button cap 206 is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the housing 216 and the display area 232 surrounded by a straight line. In these cases, the seam 244 between the button cap 206 and the display area 232 surrounded by a straight line can be minimized. In many embodiments, the seam 246 between the button cap 206 and the edge of the sidewall of the recess 218 (not shown) is selected to have a width that promotes partial cantilever rotation of the button cap 206 when the button cap 206 is depressed and the bumper 224 impacts the upper surface of the recess 208 of the housing 216, as shown in FIG. 3B, and it can be seen that a portion of the inner tongue 226 is partially deflected as a result of the downward force F applied by the user.

[0097] The tab rotation enables the button cap 206 to press without colliding with, contacting, transmitting a load to, or in some cases interfering with its operation, the display area 232 surrounded by a straight line. Also, the seam 246 can be selected to prevent the button cap 206 from contacting the housing 216. In other words, the seam 246 can be selected to maintain electrical isolation between the button cap 206 and the housing 216. In many embodiments, the electrical isolation can assist the operation of the fingerprint sensor 208. In some cases, one or both of the seams 244, 246 may be filled with a flexible material such as silicone.

[0098] In some cases, the cover 236 can extend only over a portion of the frame 234, as shown in FIGS. 3A - 3B. In other cases, the cover 236 can extend over the entire upper surface of the button cap 206, as shown in FIG. 3C. In some cases, the frame 234 may be conductive and electrically connected to the fingerprint sensor 208. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 3A - 3B, the frame 234 can function as a ground ring for the fingerprint sensor 208. In other cases, as shown in FIG. 3C, the frame 234 may function as a non - contact ground ring.

[0099] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the spring plate of the button assembly of FIG. 3A, showing the lower assembly portion 204. The lower assembly portion 204 includes a spring plate 212 connected to the upper assembly portion 202 via a support rod 222 extending through a through - hole 220 defined in the housing 216. The spring plate 212 is connected to the housing 216 at the inner tongue 226 by a fastener 214. In this way, the outer tongue 228 and the remaining portion of the spring plate 212 can freely extend towards the housing 216 in response to the pressing of the button cap 206 (not shown).

[0100] It will be appreciated that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-4 are merely examples of embodiments of a button assembly that can be used to attach a restricted access button to the housing of an electronic device. Accordingly, it will be understood that many variations and many implementations may be possible in view of the disclosure provided herein.

[0101] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary operation of a method of coupling a button assembly to the housing of an electronic device. Method 500 begins at operation 502 by attaching a spring plate to an inner portion of the housing of the electronic device. The spring plate can be permanently or removably secured to the housing in any number of suitable ways, including but not limited to being secured by an adhesive applied between the housing and the spring plate, a mechanical fastener (such as a screw or rivet) that couples the housing and the spring plate, welding of the spring plate to the housing, and the like.

[0102] Typically, as described with respect to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the spring plate can be secured to the housing below an opening defined in the housing. The opening allows a portion of the frame of the button assembly to extend through the housing and be coupled to the spring plate. Accordingly, at operation 504, the method continues by securing the button frame to the spring plate. The button frame can be permanently or removably secured to the housing in any number of suitable ways, including but not limited to being secured by an adhesive applied between the button frame and the spring plate, a mechanical fastener (such as a screw or rivet) that couples the button frame and the spring plate, welding of the button frame to the spring plate, and the like.

[0103] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary operation of a method of operating a button incorporating a biosensor. Method 600 may be performed by an electronic device such as laptop 100 or keyboard 102 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. In other examples, method 600 may be performed at least in part by one or more processors, one or more digital circuits, one or more analog circuits, one or more computing devices (either remote or local) communicating with each other, computer-executable instructions or processor-executable instructions stored in non-transitory memory, or any combination thereof.

[0104] Method 600 begins at operation 602 and may detect a button press. The button press may be detected by, but is not limited to, a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, an electrical impedance sensor, a crushable dome switch, a tilt switch, a piezoelectric charge detector, etc. In some cases, the button press may be detected by a biosensor. In other cases, the button press may be detected by an electrical switch such as a dome switch.

[0105] Next, at operation 604, biosensor data can be obtained by the biosensor. In many examples, the biosensor data can be a fingerprint. In other examples, the biosensor data may be any other suitable biosensor data, including but not limited to, heart rate, blood oxygen, respiratory rate, mean arterial pressure, electrodermal response, vein pattern, etc. In some examples, multiple biometric features may be obtained. For example, in one embodiment, a fingerprint and a heart rate may be measured. In other examples, a fingerprint and an electrodermal response may be measured. In other cases, different biometric features or combinations of features may be measured or, in some cases, obtained.

[0106] Next, in operation 606, the biological data obtained in operation 604 can be analyzed. In one example, the biological data can be compared with previously obtained data (or template data derived from previously obtained data). For example, the fingerprint image obtained in operation 604 can be compared with each of a set of previously obtained fingerprint images and / or templates derived from previously obtained fingerprint images.

[0107] The biological data can be compared with previously obtained data (or template data) to determine a statistical likelihood that the biological data obtained in operation 604 matches at least one of the previously obtained data (or templates). In some examples, the statistical likelihood can be a coefficient of agreement that represents a confidence interval that the obtained biological data is a match to at least one of the previously obtained biological data. In many cases, the coefficient of agreement can be compared with a threshold value, and a positive match is identified only if the coefficient of agreement exceeds the threshold value.

[0108] In other cases, the biological data can be directly compared with a threshold value to determine whether a positive match should be identified. For example, if the biological data relates to the user's heart rate, the operation of analyzing the biological data can include determining whether the measured heart rate of the user exceeds a specific minimum threshold value. In other cases, a maximum threshold value can be used. In still further cases, it can be determined whether the biological data falls within a specific range.

[0109] If a positive match is determined (e.g., by comparison with previously obtained biological data and / or by comparison with a predetermined threshold value), the method can proceed to operation 608 to activate a command associated with the button. In some cases, if a positive match is not determined and / or the user is not authenticated to execute the function or command associated with the button, the button press can be ignored or suppressed by the device.

[0110] While many of the embodiments described and shown herein have referred to restricted access buttons incorporated within a keyboard device, it should be understood that other implementations may take other form factors. Accordingly, the various embodiments described herein, as well as their functions, operations, components, and capabilities, may be combined with other elements as necessary, and thus any physical, functional, or operational description of any element or feature is not intended to be limited to a particular embodiment to the exclusion of others.

[0111] For example, an electronic device is shown in FIGS. 1A - 1C as a laptop keyboard, but it can be understood that other electronic devices are contemplated. For example, the electronic device can be implemented as different peripheral input devices, desktop computing devices, handheld input devices, tablet computing devices, cellular phones, wearable devices, and the like.

[0112] Furthermore, an electronic device can include one or more components that interface or interact directly or indirectly with the restricted access button 110, which, for simplicity of illustration, may not be shown in FIGS. 1A - 1C. For example, the electronic device can include a processor that communicates with or is coupled to a memory, a power source, one or more sensors, one or more communication interfaces, as well as one or more input / output devices such as a display, a speaker, a rotary input device, a microphone, an on / off button, a mute button, a separate biometric sensor, a camera, a force and / or touch - sensitive trackpad, and the like.

[0113] In some embodiments, the communication interface provides electronic communication between the electronic device and an external communication network, device (such as laptop 100) or platform. The communication interface can be implemented as a wireless interface, Bluetooth® interface, Universal Serial Bus interface, Wi-Fi interface, TCP / IP interface, network communication interface, or any conventional communication interface. In addition to communication, the electronic device can provide information, messages, videos, operation commands, etc. related to devices that are externally connected to or communicate with it and / or software running on such devices (and can receive any of the foregoing from an external device). As described above, for simplicity of illustration, the electronic device is shown in FIGS. 1A - 1C without illustrating many of these elements, and each of the foregoing elements can be partially, optionally, or fully included within laptop 100.

[0114] As used herein, the terms "laptop computer" and "laptop computing device" (and related terms and phrases) generally refer to a class of personal, corporate, and / or business computing devices having a form factor adapted for and facilitating mobile and / or portable use of the device. Such devices may alternatively be referred to as, but are not limited to, laptops, notebooks, netbooks, ultrabooks, gaming stations, detachables, keyboarded tablets, portable terminals, portable workstations, all-in-one devices, hybrid computing devices, etc. Typically, a laptop computer includes a keyboard portion and a primary display portion separated by a hinge or other removable or fixed coupling, although other implementations are possible. More specifically, the keyboard portion may be detachable, removable, or permanently fixed to the primary display portion. In many instances, a laptop computer may include a battery or untethered power source. The specific examples of "laptop computer" above are not exhaustive, and it will be understood that additional portable device implementations may be considered laptop computers within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] However, for the sake of simplicity of explanation and to emphasize that the embodiments presented in this specification are not limited to one specific type or implementation form of an electronic device, the following embodiments will be described simply with respect to an "electronic device". The electronic device referred to in the following embodiments and examples can be any suitable electronic device. For example, the electronic device can be, but is not limited to, a laptop computing device (such as the laptop 100 shown in FIGS. 1A - 1C), a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a cellular phone, an automobile or vehicle control system, an industrial control system, a home or business device, a home automation device, or any other suitable electronic device, such as a mobile electronic device, a fixed electronic device, or a portable electronic device.

[0116] In some embodiments, an exemplary electronic device can be configured to at least partially surround a display, such as a touch - sensitive display 108. As described above, in many embodiments, the touch - sensitive display 108 can incorporate an input device configured to receive touch inputs, force inputs, etc., and / or can be configured to output information to a user. The touch - sensitive display 108 can include a display implemented using any suitable technology, including, but not limited to, a multi - touch or multi - force - sensing touch screen using liquid crystal display technology, light - emitting diode technology, organic light - emitting diode technology, organic electro - luminescence technology, or another type of display technology.

[0117] Exemplary electronic devices can form an outer surface or a partial outer surface and a protective case for the internal components of the electronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, but this configuration is not essential. The electronic device can be formed from one or more operatively connected components, such as a front component and a back component or an upper clam shell and a lower clam shell. Alternatively, the electronic device can be formed as a single piece (e.g., a uniform body or a unibody).

[0118] Furthermore, although this specification refers to the orientation of certain objects and elements, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, such orientation can be changed or altered. Similarly, the orientations and directions discussed herein are generally provided in relation to the drawings in the specification. Accordingly, terms such as "upper", "lower", "upper side", "lower side", "front", "back", "side" and the like are not absolute but are intended as relative terms.

[0119] Furthermore, the various embodiments described herein, as well as their functions, operations, components and capabilities, may be combined with other elements or embodiments as necessary. Thus, it should be understood that any description of any element, feature, structure or any physical, functional or operational intercalation is not intended to be limited to a particular embodiment to the exclusion of others.

[0120] Although many embodiments are disclosed above, it can be understood that the operations and steps presented with respect to the methods and techniques disclosed herein are intended as examples and thus do not cover all. Furthermore, for a particular embodiment, alternative step orders, or fewer or additional steps may be required or desired.

[0121] The foregoing disclosure has described various exemplary and implementation forms. However, the various features, aspects, and functions described in one or more individual embodiments are not limited to application to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, it should be understood that such embodiments can be applied singly or in various combinations to one or more of several embodiments of the present invention, regardless of whether such embodiments are described and regardless of whether such features are presented as part of the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present invention are not limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but are defined by the claims presented herein.

[0122] This disclosure recognizes that personal information data, including biometric data in the current technology, can be used for the benefit of the user. For example, the use of biometric authentication data can be used to conveniently access device functions without using a password. In other examples, the user's biometric data is collected to provide the user with feedback regarding the user's health or fitness level. Further, other uses of personal information data, including biometric data, that provide benefits to the user are also contemplated by this disclosure.

[0123] This disclosure further contemplates that entities involved in the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data should comply with well-established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such an entity should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for the secure maintenance of personal information data as confidential, including the use of data encryption and security methods that meet or exceed industry or government standards. For example, personal information from users should be collected for the legitimate and proper use of the entity and should not be shared or sold except for such legitimate uses. Further, such collection should only be carried out after informing and obtaining consent from the users. Additionally, such an entity should protect and secure access to such personal information data and take all necessary measures to ensure that others with access to such personal information comply with the entity's privacy policies and procedures. Moreover, such an entity should be able to undergo an evaluation by a third party to prove its compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices.

[0124] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which a user can selectively block the use of personal information data including biometric data or access to personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that it can provide hardware elements and / or software elements for preventing or blocking access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of biometric authentication methods, the technology of the present invention can be configured to enable a user to optionally avoid biometric authentication steps by providing secure information such as passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), touch gestures, or other authentication methods, known to those skilled in the art, alone or in combination. In another example, a user can choose to remove, invalidate, or limit access to a particular health-related application that collects the user's personal health or fitness data.

Claims

1. A laptop computing device, comprising: an upper portion having a display; a lower portion coupled to the upper portion; a push power button disposed at least partially within the lower portion; wherein the push power button comprises: a cap defining an entire exposed upper surface of the push power button; wherein the cap is configured to receive touch input and press input; a grounding element located under the cap, having an upper surface entirely covered by the cap, and functioning as a ground for the touch input to the cap; a biometric sensor located under the cap, having an upper surface entirely covered by the cap, and configured to detect the touch input to the cap; a compression switch located under the biometric sensor and configured to detect the press input; a spring element located under the cap, configured to resist movement of the cap in response to the touch input and deform in response to the press input; The laptop computing device comprising the above.

2. The grounding element defines an opening; The biometric sensor is disposed at least partially within the opening; The laptop computing device according to claim 1.

3. The grounding element extends between the spring element and the cap; The grounding element supports the cap; The laptop computing device according to claim 2.

4. The spring element is coupled to an inner surface of the lower portion; The grounding element extends at least partially through the lower portion; The grounding element is coupled to the spring element; The laptop computing device according to claim 1.

5. The exposed upper surface of the cap is substantially planar; The laptop computing device according to claim 1.

6. The cap comprises one or more of a metal material, a glass material, a sapphire material, a plastic material, or a ceramic material; The laptop computing device according to claim 1.

7. The spring element has a spring plate configured to deform from a plane in response to the press input; The laptop computing device according to claim 1.

8. The spring plate has one or more notches The laptop computing device according to claim 7

9. A laptop computing device comprising an upper housing portion having a display, a lower housing portion connected to the upper housing portion and defining one or more openings, a push power button disposed at least partially within the opening of the one or more openings, wherein the push power button a cap defining substantially the entire upper surface of the push power button, a spring plate located under the cap and configured to maintain the cap in a non-pushed position in response to a touch input and to allow the cap to move to a pushed position in response to a press input, a biosensor located between the cap and the spring plate, having an upper surface covered by the cap and configured to acquire biometric data in response to the touch input, a metal frame located between the cap and the spring plate, having an upper surface covered by the cap and configured to function as a grounding element for the biosensor, A laptop computing device comprising

10. The upper surface of the metal frame is connected to a first portion of the lower surface of the cap, The upper surface of the biosensor is connected to a second portion of the lower surface of the cap The laptop computing device according to claim 9

11. The metal frame surrounds at least a portion of the biosensor The laptop computing device according to claim 10

12. The upper surface of the push power button is substantially flat The laptop computing device according to claim 10

13. The biosensor has a capacitive sensor configured to detect at least a portion of a user's fingerprint through the cap The laptop computing device according to claim 9

14. The biosensor has an optical sensor configured to detect at least a portion of a user's fingerprint through the cap The laptop computing device according to claim 9

15. The spring plate has one or more notches defining an inner portion and an outer portion of the spring plate The inner part is connected to the lower housing part, The outer part is connected to the metal frame The laptop computing device according to claim 9.

16. A laptop computing device, An upper part having a display, A lower part connected to the upper part, A power button disposed within an opening of the lower part, and having, The power button is, A cap that defines an entire exposed upper surface of the power button and is configured to move between a non-pressed position and a pressed position; A frame located under the cap and configured to function as a grounding element for a user touching the cap; A spring located under the cap and connected to the lower part; A biometric sensor disposed between the cap and the spring and configured to detect a fingerprint of the user through the cap; Having, In response to a touch input, the spring is configured to resist movement of the cap, maintain the cap in the non-pressed position, and the biometric sensor is configured to detect a fingerprint of the user, In response to a pressing input, the spring is configured to deform to allow the cap to move to the pressed position A laptop computing device.

17. The laptop computing device is configured to authenticate a function in response to the touch input corresponding to a touch by an authenticated user, The laptop computing device is configured to change a power state in response to the pressing input The laptop computing device according to claim 16.

18. The power button further includes an electrical switch disposed between the cap and the spring, The electrical switch is configured to detect the pressing input The laptop computing device according to claim 16.

19. The spring has a spring plate, A first portion of the spring plate is connected to the lower part, A second portion of the spring plate is connected to the frame, In the non-pressed position, the spring plate is substantially planar The laptop computing device according to claim 16.

20. further comprising a keyboard having a plurality of depressible keys, the opening is a first opening defined by the lower portion, the lower portion defines a plurality of additional openings, each of the plurality of depressible keys is disposed in an opening of the plurality of additional openings The laptop computing device according to claim 16.

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