Wearable computing device having biometric sensor electrodes located on a display screen cover and operable as an antenna - Patent 7222247

Abstract

A wearable computing device is provided. The wearable computing device includes a housing and a printed circuit board at least partially disposed within the housing. The wearable computing device includes a display screen electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The wearable computing device includes a cover positioned over the display screen. The cover includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface includes one or more electrical contacts electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The wearable computing device includes a biometric sensor electrode positioned partially on the top surface of the cover. The biometric sensor electrode at least partially wraps around an outer periphery of the cover and contacts one or more electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the cover. The biometric sensor electrode has one or more portions including a conductive material capable of transmitting a high frequency current.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Field The present disclosure relates generally to wearable computing devices, and more particularly to a wearable computing device having a biometric sensor electrode located on a top surface of a cover for a display screen of the wearable computing device and operable as an antenna. [Background technology]

[0002] background A wearable computing device (e.g., a wristwatch) may include a display screen that displays content (e.g., time, date, etc.) to a user. The wearable computing device may collect data regarding activities performed by the user or regarding the user's physiological state. Such data may include data describing the user's surrounding environment or the user's interaction with that environment. For example, the data may include athletic data regarding the user's movements and / or physiological data obtained by measuring various physiological characteristics of the user, such as heart rate, sweat level, etc. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0004] In one aspect, a wearable computing device is provided. The wearable computing device includes a housing and a printed circuit board at least partially disposed within the housing. The wearable computing device includes a display screen electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The wearable computing device includes a cover positioned over the display screen. The cover includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface includes one or more electrical contacts electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The wearable computing device includes a biometric sensor electrode partially positioned on the top surface of the cover. The biometric sensor electrode at least partially wraps around the periphery of the cover and contacts one or more electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the cover. The biometric sensor electrode has one or more portions including a conductive material capable of transmitting high-frequency current. In some implementations, the conductive material includes a silver material.

[0005] In some implementations, the wearable computing device includes one or more electrical connectors that electrically connect the printed circuit board to one or more electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the cover. In some implementations, the one or more electrical connectors include a flexible printed circuit having a base and a tail that is bendable relative to the base. In some implementations, the flexible printed circuit board includes one or more high frequency transmission lines disposed on the tail of the flexible printed circuit and on the base of the flexible printed circuit.

[0006] In some implementations, the housing includes a conductive housing. In such implementations, the wearable computing device includes one or more dielectric spacers positioned between the conductive housing and the biometric sensor electrodes. In some implementations, the cover includes a glass material.

[0007] In some implementations, the wearable computing device includes a physical vapor deposition defining coating covering one or more portions of a biometric sensor electrode that includes a conductive material capable of transmitting radio frequency current. For example, in some implementations, the one or more portions of the biometric sensor electrode include at least one of a first portion of the biometric sensor electrode located on a top surface of the cover or a second portion of the biometric sensor electrode located on a bottom surface of the cover. In some implementations, the physical vapor deposition defining coating is at least partially radio frequency transparent. In some implementations, a gap defined between the physical vapor deposition defining coating and an edge of the active display area of ​​the display screen is narrower than a gap defined between the biometric sensor electrode and the edge of the active display area. Also, in some implementations, the gap defined between the biometric sensor electrode and the edge of the active display area is greater than 1 millimeter.

[0008] In another aspect, a wearable computing device is provided. The wearable computing device includes a housing and a printed circuit board at least partially disposed within the housing. The wearable computing device includes a display screen electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The wearable computing device includes a cover positioned over the display screen. The cover includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are each electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The wearable computing device includes a first biometric sensor electrode and a second biometric sensor electrode. The first biometric sensor electrode and the second biometric sensor electrode are spaced apart from each other on the top surface of the cover. The first biometric sensor electrode wraps around a first portion of the periphery of the cover and connects to a first electrical contact on the bottom surface of the cover. The second biometric sensor electrode wraps around a second portion of the periphery of the cover and connects to a second electrical contact on the bottom surface of the cover. Additionally, at least one of the first biometric sensor electrode or the second biometric sensor electrode has one or more portions including a conductive material capable of transmitting high frequency current. In some implementations, the conductive material includes a conductive material.

[0009] In some implementations, the one or more portions of the first biometric sensor electrode include a first portion of the first biometric sensor electrode located on the top surface of the cover and a second portion of the first biometric sensor electrode located on the bottom surface of the cover, and the one or more portions of the second biometric sensor electrode include a first portion of the second biometric sensor electrode located on the top surface of the cover and a second portion of the second biometric sensor electrode located on the bottom surface of the cover.

[0010] In some implementations, the wearable computing device further includes a first physical vapor deposition defining coating overlying the first portion of the first biometric sensor electrode or the second portion of the first biometric sensor electrode, and in such implementations, the wearable computing device further includes a second physical vapor deposition defining coating overlying the first portion or the second portion of the first biometric sensor electrode.

[0011] In some implementations, the gap defined between the first biometric sensor electrode and the edge of the active display area of ​​the display screen is wider than the gap defined between the first physical vapor deposition defining coating and the edge of the active display area of ​​the display screen.

[0012] In some implementations, the wearable computing device further includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, where the first electrical connector electrically connects the printed circuit board to the first electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the cover, and the second electrical connector electrically connects the printed circuit board to the second electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the cover.

[0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain associated principles.

[0014] Detailed descriptions of embodiments directed to those skilled in the art are provided herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a bottom view illustrating a cover for a display screen of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a wiring diagram illustrating electrical connections between a printed circuit board of a wearable computing device and electrical contacts on the bottom surface of a cover for a display screen of the wearable computing device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an electrical connector that electrically connects a printed circuit board of a wearable computing device to electrical contacts on the bottom surface of a cover for a display screen of the wearable computing device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an electrical connector that electrically connects a printed circuit board of a wearable computing device to electrical contacts on the bottom surface of a cover for a display screen of the wearable computing device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating a portion of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a top view illustrating a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a top view of FIG. 9 with a cover of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a bottom view illustrating a cover of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A] A diagram showing a first physical vapor deposition defining coating covering a portion of a first biometric sensor electrode located on the top surface of a cover of a display screen of a wearable computing device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B]A diagram showing a second physical vapor deposition defining coating covering a portion of a second biometric sensor electrode located on the top surface of a cover of a display screen of a wearable computing device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 13A] A diagram showing a first physical vapor deposition defining coating covering a portion of a first biometric sensor electrode located on the bottom surface of a cover of a display screen of a wearable computing device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] A diagram showing a second physical vapor deposition defining coating covering a portion of a second biometric sensor electrode located on the bottom surface of a cover of a display screen of a wearable computing device, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A] A diagram showing a first gap defined between an active display area of ​​a display screen of a wearable computing device and a portion of a first biometric sensor electrode located on the top surface of a cover of the display screen, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] A diagram showing a second gap defined between the active display area of ​​a display screen of a wearable computing device and a portion of a second biometric sensor electrode located on the top surface of the display screen cover, in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a bottom view illustrating a cover for a display screen of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a wearable computing device according to some implementations of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Detailed Description Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, and not as a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a further embodiment. It is therefore intended that the present invention cover all such modifications and variations, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] An example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a wearable computing device that can be worn, for example, on a user's wrist. The wearable computing device can include a housing and a printed circuit board located at least partially within the housing. The wearable computing device can further include a display screen and a cover located over the display screen. In this manner, the cover protects the display screen from damage (e.g., scratches). The cover can also include an optically transparent material (e.g., glass) to allow a user to view information displayed on the display screen.

[0018] The wearable computing device includes one or more biometric sensor electrodes located on the cover. More specifically, the one or more biometric sensor electrodes can be at least partially located on an upper surface of the cover. In this manner, a user wearing the wearable computing device can contact (e.g., touch) the one or more biometric sensor electrodes to perform on-demand biometric measurements. The one or more biometric sensor electrodes can at least partially wrap around the periphery (e.g., edge) of the cover and can be connected to one or more electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the cover. In this manner, the one or more biometric sensor electrodes can obscure at least a portion of an area (e.g., a dead zone) surrounding an active display area of ​​the display screen. It should be understood that the area surrounding the active area of ​​the display screen is referred to as a "dead zone" of the display screen. Additionally, because the one or more biometric sensor electrodes can be used to obscure at least a portion of the dead zone of the display screen, an element (e.g., a bezel) is not required to aesthetically cover the portion of the area surrounding the active area of ​​the display screen.

[0019] The one or more biometric sensor electrodes may include, for example, a first biometric sensor electrode and a second biometric sensor electrode. For example, a user may contact (e.g., touch) the first biometric sensor electrode to obtain a first biometric measurement (e.g., an electrocardiogram). Alternatively, a user may contact both the first biometric sensor electrode and the second biometric sensor electrode to obtain a second biometric measurement (e.g., a skin potential) that is different from the first biometric measurement. In this manner, a user wearing the wearable computing device may perform on-demand biometric measurements by contacting (e.g., touching) at least one of the first biometric sensor electrode or the second biometric sensor electrode. As described below, the one or more biometric sensor electrodes located on the cover may be operable as an antenna to facilitate communication between the wearable computing device and other devices (e.g., a smartphone, etc.). For example, the one or more biometric sensor electrodes may radiate over a range of frequencies (e.g., from about 0.6 gigahertz (GHz) to about 10 GHz). As used herein, the use of the term "about" in conjunction with a numerical value refers to a range of values ​​within 20 percent of the stated numerical value.

[0020] The one or more biometric sensor electrodes can be in electrical communication with the printed circuit board. For example, the wearable computing device can include an electrical connector connecting the printed circuit board to one or more electrical contacts disposed on the bottom surface of the cover. In this manner, the electrical connector can provide an electrical path between the printed circuit board and the one or more biometric sensor electrodes.

[0021] In some implementations, the electrical connector can include a flexible printed circuit. The flexible printed circuit can include a base and a tail that is bendable relative to the base. In some implementations, the base can contact (e.g., touch) one or more contacts on the bottom surface of the cover, and the tail can contact the printed circuit board. In this manner, the flexible printed circuit can provide an electrical path between the printed circuit board and one or more biometric sensor electrodes. However, it should be understood that the flexible circuit can be connected to one or more contacts on the bottom surface of the cover via any suitable type of bonding material (e.g., an anisotropic conductive film).

[0022] The flexible printed circuit can include a flat high-frequency transmission line for each of the one or more biometric sensor electrodes. The flat high-frequency transmission line can extend along both the base of the flexible printed circuit and the tail of the flexible printed circuit. The tail can further include one or more control lines for circuitry associated with the antenna functionality of the one or more biometric sensor electrodes. The base can also include one or more tuning circuits, one or more matching circuits, or any other suitable circuitry or component associated with processing high-frequency signals.

[0023] The flexible printed circuit may include multiple layers, depending on the implementation. For example, the flexible printed circuit may include a first layer (e.g., an outer layer), a second layer (e.g., a middle layer), and a third layer (e.g., an inner layer). The first layer may be located closest to one or more contacts on the bottom surface of the cover. Additionally, the first layer of the flexible printed circuit may serve as an RF ground plane for one or more biometric sensor electrodes, depending on the implementation.

[0024] In some implementations, the housing of the wearable computing device can include a conductive material (e.g., a metal). In such implementations, the wearable computing device can include one or more dielectric spacers positioned between the housing and the one or more biometric sensor electrodes. For example, the thickness of the one or more dielectric spacers can range from about 0.5 millimeters to about 3 millimeters. In this manner, electromagnetic coupling between the housing and the one or more biometric sensor electrodes can be reduced or controlled.

[0025] A wearable computing device according to example aspects of the present disclosure can provide many technical effects and advantages. For example, by incorporating biometric sensor electrodes into a cover (e.g., glass) of a display screen, the need for an element (e.g., a bezel) that covers the dead zone of the display screen can be eliminated. Furthermore, the biometric sensor electrodes can enable on-demand measurement of biometrics (e.g., electrocardiogram, electrodermal activity, etc.) of a user wearing the wearable computing device. One or more biometric sensor electrodes can also function as antennas over a range of frequencies (e.g., from about 0.6 GHz to about 10 GHz). In this manner, the total number of components in the wearable computing device can be reduced because the biometric sensor electrodes can function as antennas for communicating information.

[0026] 1 and 2 illustrate a wearable computing device 100 according to some implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, the wearable computing device 100 can be worn, for example, on a user's arm 102 (e.g., wrist). For example, the wearable computing device 100 can include a band 104 and a housing 110. In some implementations, the housing 110 can include a conductive material (e.g., a metal). In other implementations, the housing 110 can include a non-conductive material (e.g., a plastic material, a ceramic material).

[0027] The housing 110 can be coupled to the band 104. In this manner, the band 104 can be fastened to the user's arm 102 to secure the housing 110 to the user's arm 102. The housing 110 can also define a cavity 111 for one or more electronic components (e.g., disposed on a printed circuit board) of the wearable computing device 100.

[0028] Wearable computing device 100 may include a display screen 112. Display screen 112 may display display content (e.g., time, date, biometrics, etc.) for a user to view. In some implementations, display screen 112 may include an interactive display screen (e.g., a touchscreen or a touchless screen). In such implementations, a user may interact with wearable computing device 100 via display screen 112 to control the operation of wearable computing device 100.

[0029] In some implementations, the wearable computing device 100 may include one or more input devices 114 that can be manipulated (e.g., pressed) by a user to interact with the wearable computing device 100. For example, the one or more input devices 114 may include mechanical buttons that can be manipulated (e.g., pressed) to interact with the wearable computing device 100. In some implementations, the one or more input devices 114 are operable to control the operation of a backlight (not shown) associated with the display screen 112. It should be understood that the one or more input devices 114 can be configured to enable a user to interact with the wearable computing device 100 in any suitable manner. For example, in some implementations, the one or more input devices 114 are operable by a user to navigate within content (e.g., one or more menu screens) displayed on the display screen 112.

[0030] The wearable computing device 100 may include a cover 116 positioned over the housing 110 such that the cover 116 is positioned over the display screen 112. In this manner, the cover 116 may protect the display screen 112 from scratches. In some implementations, the wearable computing device 100 may include a seal (not shown) positioned between the cover 116 and the housing 110. For example, a first surface of the seal may contact the cover 116, and a second surface of the seal may contact the housing 110. In this manner, the seal between the housing 110 and the cover 116 may prevent liquid (e.g., water) from entering the cavity 111 of the housing 110.

[0031] The cover 116 may be optically transparent so that a user can view information displayed on the display screen 112. For example, in some implementations, the cover 116 may include a glass material. However, it should be understood that the cover 116 may include any suitable optically transparent material.

[0032] The cover 116 may be sized to cover (e.g., overlap) the top surface 113 of the display screen 112. The wearable computing device 100 may also include one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 (only one shown) that are at least partially located on a portion of the top surface 117 of the cover 116. More specifically, the portion of the top surface 117 may include the outermost portion (e.g., the periphery) of the top surface 117. In this manner, the one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 may eliminate the need for a separate element, such as a bezel, that surrounds the display screen 112. Furthermore, because the one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 are disposed on the top surface 117 of the cover 116, a user may contact (e.g., touch) the one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 to take on-demand biometric measurements (e.g., electrocardiogram, electrodermal activity, etc.).

[0033] 3, a cross-sectional view of a wearable computing device 100 is shown, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, the wearable computing device 100 may include a printed circuit board 200 located at least partially within a cavity 111 defined by a housing 110. It should be understood that the display screen 112 (FIG. 2) may be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 200 in some implementations.

[0034] 4 , a bottom view of the cover 116 of the display screen 112 of the wearable computing device 100 is shown in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, electrical contacts 300 may be disposed on the bottom surface 121 of the cover 116. One or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 may wrap at least partially around the perimeter 119 of the cover 116 to the bottom surface 121 of the cover 116. For example, the one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 may wrap at least partially around the perimeter 119 of the cover 116 to the bottom surface 121 of the cover 116 such that the one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 contact (e.g., touch) the electrical contacts 300 on the bottom surface 121 of the cover 116.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5 , some implementations of the present disclosure can connect an electrical connector 400 between the printed circuit board 200 and electrical contacts 300 disposed on the bottom surface 121 ( FIG. 4 ) of the cover 116 ( FIG. 4 ). In this manner, the electrical connector 400 can provide an electrical path for passing one or more electrical signals between one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 and the printed circuit board 200. For example, in some implementations, the one or more electrical signals can be associated with on-demand biometric measurements of a user taken via one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118. Alternatively, the one or more electrical signals can be associated with the wearable computing device 100 ( FIG. 1 ) communicating with another device (e.g., a smartphone) via one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118. For example, the one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 can function as an antenna configured to communicate (e.g., transmit and / or receive) radio frequency signals across a range of frequencies. In some implementations, the frequency range can be from approximately 0.6 gigahertz to approximately 10 gigahertz. Details of the electrical connector 400 are now described in more detail.

[0036] 6 , the electrical connector 400, in some implementations, can contact (e.g., touch) the electrical contacts 300 on the bottom surface 121 ( FIG. 4 ) of the cover 116 ( FIG. 4 ) such that the electrical connector 400 eliminates or reduces a force applied to the cover 166 along the vertical direction V associated with the wearable computing device 100 ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the electrical connector 400 can contact the electrical contacts 300 such that the electrical connector 400 surrounds the electrical contacts 300 such that the electrical connector 400 applies opposing forces F1 and F2 along a horizontal direction H that is substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction V (e.g., within about 15 degrees of vertical, within about 10 degrees of vertical, within about 5 degrees of vertical, within about 1 degree of vertical). In this way, the electrical connector 400 can contact the electrical contacts 300 in a manner that reduces or eliminates the possibility of damaging (e.g., causing leakage of) a sealant (not shown) located between the cover 116 and the housing 110.

[0037] 7 , electrical connector 400 may be a flexible printed circuit, depending on the implementation. Electrical connector 400 may include a base 402 and a tail 404 extending from base 402. Tail 404 may bend (e.g., bend) relative to base 402. Electrical connector 400 may be connected between printed circuit board 200 and electrical contacts 300 ( FIG. 4 ) on bottom surface 121 ( FIG. 4 ) of cover 116 ( FIG. 4 ). In this manner, electrical connector 400 may provide an electrical path between printed circuit board 200 and one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118. However, it should be understood that electrical connector 400 may be connected to electrical contacts 300 on bottom surface 121 of cover 116 via any suitable type of bonding material (e.g., an anisotropic conductive film).

[0038] In some implementations, the tail portion 404 of the electrical connector 400 may include one or more contacts 406 (only one is shown). The one or more contacts 406 may facilitate connecting the electrical connector 400 to the printed circuit board 200. In some implementations, the base portion 402 of the electrical connector 400 may include one or more contacts 408 (only one is shown) on a first surface 409. The one or more contacts 408 may facilitate grounding the electrical connector to the housing 110. In some implementations, the base portion 402 of the electrical connector 400 may include one or more contacts 416 (only one is shown) on a second surface 411 of the electrical connector 400 opposite the first surface 409 of the electrical connector 400. The one or more contacts 416 may facilitate connecting the electrical connector 400 to electrical contacts 300 ( FIG. 4 ) on the bottom surface 121 ( FIG. 4 ) of the cover 116 ( FIG. 4 ).

[0039] In some implementations, the electrical connector 400 may include a high-frequency transmission line 410 (only one shown) for each of the one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the high-frequency transmission line 410 may extend along a second surface 411 of the electrical connector 400 opposite a first surface 409 of the electrical connector 400. As shown, a first end of the high-frequency transmission line 410 may be located on the base 402 of the electrical connector 400, and a second end of the high-frequency transmission line 410 may be located on the tail 404 of the electrical connector 400. It should be understood that high-frequency signals communicated (e.g., transmitted, received) via the one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 may be supplied to and from the one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 via the high-frequency transmission line 410.

[0040] In some implementations, the high frequency transmission line 410 may be flat (e.g., a stripline high frequency transmission line) to reduce or eliminate electromagnetic coupling between the inner conductor of the high frequency transmission line 410 and other conductive components (e.g., housing 110) of the wearable computing device 100 ( FIG. 1 ). In this way, degradation of high frequency signals propagating through the high frequency transmission line 410 due at least in part to electromagnetic coupling between the inner conductor of the high frequency transmission line 410 and other conductive components of the wearable computing device 100 may be reduced or eliminated.

[0041] In some implementations, tail 404 can include one or more control lines for circuitry associated with the antenna functionality of one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118. Base 402 can include one or more tuning circuits, one or more matching circuits, or any other suitable circuitry or components associated with processing radio frequency signals. In this manner, circuitry carried by electrical connector 400 can separate electrical signals associated with biometric measurements (e.g., electrocardiogram, electrodermal activity) from electrical signals (e.g., radio frequency signals) associated with the antenna functionality of one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118. In another implementation, electrical signals associated with biometric measurements and electrical signals associated with the antenna functionality can be separated by circuitry included on printed circuit board 200 ( FIG. 3 ).

[0042] In some implementations, electrical connector 400 may include multiple layers. For example, electrical connector 400 may include a first layer (e.g., a top layer), a second layer (e.g., a middle layer), and a third layer (e.g., a bottom layer). When electrical connector 400 is connected between printed circuit board 200 and electrical contacts 300, the first layer of electrical connector 400 may be located closest to electrical contacts 300. Also, the first layer of electrical connector 400 may include a copper material. In this manner, the first layer of electrical connector 400 may function as a high-frequency ground plane for one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118.

[0043] 8-11 , one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 (FIG. 1) of wearable computing device 100, in some implementations, can include a first biometric sensor electrode 500 and a second biometric sensor electrode 510. In other implementations, wearable computing device 100 can have more than two biometric sensor electrodes.

[0044] As shown, first biometric sensor electrode 500 and second biometric sensor electrode 510 can be located on top surface 117 of cover 116. For example, first biometric sensor electrode 500 and second biometric sensor electrode 510 can each be at least partially located on a portion of top surface 117 of cover 116. More specifically, the portion of top surface 117 can include the outermost portion (e.g., the periphery) of top surface 117. In this manner, first biometric sensor electrode 500 and second biometric sensor electrode 510 can eliminate the need for a separate element, such as a bezel, that surrounds display screen 112.

[0045] It should be appreciated that first biometric sensor electrode 500 and second biometric sensor electrode 510 may obviate the need for a separate element (e.g., a bezel) that frames display screen 112. For example, first biometric sensor electrode 500 and second biometric sensor electrode 510 may cover at least a portion of an area surrounding active display area 600 of display screen 112. For example, a portion of the area surrounding active display area 600 may include a dead zone of display screen 112. As used herein, the term “dead zone” refers to an area of ​​top surface 117 of display screen 112 that extends from edge 610 of active display area 600 on top surface 113 of display screen 112 to perimeter 119 of cover 116.

[0046] Additionally, because first biometric sensor electrode 500 and second biometric sensor electrode 510 are located on top surface 117 of cover 116, first biometric sensor electrode 500 and second biometric sensor electrode 510 can enable on-demand measurement of biometrics (e.g., electrocardiogram, electrodermal activity, etc.) of a user wearing wearable computing device 100. For example, in some implementations, a user can contact (e.g., touch) first biometric sensor electrode 500 to obtain an on-demand electrocardiogram reading. Alternatively, or additionally, a user can contact (e.g., touch) both first biometric sensor electrode 500 and second biometric sensor electrode 510 to obtain an on-demand electrodermal activity reading.

[0047] In some implementations, the first biometric sensor electrode 500 and the second biometric sensor electrode 510 can be spaced apart from each other on the top surface 117 of the cover 116. For example, a first gap 520 can be defined between a first end 502 of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 and a first end 512 of the second biometric sensor electrode 510. Additionally, a second gap 522 can be defined between a second end 504 of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 and a second end 514 of the second biometric sensor electrode 510. In some implementations, the width of the first gap 520 and the width of the second gap 522 can be the same. In other implementations, the width of the first gap 520 can be different (e.g., narrower or wider) than the width of the second gap 522. For example, in some implementations, the width of the first gap 520 and the width of the second gap 522 can range from approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 2 mm.

[0048] The first biometric sensor electrode 500 and the second biometric sensor electrode 510 can wrap around the periphery 119 of the cover 116 to contact (e.g., touch) one or more electrical contacts on the bottom surface 121 of the cover 116. For example, in some implementations, the bottom surface 121 of the cover 116 can include a first electrical contact 700 and a second electrical contact 710. In such implementations, the first biometric sensor electrode 500 can wrap around a first portion of the periphery 119 of the cover 116 to contact the first electrical contact 700 on the bottom surface 121 of the cover 116. Also, the second biometric sensor electrode 510 can wrap around a second portion of the periphery 119 of the cover 116 to contact the second electrical contact 710 on the bottom surface 121 of the cover 116. It should be understood that the second portion of the periphery 119 of the cover 116 is different from the first portion of the periphery 119 of the cover 116. For example, in some implementations, a first portion of perimeter 119 can correspond to the top half of cover 116. Also, in such implementations, a second portion of perimeter 119 can correspond to the bottom half of cover 116. It should also be understood that in some implementations, bottom surface 121 of cover 116 can include more electrical contacts. For example, in some implementations, bottom surface 121 of cover 116 can include multiple electrical contacts to which first biometric sensor electrode 500 can be connected. Alternatively, or in addition, bottom surface 121 of cover 116 can include multiple electrical contacts to which second biometric sensor electrode 510 can be connected.

[0049] In some implementations, top surface 117 of cover 116 and bottom surface 121 of cover 116 can each be flat. Alternatively, or in addition, perimeter 119 of cover 116 can be curved. However, it should be understood that cover 116 can have any suitable shape. It should also be understood that in some implementations, first biometric sensor electrode 500 and second biometric sensor electrode 510 can be electrically coupled to printed circuit board 200 via electrical connector 400 ( FIG. 5 ). For example, in some implementations, electrical connector 400 can be connected between printed circuit board 200 and one or more electrical contacts (e.g., first electrical contact 700, second electrical contact 710) on bottom surface 121 of cover 116. In this manner, signals related to biometric measurements can be transmitted to one or more circuits on printed circuit board 200 via electrical connector 400.

[0050] The first biometric sensor electrode 500, the second biometric sensor electrode 510, or both can operate as a radio frequency antenna. For example, at least a portion of at least one of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 or the second biometric sensor electrode 510 can include a conductive material capable of transmitting a radio frequency current. In this manner, at least one of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 or the second biometric sensor electrode 510 can operate as a radio frequency antenna. It should be understood that the conductive material can include any suitable conductive material capable of transmitting a radio frequency current. For example, in some implementations, the conductive material can include a silver material. Also, in some implementations, the silver material can have a thickness in a range from approximately 20 micrometers to approximately 40 micrometers.

[0051] In some implementations, a portion of at least one of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 or the second biometric sensor electrode 510 located on the top surface 117 of the cover 116 can include a conductive material. Alternatively, or in addition, a portion of at least one of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 or the second biometric sensor electrode 510 located on the bottom surface 121 of the cover 116 can include a conductive material. It should be understood that any portion of at least one of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 or the second biometric sensor electrode 510 can include a conductive material.

[0052] In some implementations, at least a portion of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 can include a first conductive material to facilitate the transmission of one or more first high-frequency currents. In this manner, the first biometric sensor electrode 500 can operate as a first high-frequency antenna. Additionally, at least a portion of the second biometric sensor electrode 510 can include a second conductive material to facilitate the transmission of one or more second high-frequency currents. In this manner, the second biometric sensor electrode 510 can operate as a second high-frequency antenna.

[0053] In some implementations, the first conductive material and the second conductive material can be different from one another. In other implementations, the first conductive material and the second conductive material can be the same. For example, in some implementations, the first conductive material and the second conductive material can include a silver material.

[0054] 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B, a first physical vapor deposition (PVD)-defined coating 530 can cover at least a portion of first biometric sensor electrode 500. For example, first PVD-defined coating 530 can cover at least a portion of first biometric sensor electrode 500 that includes a first conductive material. Alternatively, or in addition, a second physical vapor deposition (PVD)-defined coating 540, separate from first PVD-defined coating 530, can cover at least a portion of second biometric sensor electrode 510. For example, second PVD-defined coating 540 can cover at least a portion of second biometric sensor electrode 510 that includes a second conductive material.

[0055] It should be appreciated that the first PVD-defined coating 530 covering the portion of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 including the first conductive material can have a sheet resistance such that the first PVD-defined coating 530 is at least partially radio frequency transparent for a range of frequencies (e.g., from about 0.6 gigahertz to about 10 gigahertz) over which the first biometric sensor electrode 500 is operable as a first radio frequency antenna. For example, in some implementations, the sheet resistance of the first PVD-defined coating 530 can be greater than 200 ohms per square. Alternatively, or in addition, the radio frequency transparency of the first PVD-defined coating 530 can be at least 80% (e.g., a transmission coefficient of at least 0.8) for this range of frequencies. In other implementations, the first PVD-defined coating 530 can be even more radio frequency transparent. For example, in some implementations, the radio frequency transparency of the first PVD-defining coating 530 can be at least 90% (eg, a transmission coefficient of at least about 0.90) for this range of frequencies.

[0056] It should also be appreciated that the second PVD-defined coating 540 covering the portion of the second biometric sensor electrode 510 comprising the second conductive material can have a sheet resistance such that the second PVD-defined coating 540 is at least partially radio frequency transparent for a range of frequencies (e.g., from about 0.6 gigahertz to about 10 gigahertz) over which the second biometric sensor electrode 510 can operate as a second radio frequency antenna. For example, in some implementations, the sheet resistance of the second PVD-defined coating 540 can be greater than 200 ohms per square. Alternatively, or in addition, the radio frequency transparency of the second PVD-defined coating 540 can be at least 80% (e.g., a transmission coefficient of at least 0.8) for this frequency range. In other implementations, the second PVD-defined coating 540 can be even more radio frequency transparent. For example, in some implementations, the radio frequency transparency of the second PVD-defining coating 540 can be at least 90% (eg, a transmission coefficient of at least about 0.90) for this range of frequencies.

[0057] In some implementations, the first PVD-defined coating 530 can cover at least a portion of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 located on the top surface 117 of the cover 116, as shown in FIG. 12A. Alternatively, or in addition, the second PVD-defined coating 540 can cover at least a portion of the second biometric sensor electrode 510 located on the top surface 117 of the cover 116. In some implementations, the first PVD-defined coating 530 can cover at least a portion of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 located on the bottom surface 121 of the cover 116, as shown in FIG. 13A. Alternatively, or in addition, the second PVD-defined coating 540 can cover at least a portion of the second biometric sensor electrode 510 located on the bottom surface 121 of the cover 116, as shown in FIG. 13B.

[0058] It should be understood that first PVD-defined coating 530 can cover any portion of first biometric sensor electrode 500. For example, in some implementations, first PVD-defined coating 530 can completely cover first biometric sensor electrode 500. It should also be understood that second PVD-defined coating 540 can cover any portion of second biometric sensor electrode 510. For example, in some implementations, second PVD-defined coating 540 can completely cover second biometric sensor electrode 510.

[0059] 14A , a first gap 620 can be defined between an edge 610 of the active display area 600 and the first biometric sensor electrode 500. For example, in some implementations, the width of the first gap 620 can be greater than 1 millimeter to reduce or control electromagnetic coupling of the display screen 112 to the first conductive material of the first biometric sensor electrode 500. In this manner, degradation of the radiation of the first radio frequency antenna (e.g., the first biometric sensor electrode 500) due to electromagnetic coupling of the display screen 112 to the first conductive material of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 can be reduced or controlled.

[0060] In some implementations, the first PVD-defined coating 530 covering at least a portion of the first biometric sensor electrode 500 can extend inward toward the edge 610 of the active display area 600 of the display screen 112. For example, the first PVD-defined coating 530 can extend inward toward the edge 610 of the active display area 600, as shown in FIG. 14A . In some implementations, the first PVD-defined coating 530 can extend inward toward the edge 610 of the active display area 600 such that the width of the gap between the edge 610 of the active display area 600 and the first PVD-defined coating 530 is less than 1 millimeter.

[0061] Also, in such implementations, first PVD-defined coating 530 can have a sheet resistance such that first PVD-defined coating 530 is more radio frequency transparent for the range of frequencies (e.g., from about 0.6 gigahertz to about 10 gigahertz) at which first biometric sensor electrode 500 can operate as a first radio frequency antenna. In this manner, because first PVD-defined coating 530 is more radio frequency transparent for the range of frequencies at which first conductive material can carry one or more first radio frequency currents, degradation in first radio frequency antenna performance (e.g., radiation efficiency) due to first PVD-defined coating 530 being close (e.g., less than 1 millimeter) to edge 610 of active display area 600 of display screen 112 can be reduced or eliminated.

[0062] 14B , a second gap 630 can be defined between an edge 610 of the active display area 600 and the second biometric sensor electrode 510. For example, in some implementations, the width of the second gap 630 can be greater than 1 millimeter to reduce or control electromagnetic coupling of the display screen 112 to the second conductive material of the second biometric sensor electrode 510. In this manner, degradation of the radiation of the second radio frequency antenna (e.g., the second biometric sensor electrode 510) due to electromagnetic coupling of the display screen 112 to the second conductive material of the second biometric sensor electrode 510 can be reduced or controlled.

[0063] In some implementations, the width of second gap 630 defined between edge 610 of active display area 600 and second biometric sensor electrode 510 can be different (e.g., wider or narrower) than the width of first gap 620 defined between edge 610 of active display area 600 and first biometric sensor electrode 500. In other implementations, the width of second gap 630 can be the same as the width of first gap 620.

[0064] In some implementations, the second PVD-defined coating 540 covering at least a portion of the second biometric sensor electrode 510 can extend inward toward the edge 610 of the active display area 600 of the display screen 112. For example, the second PVD-defined coating 540 can extend inward toward the edge 610 of the active display area 600, as shown in FIG. 14B . In some implementations, the second PVD-defined coating 540 can extend inward toward the edge 610 of the active display area 600 such that the width of the gap between the edge 610 of the active display area 600 and the second PVD-defined coating 540 is less than 1 millimeter.

[0065] Also, in such implementations, second PVD-defined coating 540 may have a sheet resistance such that second PVD-defined coating 540 is more radio frequency transparent for the range of frequencies (e.g., from about 0.6 gigahertz to about 10 gigahertz) over which second biometric sensor electrode 510 is operable as a second radio frequency antenna. In this manner, because second PVD-defined coating 540 is radio frequency transparent for the range of frequencies over which second conductive material is capable of transmitting one or more second radio frequency currents, degradation in performance (e.g., radiation efficiency) of the second radio frequency antenna due to second PVD-defined coating 540 being close (e.g., less than 1 millimeter) to edge 610 of active display area 600 of display screen 112 may be reduced or eliminated.

[0066] 15 , multiple electrical connectors can be used for at least one of first biometric sensor electrode 500 or second biometric sensor electrode 510. For example, a first electrical connector (e.g., electrical connector 400 of FIG. 4 ) can be connected between printed circuit board 200 and first electrical contact 800 for first biometric sensor electrode 500. Additionally, a second electrical connector (e.g., electrical connector 400 of FIG. 4 ) can be connected between printed circuit board 200 and second electrical contact 802 for first biometric sensor electrode 500. In this manner, aperture tuning can be performed on first biometric sensor electrode 500 when operating as a radio frequency antenna. For example, first biometric sensor electrode 500 can be connected to radio circuitry on printed circuit board 200 ( FIG. 2 ) via a first electrical connector. Additionally, first biometric sensor electrode 500 can be connected to aperture tuning circuitry on printed circuit board 200 via a second electrical connector. More specifically, the resonance of first biometric sensor electrode 500 can be tuned to enable first biometric sensor electrode 500 to operate over a wider frequency range or additional frequency bands.

[0067] Also, in some implementations, a third electrical connector (e.g., electrical connector 400 in FIG. 4 ) can be connected between printed circuit board 200 and third electrical contact 810 for second biometric sensor electrode 510. Furthermore, a fourth electrical connector (e.g., electrical connector 400 in FIG. 4 ) can be connected between printed circuit board 200 and fourth electrical connector 812 for second biometric sensor electrode 510. In this manner, aperture tuning can be performed on second biometric sensor electrode 510 when operating as a radio frequency antenna. For example, second biometric sensor electrode 510 can be connected to radio circuitry on printed circuit board 200 ( FIG. 2 ) via the third electrical connector. Second biometric sensor electrode 510 can also be connected to aperture tuning circuitry on printed circuit board 200 via the fourth electrical connector. More specifically, the resonance of second biometric sensor electrode 510 can be tuned to enable second biometric sensor electrode 510 to operate over a wider frequency range or additional frequency bands.

[0068] 16 , a cross-sectional view of a portion of the wearable computing device 100 ( FIG. 3 ) is shown, according to some implementations of the present disclosure. The housing 110 of the wearable computing device 100 may, in some implementations, include a conductive material (e.g., material). In such implementations, the wearable computing device 100 may include one or more dielectric spacers 900 (only one shown) positioned between the housing 110 and the periphery 119 of the cover 116. In this manner, the one or more dielectric spacers 900 may reduce or control electromagnetic coupling between the housing 110 (e.g., metal) and one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118 that at least partially encase the periphery 119 of the cover 116. In some implementations, the width 902 of the one or more dielectric spacers 900 may range from approximately 0.5 millimeters to approximately 3 millimeters to provide the necessary spacing to reduce or control electromagnetic coupling between the housing 110 and the one or more biometric sensor electrodes 118.

[0069] While the present subject matter has been described in terms of various specific exemplary embodiments thereof, each example is presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art, upon understanding the foregoing, will be able to readily make modifications, variations, and equivalents of such embodiments. Accordingly, the present disclosure does not exclude the inclusion of such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the present subject matter, as would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a further embodiment. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications, variations, and equivalents.

Claims

1. Housing and a printed circuit board disposed at least partially within the housing; a display screen electrically coupled to the printed circuit board; a cover positioned over the display screen and including a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface including one or more electrical contacts electrically connected to the printed circuit board; a support member positioned on the upper surface of the cover and at least partially encircling the outer periphery of the cover; a biometric sensor electrode contacting the one or more electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the cover, the biometric sensor electrode operable as a radio frequency antenna and having one or more portions including a conductive material capable of transmitting radio frequency current.

2. The wearable computing device of claim 1 , further comprising one or more electrical connectors that electrically connect the printed circuit board to the one or more electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the cover.

3. The wearable computing device of claim 2 , wherein the one or more electrical connectors include a flexible printed circuit having a base and a tail that is bendable relative to the base.

4. The wearable computing device of claim 3 , wherein the flexible printed circuit includes one or more high frequency transmission lines disposed on the tail portion of the flexible printed circuit and the base portion of the flexible printed circuit.

5. The wearable computing device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing comprises a conductive housing.

6. The wearable computing device of claim 5 , further comprising one or more dielectric spacers positioned between the conductive housing and the biometric sensor electrodes.

7. The wearable computing device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover comprises a glass material.

8. The wearable computing device of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a physical vapor deposition defining coating covering the one or more portions of the biometric sensor electrode that include the conductive material.

9. 9. The wearable computing device of claim 8, wherein the one or more portions of the biometric sensor electrode include at least one of a first portion of the biometric sensor electrode located on the top surface of the cover or a second portion of the biometric sensor electrode located on the bottom surface of the cover.

10. 10. The wearable computing device of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the physical vapor deposition defining coating is at least partially radio frequency transparent.

11. 11. The wearable computing device of claim 8, wherein a gap defined between the physical vapor deposition defining coating and an edge of an active display area of ​​the display screen is narrower than a gap defined between the biometric sensor electrode and the edge of the active display area.

12. 12. The wearable computing device of claim 11, wherein the gap defined between the biometric sensor electrode and the edge of the active display area is greater than 1 millimeter.

13. The wearable computing device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the conductive material comprises a silver material.

14. Housing and a printed circuit board disposed at least partially within the housing; a display screen electrically coupled to the printed circuit board; a cover positioned over the display screen, the cover having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact each being electrically connected to the printed circuit board; a first biometric sensor electrode and a second biometric sensor electrode, the first biometric sensor electrode and the second biometric sensor electrode being spaced apart from one another on the top surface of the cover, the first biometric sensor electrode wrapping around a first portion of an outer periphery of the cover and connected to the first electrical contact; the second biometric sensor electrode wraps around a second portion of the outer periphery of the cover and is connected to the second electrical contact, and at least one of the first biometric sensor electrode or the second biometric sensor electrode is operable as a radio frequency antenna and has one or more portions including a conductive material capable of transmitting radio frequency current.

15. one or more portions of the first biometric sensor electrode include a first conductive material capable of transmitting a first radio frequency current such that the first biometric sensor electrode is operable as a first radio frequency antenna; 15. The wearable computing device of claim 14, wherein one or more portions of the second biometric sensor electrode include a second conductive material capable of transmitting a second radio frequency current such that the second biometric sensor electrode is operable as a second radio frequency antenna.

16. 16. The wearable computing device of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first conductive material or the second conductive material comprises a silver material.

17. the one or more portions of the first biometric sensor electrode include a first portion of the first biometric sensor electrode located on the top surface of the cover and a second portion of the first biometric sensor electrode located on the bottom surface of the cover; 17. The wearable computing device of claim 14, wherein the one or more portions of the second biometric sensor electrode include a first portion of the second biometric sensor electrode located on the top surface of the cover and a second portion of the second biometric sensor electrode located on the bottom surface of the cover.

18. a first physical vapor deposition defining coating overlying the first portion of the first biometric sensor electrode or the second portion of the first biometric sensor electrode; and a second physical vapor deposition defining coating overlying the first portion or the second portion of the first biometric sensor electrode.

19. 20. The wearable computing device of claim 18, wherein a gap defined between the first biometric sensor electrode and an edge of an active display area of ​​the display screen is wider than a gap defined between the first physical vapor deposition defining coating and the edge of the active display area of ​​the display screen.

20. a first electrical connector electrically connecting the printed circuit board to the first electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the cover; and a second electrical connector electrically connecting the printed circuit board to the second electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the cover.

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