Wearable electronic device

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device comprises an enclosure having a sidewall through which a button hole is formed, a display connected to the enclosure, and a processing element communicating with the display. The device also comprises a sensing element communicating with the processing element, and an input button configured to receive two types of user input, at least partially accommodated within the button hole and communicating with the sensing element. During operation, the sensing element tracks the movement of the input button to determine two types of user input.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to electronic devices, and more specifically to input devices for computing devices. Background Technology

[0002] Many types of electronic devices, such as smartphones, gaming devices, computers, and watches, utilize input devices, such as buttons or switches, to receive user input. However, the enclosure for the device includes holes or other openings that allow the buttons or switches (or other selectable items) to move. These holes allow water, air, and other environmental items to enter the enclosure, potentially damaging the internal electronics. Additionally, many input devices, such as buttons or switches, may allow for a single type of input. For example, operating a button may transmit a single type of signal generated by compressing a dome switch that completes the circuit. As the size of electronic devices decreases, it may be desirable to have fewer input buttons or devices without reducing the number or functionality of input types that can be used to provide information to the device by a user. Prior art documents describing the background of the invention include U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0112275.

[0003] One example of the present invention includes a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device includes an enclosure having a sidewall through which a button hole is formed, a processing element embedded within the enclosure, a sensing element communicating with the processing element, and an input device configured to be at least partially received within the button hole and communicating with the sensing element, and to receive at least first and second types of user input. Generally, the sensing element operates to track the movement of an input button and output a signal, and the processing element operates to distinguish between a first type of user input and a second type of user input based on the signal.

[0004] Another example of the present invention includes a watch. The watch includes a hub or a watch face. The hub includes a processor, a sensing element, and a crown. The crown includes a trackable element, and the sensing element is configured to detect the movement of the crown by tracking the movement of the trackable element. The watch also includes a strap connected to the hub and configured to wrap around a portion of the user's circumference. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0005] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a wearable electronic device including a multi-input device. Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of a wearable electronic device. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable electronic device taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a bottom view of the crown or input button of a wearable electronic device. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable electronic device taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an input button including a first example of a holding component. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an input button including a second example of a holding component. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device comprising two sensing elements located within a cavity of an enclosure. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an input button having a traceable element configured to detect the movement of a shaft. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device including other examples of sensing elements and traceable elements. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an input button including an electrical connection between the enclosure and internal components of a wearable device and the input button. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an input button including an input sensor. FIG. 13a is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an input button including a switch sensor positioned parallel to the stem. FIG. 13b is a cross-sectional view of the input button shown in FIG. 13a in a state where a predetermined force is applied to the head. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the input button shown in FIG. 13a. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an input button including a motor. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an input button including an input sensor connected to a head. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the input button of FIG. 16 including a hole formed through the head. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0006] In some embodiments of this specification, a wearable electronic device comprising a multi-input button is disclosed. The wearable electronic device may be a watch, a portable music player, a health monitoring device, a computing or gaming device, a smartphone, etc. In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device is a watch that can be worn around a user's wrist. In embodiments, the multi-input button forms a crown for the watch and is connected to a side wall of an enclosure for the device. The multi-input button may be pressed to input a first type of input and may be rotated to input a second type of input. Additionally, in some cases, the button may be pressed on or off-axis to activate a third input.

[0007] In a specific embodiment, the wearable device includes a sensor that receives non-rotational type inputs as well as a rotation encoder that detects rotation of a multi-input button. In one embodiment, the wearable device includes an enclosure and a flange or head extending from the enclosure. The head or crown is connected to a spindle or stem housed within the enclosure, and a traceable element or encoder is attached to the lower end of the spindle. The head extends from the enclosure, and as the head rotates, for example, as a user turns the head, a traceable element on the lower end of the stem rotates and passes over a rotation sensor housed within the enclosure. The rotation sensor detects movement of the stem and the head. Additionally, the stem may be movably (e.g., glidingly) connected to the enclosure so that the user can press the head and the stem can move a predetermined distance. In this example, a switch (e.g., a tactile switch) or a sensor may detect vertical or horizontal movement of the stem. In this way, the multi-input button can detect not only rotational inputs but also compressed inputs.

[0008] The stem and other parts of a multi-input button may include sealing members, such as O-rings, sealing cups, or membrane seals that seal certain components of a wearable device from environmental elements such as water. The stem and the enclosure hole may be selected so that the stem can move within the enclosure without destroying the seal or otherwise creating a flow path into the internal components held within the enclosure. As an example, the stem may have a diameter slightly smaller than the enclosure hole, and an O-ring may be accommodated around the stem within the enclosure hole. In this example, the O-ring is a compressible material, such as a foam, that can be compressed when a user applies force. As one side of the O-ring is compressed by the user's force, the other side expands to increase and maintain the seal of the enclosure hole around the stem. This allows the stem to move within the enclosure diameter without opening a path into the enclosure.

[0009] Additionally, in some embodiments, the multi-input button may be actuated to provide haptic feedback to the user. For example, in an embodiment where the stem is movable within the enclosure, a device such as an actuator may move the stem. When actuated, the stem may optionally move the head to provide feedback to the user.

[0010] Now, returning to the drawings, an exemplary wearable electronic device will now be discussed in more detail. FIG. 1 is a top view of a wearable electronic device. FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of the wearable electronic device of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the wearable electronic device (100) may include a hub (102) or a computing center or element. In an embodiment in which the electronic device (100) is configured to be worn by a user, the device (100) may include one or more straps (104, 106) that can be connected to opposite sides of the hub (102). Each of the straps (104, 106) may wrap around the wrist, arm, leg, chest, or part of other parts of the user's body to secure the hub (102) to the user. For example, the ends of each of the straps (104, 106) may be connected together by a fastening mechanism (108). The fastening mechanism (108) may be virtually any type of fastening device, such as a lug, hook and loop structure, magnetic fasteners, snaps, buttons, clasps, etc., but is not limited to these. However, in one embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 1, the fastening mechanism (108) is a buckle comprising a prong (134) or element that can be inserted into one or more holes (112) in the second strap (106) to fasten the first and second straps (104, 106) together.

[0011] The hub (102) of the wearable electronic device generally includes computing and processing elements of the wearable electronic device (100). FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the hub (102) taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the hub (102) may include a display (116) that is at least partially enclosed by an enclosure (114). In some embodiments, the display (116) may form one side of the hub (102), and the enclosure (114) may contact a portion of the back surface and / or edges of the display (116). Additionally, internal components of the wearable device (100) may be contained within the enclosure (114) between the display (116) and the enclosure (114). The enclosure (114) not only protects the internal components of the hub (102) but also connects the display (116) to the hub (102).

[0012] The enclosure (114) may be constructed from various materials, such as plastics, metals, alloys, and others, but is not limited thereto. The enclosure (114) includes a button hole (172) (see FIG. 3) to accommodate an input button (110) or a part thereof. The button hole (172) forms a channel within the side wall (188) of the enclosure (114) and extends from the outer surface (188) of the enclosure (114) to the inner surface (190). The button hole (172) is generally configured to correspond to the size / shape of the stem or spindle of the input button (110) or to accommodate the stem or spindle. However, the button hole (172) may be shaped and sized differently.

[0013] The enclosure (114) may also include a groove (186) formed on an upper surface to accommodate a display (116). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the display (116) may be connected to the enclosure (114) via an adhesive or other fastening mechanism. In this example, the display is seated in a recess or groove of the enclosure, and the enclosure may extend at least partially around the edges of the display and be fastened or attached thereto, but may leave at least a portion of the rear of the display free or unsupported by the housing. However, in other embodiments, the display and the enclosure may be connected together otherwise.

[0014] The display (116) may be virtually any type of display screen or device capable of providing visual output to the wearable device (100). For example, the display (116) may be a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode display, etc. Additionally, the display (116) may also be configured to receive user input, such as a multi-touch display screen that receives user inputs through capacitive sensing elements. In many embodiments, the display (116) may be dynamically variable, but in other embodiments, the display (116) may be a non-electronic component that may be dynamically immutable, such as a painted faceplate.

[0015] The display (116) may optionally display a plurality of modifiable icons (118, 120) or other graphics. For example, the first graphic (118) may include a time graphic that changes its characters indicating time changes, such as numbers indicating hours, minutes, and seconds. The second graphic (120) may include a notification graphic such as battery life, received messages, etc. The two graphics (118, 120) may be located virtually anywhere on the display (116) and may be changed as desired. Additionally, the number, size, shape, and other characteristics of the graphics (118, 120) may also be changed.

[0016] The input button (110) extends from the enclosure (114) and is attached thereto or passes through it. The input button (110) will be discussed in more detail below, but generally allows the user to provide input to the wearable electronic device (100) as well as optionally provide haptic feedback to the user.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, a wearable electronic device includes a plurality of internal processing or computing elements. For example, a wearable electronic device (100) may include a power source (122), one or more processing elements (124), a memory component (128), one or more sensors (126), and an input / output component (130). Each of the internal components may be housed within an enclosure (114) and may communicate through one or more system buses (132), traces, printed circuit boards, or other communication mechanisms.

[0018] The power source (122) provides power to the hub (102) and other components of the wearable device (100). The power source (122) may be a battery or other portable power element. Additionally, the power source (122) may be rechargeable or replaceable.

[0019] A processing element (124) or processor is virtually any type of device capable of receiving and executing instructions. For example, the processing element (124) may be a processor, a microcomputer, a processing unit, or a group of processing units. Additionally, the processing element (124) may include one or more processors, and in some embodiments, may include multiple processing elements.

[0020] One or more sensors (126) may be configured to detect a number of different parameters or characteristics that can be used to influence one or more operations of the wearable electronic device (100). For example, the sensors (126) may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, image sensors, pressure or force sensors, etc. As described in more detail below, one or more of the sensors (126) may be used with or separately from the input button (110) to provide user input to the hub (102).

[0021] Referring further to FIG. 2, the memory component (128) stores electronic data that can be utilized by the wearable device (100). For example, the memory component (128) can store electrical data or content corresponding to various applications, such as audio files, video files, document files, etc. The memory (128) may be, for example, a non-volatile memory device, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium, a read-only memory, a random access memory, an erasable and programmable memory, or a flash memory.

[0022] The input / output interface (130) can receive data from a user or one or more other electronic devices. Additionally, the input / output interface (130) can enable the transmission of data to a user or other electronic devices. For example, the input / output interface (130) can be used to receive data from a network or to transmit and send electronic signals via wireless or wired connections (Internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet are some examples). In some embodiments, the input / output interface (130) can support multiple network or communication mechanisms. For example, the network / communication interface (130) can receive data from Wi-Fi or another network while simultaneously pairing with another device via a Bluetooth network to transmit signals to another device.

[0023] The input button (110) will now be discussed in more detail. Referring to FIG. 3, the input button (110) comprises a head (148) and a stem (150) or spindle. The stem (150) is received into a button hole (172) formed in the enclosure (114), and the head (148) extends outwardly from the stem (150) outside the enclosure (114). In an embodiment where the wearable electronic device (100) is a watch, the input button (110) forms a crown for the watch, wherein the head (148) acts as a user engagement surface to allow the user to rotate, pull, and / or push the crown (110) or the input button.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, the head (148) is a flanged member that may have a generally cylindrical body and a rounded or flat upper portion. Additionally, the head (148) may optionally include a plurality of ridges (202) or other tactile features. The ridges (202) can improve friction between the user's fingers or fingers and the head (148), making it easier for the user to rotate or pull the head (148), and can provide the user with indicators (similar to mile markers on a road) that allow the user to determine the number of rotations. For example, the head (148) may include a ridge (202) at every quarter of the circumference of the outer surface of the head (148) that can indicate to the user when the head has been rotated 90 degrees. However, in other embodiments, the ridges (202) may be omitted or other features may be used.

[0025] Referring again to FIG. 3, the stem (150) may be a generally cylindrical member and may extend from the head (148). The head (148) and the stem (150) may be formed integrally or may be separate components fixedly attached together. The stem (150) may also include a sealing groove (152) formed around part of its outer circumference. The sealing groove (152) is configured to receive a sealing member, such as an O-ring (154) or a sealing cup. In some embodiments, the stem (150) has a length longer than the length of the button hole (172). In this way, the opposite ends of the stem (150) extend from both sides of the button hole (172). In these embodiments, the head (148) may be spatially separated from the outer surface of the enclosure by the length of the stem (150) extending outward from the outer end of the button hole. However, in other embodiments, the stem (150) may have a length virtually equal to the length of the button hole (172), or may be shorter than the length of the button hole (172). In the latter example, one or more parts of the sensing circuit (discussed in more detail below) may be located directly below the button hole (172) or partially within the button hole (172).

[0026] The input button (110) includes a traceable element (146) or an encoder located on the bottom of the stem (150). FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the button (110). Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the traceable element (146) may be connected to the bottom end of the stem (150), or connected to or formed on the outer surface of the stem (150). The traceable element (146) interacts with a sensing element (142) so that the sensing element (162) can track the movement of the stem (150) by tracking the movement of the traceable element (146). Thus, the traceable element (146) is connected to the stem (150) so that as the stem (150) rotates or moves due to user input, for example, to the head (148), the traceable element (146) will move in response.

[0027] The location, size, and type of material of the traceable element (146) may be varied based on the sensing element (142), and the sensing element may track various types of parameters, such as optical properties, magnetic properties, mechanical properties, electrical properties, or capacitive properties, as discussed below, but is not limited to these. In this way, the traceable element (146) may be modified to improve the tracking of the stem (150).

[0028] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment, the traceable element (146) is a magnet, i.e., a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. In this embodiment, the traceable element (146) may be a cylindrical disk comprising a first pole (182) and a second pole (184). The first pole (182) may be the N pole of the traceable element (146), and the second pole (184) may be the S pole of the traceable element (146). The two poles (182, 184) may be radially opposite, so that one half of the traceable element (146) forms the first pole (182) and the other half of the traceable element (146) forms the second pole (184), wherein the two poles (182, 184) form semicircular shapes. In other words, the bottom surface of the traceable element (146) is polarized along its diameter.

[0029] In some embodiments, the traceable element may include two or more magnets located around the periphery of the stem (150). In these embodiments, a rotation sensor may be located within a button hole to track the rotation of the stem (150).

[0030] The sensing element (142) and the corresponding structures will now be discussed in more detail. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a wearable electronic device taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the sensing element (142) is supported within an enclosure (114) and configured to detect rotational movement, vertical movement, and / or lateral movement of the button (110). The sensing element (142) may be supported on a substrate (166) and includes one or more sensors. For example, the sensing element (142) may include rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and a switch sensor (160). The rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and the switch sensor (160) may be located within a compartment (212) or another enclosure. The compartment (212) is supported on the substrate (166) by a contact floor (170) that forms the bottom of the sensing element (142). The compartment (212) and the contact floor (170) form a cavity (164) in which sensors are accommodated.

[0031] The rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) are configured to detect rotation of the stem (150) or other parts of the crown or button (110). In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 5, the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) may be magnetic sensors that detect changes in magnetic polarity. For example, the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) may be Hall-effect sensors. In other words, the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) may be transducers that change an output signal in response to a magnetic field. In another example, the rotation sensor and / or switch sensor may be an optical sensor, and the traceable element may include one or more markings or visual indicators that can be used by the optical sensor to track the movement of the stem (150).

[0032] In some embodiments, the traceable element may be located on the head (148) or an outer part of the button (110). In these embodiments, the rotation sensor may communicate (optically or magnetically) with the input button (110) through a housing or enclosure (114). For example, the enclosure may include a transparent part or a window, and the optical sensor may track the movement of the crown through this window.

[0033] In some examples, the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) may be spaced apart from each other and located in opposite quadrants of the sensing element (142). This allows the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) to track the rotation of the tracking element (146) as the tracking element enters and exits each quadrant or section of the sensing element. However, it should be noted that in other embodiments, there may only be two sensors that can be used to track larger rotation distances of the tracking element (146).

[0034] The rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) may be in-plane with respect to each other or out of plane with respect to each other. Referring to FIG. 5, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) are aligned in plane with respect to each other.

[0035] Additionally, although the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 shows four rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d), fewer or more sensors may exist. For example, only two sensors may be used, or more than two force sensors may be used. Additional sensors may provide additional information such as orientation and / or velocity, as well as redundancy that reduces errors. However, using only two sensors allows the sensing element (142) to detect rotation of the stem (150) without additional components, which can reduce the cost and manufacturing complexity of the wearable device (100).

[0036] However, in other embodiments, the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) may detect parameters other than magnetic fields. For example, the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) may be optical sensors (e.g., image or light sensors), capacitive sensors, electrical contacts, etc. In these embodiments, the number, orientation, position, and size of the rotation sensors may be changed as desired.

[0037] The switch sensor (160) includes an electrical contact element (168), a collapsible dome (214), and a tip (158). The electrical contact element (168) interacts with a contact element on the floor (170) to indicate when the switch sensor (160) is activated. For example, when the contact element (168) contacts the floor (170), a circuit may be completed, a signal may be activated or generated, etc. The dome (214) is an elastic and flexible material that folds or bends according to a predetermined force level. The dome (214) may be a thin metal dome, a plastic dome, or other dome that can be constructed from other materials. The dome (214) may generate an opposing force as well as an audible sound in response to the folding force applied by the user. The audible sound and opposing force provide feedback to the user when the user compresses the dome (214). The tip (158) is connected to the dome (214), and the tip (158) is configured to fold the dome (214) when force is applied to the tip (158).

[0038] Although the switch sensor (160) is illustrated as a tactile switch in FIGS. 3 and 5, many other sensors are being envisioned. For example, the switch sensor (160) may be a magnetic sensor, a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. In a particular example, the switch sensor (160) may be a capacitive sensor and may detect a change in capacitance when the button (110) is pressed by a user and the stem (150) moves closer to the sensor (160). As such, any discussion regarding any particular embodiment is considered merely illustrative.

[0039] It should be noted that the sensing element (142), comprising rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and a switch sensor (160), may be an integral sensing component or package that can be installed within the hub (102) as a single component. Alternatively, the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) and the switch sensors (160) may be separate components that can be installed as separate components and may include their own seals, substrates, etc. Furthermore, the wearable electronic device (100) may include only a single sensor, such as a rotation sensor or a switch sensor.

[0040] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 5, the sensing element (142) is surrounded by a seal (144). The seal (144), which may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a heat-activated film, silicone, or other sealing material, is located around the periphery of the compartment (212). For example, the seal (144) may be a rectangular element extending around the periphery of the compartment (212) and the seal member. The seal (144) forms an opening that allows the rotary sensors and the switch sensor to communicate with the traceable element (146) and the stem (150). A membrane (156) or flexible seal extends across the opening and is positioned over the sensing element (142). The membrane (156) works in conjunction with the seal (144) to prevent water, debris, and other elements from reaching the sensing element (142). For example, water and other elements may pass through the button hole (172) within the enclosure (114), but due to the membrane, the seal (144) cannot reach the sensing element (142) and other internal components of the wearable electronic device (100). As another example, in some embodiments, the button (110) may be removable, and the seal (144) and the membrane (156) prevent water and other elements from damaging the sensing element (142) and / or other internal components of the wearable device (100) while the crown or button is being removed.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 5, the tip portion (158) of the switch sensor (160) may be positioned over a membrane (156), whereby a sealing ring (216) seals the membrane (156) against the side walls of the tip portion (158). In these embodiments, the membrane (156) may be flexible and allow the tip portion (158) to move vertically without tearing or otherwise damaging the seal of the membrane.

[0042] The operation of the input button (110) will now be discussed in greater detail. Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, to provide a first input to the wearable input device (100), the user applies a pressure (F) to the head (148) of the crown or button (110). As the force (F) is applied to the head (148), the head and stem (150) move laterally along the length of the button hole (172) in the direction of the force (F) toward the internal cavity (139) formed by the enclosure (114). As the stem (150) moves into the cavity (139), the lower end of the stem (150), in some cases, the traceable element (146), transmits at least a portion of the force (F) to the leading end (158).

[0043] In response to a force (F) on the leading edge (158), the dome (214) is folded to move the contact portion (168) to communicate with a contact portion (not shown) on the floor (170). As the dome (214) is folded, feedback is provided to the user (e.g., through the audible sound of the folding dome or through the mechanical feel of the folding dome). As the contact portion (168) registers the input, a signal is generated and transmitted to the processing element (124). Subsequently, the processing element (124) uses the signal to register the user input. It should be noted that in embodiments where the switch sensor (160) is positioned off-axis from the stem (150) (discussed in more detail below), the force (F) may be inclined as illustrated as an angled force (AF). This angular force (AF) can be registered as a second user input in addition to the on-axis force (F).

[0044] In some embodiments, the button hole may be large enough so that the switch sensor (120) can be activated by an angular force (AF), even if the switch sensor is located below the stem (150) as shown in FIG. 4. In other words, an angular force (AF) or other out-of-axis force can activate the input button (110) when the frictional coupling between the stem (150) and the sidewall of the button hole (172) is insufficient to resist the angular force (AF). As the angle increases, the frictional force acting on the stem increases, and by changing the size of the stem and / or the button hole, a predetermined angle range for which an angular force (AF) can activate the switch can be selected. For example, a maximum angle of input force can be selected, and if the force is less than that angle, the angular force can activate the switch (120), and if the angular force is greater than the maximum angle, the input button may not be activated. For example, a force applied to the input button at an angle of up to 30 degrees or 45 degrees may be able to activate the switch sensor (120).

[0045] Additionally, the input button (110) can register rotation inputs. For example, when a user applies rotational force (R) to the head (148), the head (148) and the stem (150) rotate. As the stem (150) rotates, the traceable element (146) rotates in response. Rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) track the movement of the traceable element (146) and generate signals transmitted to the processing element (124), which can use the signals to determine the rotational speed and direction.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, in an embodiment where the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) are Hall effect sensors and the traceable element (146) is a magnet, the sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) can determine rotation using a change in the magnetic field. Referring to FIG. 5, as the stem (150) rotates due to a rotational force (R) (see FIG. 1), the traceable element (146) rotates along the axis of rotation with it. As the traceable element (146) rotates, two poles (182, 184) rotate above (or near) each of the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) to cause the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) to detect a change in the magnetic field.

[0047] Changes in the magnetic field can be used by the processing element (124) to determine the rotational speed and direction of the traceable element (146) (and, accordingly, the stem (150)). In this way, the user can apply a rotational input to the button (110) that can be detected by the sensing element (142). It should be noted that in some embodiments, the speed and / or direction of the user input may be used to activate different applications and / or may be provided as separate input types of the processing element (124). For example, rotation in a first direction at a first speed may be correlated with a first type of input, rotation in a second direction at a second speed may be correlated with a second input, and rotation in a first direction at a second speed may be a third input. In this way, multiple user inputs may be detectable through the crown of the wearable input device (100).

[0048] As described above, in some embodiments, the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) may be Hall effect sensors that change their output signal in response to changes in the magnetic field, for example, as the traceable element (146) changes the orientation of each of the sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d). In these embodiments, the rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) typically draw current from the power source (122) when activated. Accordingly, the sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) may draw power at a constant rate when searching for user input for the input button (110).

[0049] However, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to reduce the power consumption of the wearable electronic device (100). For example, it may be desirable for the power source (122) to provide power to the device (100) for several days without recharging. In these embodiments, the sensing element (142) may include an inductor near the traceable element (146) or another magnetic element attached to the crown. The inductor will generate a current when the traceable element (146) moves (e.g., due to user input to the input button (110)). The induced current may be used as a wake or interrupt signal for the sensing element (142). Subsequently, the sensing element (142) may activate rotation sensors (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) to allow for better rotation detection regarding the position of the stem (150).

[0050] In the above embodiment, the wearable input device (100) can detect user inputs during zero power or low power sleep mode. Accordingly, the lifespan of the power source (122) can be improved without reducing the functionality of the device (100). Furthermore, the induced current could be used to obtain measurements of the direction and / or rotational speed when the traceable element (146) is moved. For example, the direction of the current and the voltage induced by the inductor can be used to determine the direction and speed of rotation.

[0051] In another embodiment, the sensing element (142) may include a magnet or magnetic element as a traceable element (146), and the rotation sensor may include an inductor. In this example, as the magnet moves relative to the inductor, a current is generated within the inductor, which could be used to determine the rotational speed and / or velocity as described above. In this way, the sensing element (142) may not require much power, if any, while still tracking user inputs to the input button (110) or crown.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 3, the switch sensor (160) is shown positioned axially with the stem (150) of the input button (110). However, in other embodiments, the switch sensor (160) may be positioned perpendicular to the stem (150) and / or otherwise inclined relative to the stem (150). In these embodiments, the switch sensor (160) can detect out-of-axis movement, such as a user pressing the head (148) downward at a 45-degree angle. For example, the switch sensor (160) may be positioned within the button hole (172) and / or adjacent to the opening of the button hole (172) into the enclosure (114), and can track movement of the stem (150) vertically within the button hole (172) (with respect to FIG. 3).

[0053] In another embodiment, the wearable device (100) may include both axial and off-axial switch sensors to detect various types of user inputs. For example, a user may press the upper end of the head (148) to force the stem (150) inward toward the enclosure (114), which may be registered by the axial switch. As another example, the user may press the head (148) downward at a predetermined angle toward the button hole (172). The stem (150) may be pressed toward the inner wall of the button hole (172) (where the switch sensor may be located) so that the switch sensor also detects the movement. In this example, a button click may be activated by pressing the crown vertically downward and / or at a predetermined angle. Alternatively, the switch sensor (160) may be activated via a pivot point. In other words, the input to the crown or input button (110) may be axial, out-of-axis, perpendicular to the rotational direction, and / or a combination of different input types.

[0054] In some embodiments, the wearable electronic device (100) may include components that can be used to hold an input button within a button hole (172). FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate cross-sectional views of examples of holding components for an input button. Referring first to FIG. 6, in a first example, the wearable electronic device (100) may include a clip (143) connected to a lower end of a stem (150). For example, the clip (143) may be a C-clip received around a portion of the stem (150). In this example, the clip (143) allows the stem (150) to rotate within the button hole (172) but prevents the stem (150) from being removed from the button hole (712). The clip (143) has a larger diameter than the button hole (172) so as to prevent the input button (110) from being removed from the button hole (172), or it can be fixed to the enclosure (114) in a way that prevents the input button from being removed.

[0055] The stem (150) may also include a groove or other detent for receiving a retaining element (143). In this example, the retaining element (143) is clip-secured in place and fixed to the stem (150). As another example, the retaining element (143) may be a bearing, such as a ball bearing, received around the outer surface of the stem. In this embodiment, the bearing may have a low-friction connection to the stem (150) to allow the stem (150) to rotate, but may also have an increased diameter relative to the stem (150), which helps the stem to be fixed in place relative to the enclosure.

[0056] In some embodiments, the traceable element (146) may also serve as a holding element for the input button (110). For example, the clip (143) in FIG. 6 may be a diametric magnet detectable by the sensing element (142). In another example, referring to FIG. 7, the holding element may be a holding magnet (145). In this example, the holding magnet (145) may be formed integrally with the stem (150) or connected to its lower end. The holding magnet (145) may have a diameter that is virtually the same as the diameter of the stem (150), which allows the input button (110) to be inserted into the button hole (172) together with the holding magnet (145) connected thereto. In this embodiment, the traceable element (146) is a second magnet located within the cavity (139) formed by the enclosure (114). The traceable element (146) has a polarization opposite to that of the holding magnet on at least one side that interacts with the holding magnet (145). For example, the holding magnet (145) may be a plate having magnetic properties, such as a steel plate or a metal plate, a ferromagnetic material, etc., but is not limited to these. In this way, the traceable element (146) and the holding magnet (145) may experience an attractive force toward each other.

[0057] In some embodiments, the traceable element (146) may be separated from the retaining magnet (145) by a predetermined gap. In these embodiments, the gap may be of sufficient dimensions so that the retaining magnet (145) can interact with the traceable element (146) and move the traceable element (146) together with it. Alternatively, the traceable element (146) may be positioned against one surface of the retaining magnet (145).

[0058] Due to changing polarizations, the traceable element (146) attracts the retaining magnet (145) to pull the input button (110) into the cavity (139). The traceable element (146) may have a diameter configured to hold the button (110) within the button hole (172). For example, the traceable element (146) may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the button hole (172) and larger than the diameter of the retaining magnet (145). In these embodiments, the attraction between the retaining magnet and the traceable element may hold the two elements together and prevent the stem (150) from being pulled through the button hole, at least because the diameter of the traceable element may be larger than the button hole.

[0059] In some embodiments, the traceable element (146) may also be detectable by the sensing element (142). For example, because the traceable element (146) may be configured to hold the stem (150) within the button hole (172), the larger diameter of the traceable element (146) compared to the traceable element shown in FIG. 3 (which may have a diameter approximately equal to that of the stem) may allow the sensing element (142) to more easily track the movement of the traceable element (142). That is, the traceable element in this example has a larger surface area that can be tracked by the sensing element (142), so that the sensing element (142) may more easily detect its movement.

[0060] Referring again to FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the traceable element (146) rotates together with the retaining magnet (145). For example, as the stem rotates, the retaining magnet (145) connected to the stem (150) rotates. In this example, due to the magnetic force between the traceable element (146) and the retaining magnet (145), the traceable element (146) rotates together with the stem (150). In these embodiments, the retaining magnet (145) may act to hold the stem (150) to the traceable element (146), and due to the increased size of the traceable element (146) relative to the retaining magnet (145), the traceable element (146) holds the button (110) within the button hole (172). Subsequently, the traceable element (146) interacts with the sensing element (142) to enable user inputs for the input button (110) to be detected.

[0061] The retaining elements illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 are considered merely exemplary. Many other types of retaining elements that can be used to connect the input button to the enclosure (114), such as flanges, fasteners (e.g., screws), etc., are being conceived. In an embodiment where the input button includes retaining elements, the input button may have a better "feel" to the user because it may feel less "squishy," which could impair the user experience. Additionally, the retaining elements (143, 145) help to reduce the inflow of water, fluids, and other residues into the cavity (139) through the button hole (172). In other words, because the input button (110) can be firmly connected to the enclosure (114), certain elements can be blocked by the button or retaining members and prevented from flowing into the cavity (139) through the button hole (172). Furthermore, the retaining elements can help prevent the input button from being disconnected from the electronic device.

[0062] In some embodiments, the sensing element may be spatially separated from the traceable element and / or positioned out of continuity with the movement of the stem. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device comprising two sensing elements positioned within a cavity of an enclosure. Referring to FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the sensing element (342) may include a first magnetometer (348) and a second magnetometer (350). Each magnetometer (348, 350) is configured to detect magnetic fields and, optionally, the direction of any detected magnetic field. As one example, each magnetometer (348, 350) may include three Hall effect sensors, each of which can be used to detect a specific magnetic field vector. In other words, each Hall effect sensor within the magnetometers (348, 350) may be configured to measure components in at least one direction, e.g., X, Y, and Z directions. In this example, each Hall effect sensor can be oriented perpendicularly to the other Hall effect sensors. The magnetic field vectors detected by each Hall effect sensor can be combined to determine the total vector length and / or direction for one or more magnetic fields.

[0063] The magnetometers (348, 350) may be connected to a substrate (366), an inner wall of the enclosure (114), or other supporting structures. Optionally, a shielding element (368) may be positioned around at least part of the magnetometers (348, 350). For example, in one embodiment, both magnetometers (348, 350) may be positioned below the display (116), and the shielding element (368) may reduce interference and noise between the sensing element (342) and the display (116). However, in other embodiments, the shielding element (368) may be omitted or configured differently.

[0064] Referring again to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, two magnetometers (348, 350) may be spaced apart from each other by a distance D. The distance D may be used to determine user input to the input button (310), and in particular, the movement of the traceable element (142). In some embodiments, the distance D may be selected so that the magnetometers (348, 350) can detect the movement of the traceable element (146) as well as the Earth's magnetic field, which allows the magnetometers to be used as a compass. In other words, the distance D may be small enough so that the Earth's magnetic field is experienced in virtually the same way by both magnetometers, but large enough so that the movement of the traceable element is experienced differently by each magnetometer.

[0065] In operation, a sensing element (342) including magnetometers (348, 350) detects changes in the local magnetic field due to the changing position of the traceable element (146). That is, as the user rotates the input button (310) or otherwise provides input thereto, the traceable element (146) changes its position relative to the sensing element (342), thereby causing a change in at least one component of the magnetic field. In an embodiment where the traceable element (146) includes a magnetic component, changing the position of the traceable element (146) relative to the magnetometers (348, 350) enables the magnetometers to detect changes in the magnetic field. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the distance D between the two magnetometers (348, 350) is known, and accordingly, the delta or difference between the signals of the two magnetometers (348, 350) can be determined. Subsequently, these deltas can be used to determine the location of the traceable element (146). In particular, signals from each magnetometer can be processed using a known distance D, and then the signals can be correlated with user input.

[0066] In some embodiments, two magnetometers (348, 350) may be configured to detect not only the magnitude but also the direction of the magnetic field of the traceable element (146). In this way, a processing element (124) communicating with the sensing element (342) may determine the direction, speed, and distance of user input to the input button (310), for example, the rotation of the input button, all of which may be correlated with different parameters of user input to the button.

[0067] In cases where magnetometers within the electronic device can detect both the rotation of the input button and external magnetic fields, such as the Earth's magnetic field, the encoder for the input button can be simultaneously used for the compass function for the electronic device (100). This allows the user to provide input via the input button (310) while simultaneously displaying a compass output (e.g., an arrow pointing north) on the display (116).

[0068] In some embodiments, the sensing element (342) may be calibrated to avoid detecting magnetic fields that may be part of the wearable electronic device (100) or components that may interact with it. For example, in some cases, a charging cable including a magnetic attachment mechanism may be used with the electronic device. In this example, the magnetic field of the charging cable may be calibrated outside the sensing element (342) so as not to affect the ability of the sensing element (342) to detect the traceable element (146).

[0069] Referring again to FIG. 8, although the sensing element (342) of the input button (310) has been described as comprising two magnetometers (348, 350), in some embodiments, the sensing element (342) may comprise a single magnetometer. By comprising a single magnetometer, the sensing element (342) may comprise fewer components and thus be less expensive to implement. However, in these embodiments, a greater movement of the input button may be required for the sensing element (342) to detect user inputs, i.e., sensitivity may be reduced.

[0070] In some embodiments, the traceable element may detect orientation, acceleration, or other parameters that can be used to determine user input. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an input button having a traceable element configured to detect movement of a shaft. Referring to FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the input button (410) may be substantially similar to the input button (110), but the traceable element (446) may be a gyroscope or other element configured to detect changes in orientation or acceleration. In these embodiments, the traceable element may independently track the movement of the stem (150) relative to the enclosure (114). For example, the traceable element (446) is connected to the shaft (150), and as the user provides input to the button (410), the shaft rotates, and the traceable element (446) detects the direction and speed of the rotation.

[0071] The sensing element (442) of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 may include a shaft contact (458). The shaft contact (458) is electrically connected to a traceable element (446) and receives signals from it. For example, the shaft contact (458) may be a brush contact and may be rotatable so that the shaft contact (458) and the traceable element (446) may communicate electrically without substantially restricting the rotation or other movement of the shaft (150) (through the traceable element).

[0072] When operating, as the user rotates the shaft (150) by, for example, rotating the head (148), the traceable element (446) detects the rotation. In particular, the traceable element (446) experiences the rotation of the shaft (150) and detects the direction and speed of the rotation. Subsequently, the traceable element (446) generates an electrical signal that can be transmitted to the shaft contact portion (458). For example, the shaft contact portion (458) brushes against the traceable element (446) as the traceable element (446) spins together with the shaft (150) and detects the signal generated by the traceable element (446).

[0073] The shaft contact portion (458) and the sensing element (442) provide a signal from the traceable element (446) to the processing element (142). Subsequently, the processing element (142) can compare the signal detected by the traceable element (446) with a rotation signal detected by one or more of the sensors (126) within the electronic device (100). For example, the processing element (142) can subtract the signal from the traceable element (446) from the signal from the gyroscope sensor connected to another element separated from the enclosure, the logic board substrate (166), or the input button (410). In this way, the processing element (124) can determine the rotation and other movement of the stem (150) separate from the rotational movement of the electronic device (100). For example, the wearable electronic device (100) may be moved while worn on the user's wrist, and if the reading from the device (100) as a whole is not subtracted from the traceable element reading, the user input may be miscalculated. However, in some cases, the rotation experienced by the traceable element (446) may be sufficiently larger than the rotation experienced by the wearable device (100), and the processing element (124) may not need to subtract the data of the sensor (126) from the data detected by the traceable element (446) to determine the user input for the button (410).

[0074] In another example, the sensing element may detect features formed on or otherwise connected thereto of the shaft of the button. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a wearable device including another example of a sensing element and a traceable element. Referring to FIG. 10, the input button (510) may include a head (548) and a shaft (550) extending from the head. The input button (510) may be substantially similar to the input button (110), but the traceable element (546) may be formed around a portion of the shaft (550). For example, the traceable element (546) may be a series of notches, ridges, or other detectable markings (e.g., paint, colors, etc.), or other features. The traceable element (546) may be formed integrally with the shaft (550), such as grooves or ridges formed during a manufacturing / molding process, or may be a separate element connected to the shaft. In some embodiments, the traceable element (546) may extend a portion of the circumference of the lower end of the outer surface of the shaft (550), or the traceable element (546) may extend the entire circumference of the outer surface of the shaft (550).

[0075] Referring again to FIG. 10, in this example, the sensing element (542) may be connected to the enclosure (114) and positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the shaft (550) and the traceable element (546). For example, the sensing element (542) may be positioned parallel to the portion of the shaft (550) extending into the cavity (139) and anchored to the enclosure (114) surrounding the button hole (172). In some embodiments, the sensing element (542) may surround the entire shaft (550) of the input button, and in other embodiments, the sensing element (542) may surround only portions of the shaft (e.g., located on opposite sides).

[0076] The sensing element (542) is configured to detect movement of the shaft (550) by detecting the traceable element (546). As one example, the traceable element (546) may be a magnetic element, and the sensing element (542) may be a Hall effect sensor. As a second example, the traceable element may be a colored marking, and the sensing element (542) may be an optical sensor. As a third example, the traceable element (546) may be a metal element or other capacitive sensing element, and the sensing element (542) may be a capacitive sensor. As a fourth example, the traceable element (546) may be a ridge or extension connected to the shaft, and the sensing element (542) may be a mechanical contact that is compressed or otherwise selected when the ridge passes over it. In this example, the mechanical contact may also be a gear or other keyed element that engages with the traceable element (546). In particular, the traceable element (546) may be a corresponding gear or tooth that engages with a mechanical element on the enclosure (114). As the stem (550) rotates, the traceable element (546) rotates so that the gears or tooth engage with the gears / tooth of the enclosure (114), which may allow the sensing element to determine the movement of the stem (550).

[0077] Referring to FIG. 10, during operation, the user rotates the head (548) or provides a push input thereon, and the stem (550) moves in response. As the stem (550) moves, the traceable element (546) rotates, translates, or otherwise moves relative to the sensing element (542). The sensing element (542) provides a signal to the processing element (or causes another element connected thereto to provide a signal) to register user input for the input button (510).

[0078] In some embodiments, the input button may include an electrical connection between the stem and the enclosure. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an input button including an electrical connection between the enclosure and internal components of a wearable device and the input button. The input button (610) may be substantially similar to the input button (110), but may include a direct electrical connection between the stem of the input button and a sensing element. Referring to FIG. 11, the input button (610) may include a sensing element (642) that is connected to the enclosure (114) and positioned over a hole that accommodates the stem (650). The sensing element (642) may be an electrical contact or pad connected to the inner sidewall (171) of the button hole (172). The sensing element (642) may communicate with the sensing element (124) via one or more connections (not shown) or wirelessly. As another example, the sensing element may be an optical sensor that detects light from the sidewall of the shaft (which does not need to be in the visible spectrum). The shaft may be patterned, colored, or otherwise marked so that rotation of the shaft changes the light received by the sensing element, thereby enabling the sensing element to detect rotation and / or translational motion of the shaft.

[0079] In this embodiment, the traceable element (646) may be a mechanical brush positioned on the stem (650). For example, the traceable element (646) may include a brush element (643) positioned on the outer surface of the stem (650) at a predetermined location. Alternatively, the brush element (643) may be positioned around the entire periphery of the outer surface of the stem (650). The traceable element (646) may be one or more conductive elements that interact with the sensing element (642). For example, the brush element (643) may be a copper bristle that electrically interacts with the sensing element (642).

[0080] Referring again to FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the traceable element (646) may electrically communicate with an input sensor or crown sensor (630) connected to the button. The crown sensor (630) may be located within the head (648) and / or stem (650) of the input button (610). The crown sensor (630) may be virtually any type of sensor, such as a microphone, speaker, capacitive sensor, optical sensor, biometric sensor, etc., but is not limited to these. The crown sensor (630) may be located virtually anywhere on the head (648) and / or stem (650), and there may be two or more crown sensors (630) each connected to a location within the input button (610).

[0081] During operation, the stem (650) is rotated as the user provides an input, such as rotational force, to the head (648). As the stem (650) rotates, the traceable element (646) comes into contact with the sensing element (642). In particular, the brush element (643) comes into direct contact with the sensing element (642) intermittently or continuously to create an electrical connection between the traceable element (646) and the sensing element (642). Subsequently, the sensing element (642) generates an input signal corresponding to the detected movement and provides this input signal to the processing element. In some embodiments, the sensing element (642) can detect the rotational speed and / or number of rotations of the stem (650) based on the number of contacts created between the brush element (643) and the sensing element (642).

[0082] In an embodiment where the input button (610) includes a crown sensor (630), the traceable element (646) may transmit one or more signals from the crown sensor (630) to a sensing element (642) or another component (e.g., a processing element) communicating with the sensing element (642). As one example, the crown sensor (630) may be a biometric sensor that detects a user's heartbeat and / or regularity, and may provide the data to a processing element within the enclosure (114) via the sensing element and the traceable element. As another example, the crown sensor (630) may be a microphone, and the traceable element (646) and the sensing element (642) may be used to pull data from the microphone onto the head (648) (or other location) and provide the data to the processing element (124).

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, the sensing element (642) may transmit power to the traceable element and the crown sensor (630). For example, when the brush element (643) comes into contact with the sensing element (646), the sensing element (646) may transmit current through its connection. The current transmitted between the sensing element (642) and the traceable element (646) may be used to provide power to the crown sensor (630) as well as to any other component (e.g., a display) connected to the input button (610) and separated from the cavity of the enclosure.

[0084] In some embodiments, the input button may detect user input through one or more sensors located on the head of the button. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an input button including an input sensor. Referring to FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the input button (710) may be substantially similar to the input button (110), but may include an input sensor (730) connected to or formed on the head (748) of the button (710). The input sensor (730) may be similar to a crown sensor (630) and may be configured to detect one or more characteristics that can be used to detect user input. As some examples, the input sensor (730) may include one or more capacitive sensors, optical sensors, resistive sensors, etc. The input sensor (730) may determine when the user places his or her finger on the head (648) and when the user moves his or her finger along a part of the head (648) (e.g., the outer periphery of the head). In one embodiment, the input sensor (730) may include a plurality of sensing elements located around the side walls forming the head (748), which may be configured to detect when a user slides his or her finger around the head (748).

[0085] The input sensor can receive power in a manner similar to a crown sensor or can be connected to a power source located with the enclosure. For example, the input sensor can be connected to a power source within the enclosure via one or more wires, or it can be inductively coupled to the power source to receive power wirelessly.

[0086] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the input button (710), and in particular the stem (750) and the head (748), may be prevented from rotating. That is to say, the input button (710) may translate laterally with respect to the button hole (172), but cannot rotate within the button hole (172). In these embodiments, a user may provide rotational input to the wearable device by rotating his or her finger around the head (648) (or other areas of the input button), and the input sensor (710) detects the movement of the finger around the head and provides the input to a processing element. In the embodiment where the input button (710) translates laterally within the button hole (172), the stem (750) may be pressed against the switch sensor (160) by the user to detect user input. For example, the user can apply lateral force to the input button by applying pressure to the surface of the head (748), so that the bottom surface (745) of the stem (750) is pressed against the tip (158) of the switch sensor (160), thereby allowing the switch sensor (160) to register the user input.

[0087] In some embodiments, the input button (710) may be fixed to the enclosure (114) or formed integrally with it. In these embodiments, the input sensor (730) may detect "button press" inputs. That is, the input sensor (730) may detect a user input force (F) applied parallel to the stem (750) or other inputs where the user provides a lateral force to the input button. In this example, as the user presses his or her finger against the face (747) of the head (748), the user's finger may extend when engaging with the face (747) or conform to the shape of the face (748). As the force increases, the user's finger may interact with more sensing elements (731) of the input sensor (730), which may be correlated with the user input force (F) by the processing element (124). For example, the sensing elements (731) may be optical sensors and the user's finger may cover more sensing elements (731) as the force (F) increases, or the sensing elements (731) may be capacitive sensors and the user's finger may interact with more capacitive sensors as the force increases. In these embodiments, the sensing elements (731) may be positioned along the side walls of the head (748) as well as the surface (747), and may be positioned in a predetermined pattern such as a row or a circle, or may be positioned randomly.

[0088] In some embodiments, the tactile switch located within the enclosure may be located within the side wall of the enclosure surrounding the input button. These embodiments may allow non-lateral forces, such as a force applied perpendicular to the stem, to register user input as well as to provide tactile sensation to the user. FIG. 13a is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an input button including a switch sensor located parallel to the stem. FIG. 13b is a cross-sectional view of the input button illustrated in FIG. 13a with a predetermined force applied to the head. Referring initially to FIG. 13a, in this embodiment, the button assembly may include an input button (810) located within an enclosure (814). The enclosure (814) may be substantially similar to the enclosure (114) but may include a switch cavity (816) formed inside. The switch cavity (860) may be formed as an extension or pocket of the button hole (872). For example, on the first surface of the button hole (872), the side wall (858) forming the button hole (872) may be extended outwardly to form a switch side wall (860) forming a switch cavity (860). In these embodiments, the switch cavity (860) may be opened into the device cavity (812) formed by the display (116) and the enclosure (814). In this way, the switch cavity (860) may be formed as a recess within the inner wall (868) of the enclosure (814). However, in other embodiments, the switch cavity may be at least partially enclosed (e.g., see FIG. 14).

[0089] Referring again to FIG. 13a, the input button (810) comprises a head (848) having a front face (847) and a stem (850) extending from the bottom surface of the head (848). The head (848) may form a flange for the end of the stem (850) and may also include a side wall (845). The stem (850) may include an annular recess (852) formed around its outer surface. The annular recess (852) may be formed in the middle portion of the stem, toward the end of the stem (850), or otherwise as desired. A sealing element (154) may be received within the annular recess (852). The sealing element (154) may be a compressible element, such as an O-ring or a sealing cup, as discussed above.

[0090] The traceable element (146) may be connected to the bottom of the stem (850) and may communicate with the sensing element (142). The sensing element (142) is configured to detect movement or rotation of the traceable element (146) to determine user input to the input button (810). In some embodiments, the sensing element (142) may be aligned with the stem (850) and the button hole (872) and may be positioned adjacent to the bottom end of the stem. The sensing element (142) may be supported by a substrate (866).

[0091] The button assembly illustrated in FIG. 13a may also include a switch sensor (160). The switch sensor (160) includes a dome (214) and a substrate (166), as described in FIG. 3. However, in this embodiment, the switch sensor (160) or at least a part thereof is housed within a switch enclosure (860). In particular, the switch sensor (160) may be connected to the switch sidewall (860) but may extend partially into the cavity (812). In this way, the switch sensor (160) may be connected to the substrate (866) to support the substrate (866) and the sensing element (142) within the cavity (812). The switch sensor (160) and the switch cavity (816) may be configured so that the leading edge (158) of the dome (214) is positioned adjacent to the outer sidewall (851) of the stem (850). In some embodiments, the tip (158) may even be positioned against the outer side wall (851) of the stem (850). The distance between the tip (158) and the side wall (851) may determine the amount of force applied to the head (848) to activate the switch sensor (160). For example, the greater the distance, the greater the force required to activate the switch sensor.

[0092] During operation, the user may rotate the head (848), which allows the stem (850) to rotate accordingly. As described in more detail above with respect to FIG. 3, the sensing element (142) determines the rotation of the stem (850) by tracking the rotation of the traceable element (146). For example, the traceable element (146) may be a magnetic element, and the sensing element (142) may be a Hall effect sensor or another magnetic sensor capable of detecting the movement of the traceable element. In other embodiments, the traceable element and the sensing element may be configured differently to detect user input to the stem.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 13b, when a user applies an inclined force (F) to the side wall (845) of the head (848) with respect to the button hole (872), the head (848) may be deflected downward with respect to the button hole (872). Although the stem (850) is depicted in FIG. 13b as impacting or deflecting the enclosure (814), it should be understood that the deflection of the stem may be exaggerated for clarity. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a portion of the enclosure may be deformable, or a chamfer or other space may be formed in the enclosure to cause the stem to be deflected at an angle as depicted. That is, the head (848) may be deflected in the direction of the applied force (F) and may move vertically in a first direction (D1) with respect to the button hole (872). As the head (848) moves downward, the stem (850) can compress the bottom of the sealing element (154) and pivot at the pivot point (854). Subsequently, the bottom end (853) of the stem (850) and the traceable element (146) move upward in a second direction (D2) toward the sensor sidewall (860) of the sensor cavity (816). The movement of the bottom end (853) of the stem (850) in the second direction (D2) causes the sidewall (858) of the stem (850) to compress the leading end (158), thereby folding the dome (214). As the dome is folded, the switch sensor (160) registers an input, and the dome provides feedback to the user regarding the activation of the switch sensor (160).

[0094] In some embodiments, the middle portion of the stem may activate the switch sensor. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another example of the button (810) illustrated in FIG. 13a. Referring to FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the switch cavity (816) may be formed toward the outside of the enclosure (814) and may be aligned with the middle portion of the stem rather than the bottom end of the stem. Additionally, the sealing cavity (816) may be partially enclosed from the cavity (812) when the stem (850) is received into the button hole (872). In other words, the stem (850) may form a lid or cover for the switch cavity (816).

[0095] Additionally, an annular recess (852) may be formed toward the lower end of the stem (850). In particular, when the stem (850) is positioned within the button hole (872), the sealing member (154) may be positioned between the cavity (812) and the sealing cavity (816).

[0096] Referring further to FIG. 14, a sensing seal (835) may be positioned around the traceable element (146) and the button hole (872). In this way, the sensing seal (835) can substantially seal the cavity (812) from the button hole (872) to prevent fluid, residue, etc. from entering the cavity (812) from the button hole (872). Depending on the type of the sensing element (142) and the traceable element (146), the sensing seal (835) may be positioned between the traceable element (146) and the sensing element (142). However, in other embodiments, the sensing seal (835) may be positioned around both the sensing element and the traceable element.

[0097] When operating, referring to FIG. 14, as the user applies a force (F) to the side wall (845) of the head (848), the head (848) can move in a first direction (D1) corresponding to the direction of the input force (F). Although the rear end (853) of the stem (850) can move upward, the middle part or belly of the stem (850) can move in the direction (D1) together with the head (848) due to a pivot point (854) positioned toward the rear end (853) of the stem (850). In other words, as the pivot point (854) is positioned toward the end (853) of the stem (850), the middle part of the stem (850) moves in the same direction (D1) as the force (F). The compressibility of the sealing member (154) provides a pivot point for the stem (850), allowing the stem (850) to move within the constraint of the button hole (872) to activate the switch sensor (160).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 13b and FIG. 14, depending on the position of the pivot point (854), which can be determined by the position of the sealing member (154), the switch sensor (160) can be positioned at a plurality of different positions relative to the stem (850) and can be activated by a force applied in various directions. As such, the position of the switch sensor can be changed as needed.

[0099] Generally, the sensor may output a signal in response to movement of the stem (850) and / or head. The signal may vary depending on the type of movement. For example, rotational movement may cause a first signal output, while lateral movement may cause a second signal output and angular movement may cause a third signal output. The processor may receive the signal or data based on the signal, use the signal (or related data) to determine the input type, and, if appropriate, execute or initiate an action based on the input type. Furthermore, in some embodiments, different sensors may detect different types of movement, allowing multiple sensors to be used to detect multiple movements.

[0100] In some embodiments, the button assembly may additionally include a motor coupled to the input button, which can not only provide feedback to the user but also detect user input to the button. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an input button including a motor. Referring to FIG. 15, the input button (810) may be substantially similar to the input button (810) illustrated in FIG. 13a, but may include a motor (880) attached to a stem (850). The motor (880) includes a drive shaft (882) and is configured to detect the movement of the traceable element (846) as well as to cause the movement of the traceable element through the movement of the drive shaft (882). The motor (880) may be, for example, a rotary or linear vibration motor coupled to the stem (850). The drive shaft (882) is coupled to the stem (850) through the traceable element (846). For example, the traceable element can be fixed to the bottom surface of the stem (850) and then connected to the drive shaft (882).

[0101] In the first mode, the motor (880) can act as a sensing element and detect user rotation input for the input button (810). In an embodiment where the motor (880) is a rotary motor, as the user provides a rotation input (R) to the head (848), the head (848) and the stem (850) can rotate in response. As the stem (850) rotates, the traceable element (846) rotates to rotate the drive shaft (882). As the drive shaft (882) rotates, the motor (880) detects the movement and provides a signal to the processing element (124). In an embodiment where the motor (880) is a linear motor, as the user provides a linear input (L) to the head (848) by, for example, pressing the head (848) laterally toward the enclosure (814), the stem (850) moves laterally within the button hole (872) and the traceable element (846) moves the drive shaft (882) laterally. The lateral movement of the drive shaft (882) can be detected by the motor (880), and the motor generates a signal provided to the processing element (124).

[0102] In a second mode, the motor (880) can be used to provide feedback to the user. For example, if the motor (880) is a rotary motor, the drive shaft (882) can rotate the traceable element (846), which then rotates the stem (850) and the head (848). The rotational movement of the head (848) can be used to provide the user with a visual as well as a tactile indication (when the user is touching the head (848)) in relation to the selection of a specific input, the state of the device, or other parameters for which feedback may be required. In an embodiment where the motor (880) is a linear motor, the drive shaft (882) can move the stem (850) linearly within the button hole (872) to provide feedback to the user.

[0103] Additionally, the motor (880) may be used to provide dynamic feedback to the user. For example, the motor (880) may be configured to rotate or otherwise move the stem (850) used to provide a "tick" or detent sensation without requiring a mechanical detent. As an example, the user may rotate the input button (810) to scroll through a list of selectable items presented on the display (116). As the user moves past the selectable items, the motor (880) may move the stem (850) to provide a click or tick sensation. Additionally, the motor (880) may optionally increase or decrease the force required to rotate or move the input button. For example, the motor (880) may apply force in the opposite direction to the user's input force, and the user may need to overcome the force applied by the motor (880) to rotate the input button (810). As another example, the motor (880) may be used to provide a hard stop to limit the rotation of the head (848). The hard stop may be set to a specific rotation distance or based on a list of selectable items, presented items, etc. As in the feedback example, to provide a hard stop, the motor (880) applies a force on the stem (850) in the opposite direction of the user-applied force, and the force may be set so that the force is sufficiently large to prevent the user from overcoming the force, or the force may be set to indicate the position of the hard stop to the user. As yet another example, the motor (880) may provide "bounce back" or "rubber band" feedback for certain inputs.In this example, as the user reaches the end of the selectable list, the motor can rotate the stem (850) in the opposite direction of the user's applied force, which can cause the head (848) to rebound upside down from the end of the list presented on the display (116).

[0104] Additionally or alternatively, the wearable device may include a mechanical detent that can be used to provide feedback to the user as the user provides input to the input button (810). In this example, the mechanical detent may be formed on the inner sidewall of the button hole (872) and may provide feedback to the user and / or may be used as a stop to limit the rotation of the stem (850). The detent may be used with or separated from the motor (880).

[0105] In some embodiments, the motor (880) may include a clutch that selectively engages and disengages the stem (850) and the motor. In these embodiments, the motor (880) may be disengaged to allow the user to provide manual input without feedback, and then engaged to provide feedback, prevent user rotation of the stem (850), etc.

[0106] In some embodiments, the input button may include one or more sensors located within the head or other part of the input button—this part may be used to detect user input for the input button. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an input button including an input sensor connected to the head. Referring to FIG. 16, in this embodiment, the input button (910) may include a head (948) having a predetermined face (947) and a stem (950) extending from a rear portion of the head (948). The head (948) may form a sensor cavity (932) that accommodates an input sensor (930). The sensor cavity (932) may be configured to have dimensions approximately the same as the input sensor (930), or may be larger or smaller than the input sensor (930). In some embodiments, the sensor cavity (932) may include other components, such as a communication component or a processing element.

[0107] The input sensor (930) may be virtually any type of sensor capable of detecting one or more parameters. As some non-limiting examples, the sensor (930) may be a microphone, an accelerometer, or a gyroscope and may be used to detect user input to the head (948) and / or stem (950). As one example, the input sensor (930) may be an accelerometer, and as the user provides input such as a lateral or rotational force of the input button (910), the accelerometer may detect a change in acceleration, which may be used by the processing element (124) to determine the user input force to the button. Continuing with this example, if the user provides a "tap" or other input to the face (947) or other area of ​​the head (948), the accelerometer may be configured to detect movement caused by that force in order to detect the user input force.

[0108] In another example, the input sensor (930) may be a microphone. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an input button (910). In this example, one or more holes (945) may be formed across the surface (947) of the head (948). The holes (945) may be fluidly connected to the sensor cavity (932) so that sound waves may travel through the surface (947) and reach the sensor (930) located within the sensor cavity (930). In this example, the input sensor (930) may detect user input such as a tap, click, or pressure on the head (948) and may detect sounds generated by the combination of the user's finger and the head (948). In particular, as the user presses his or her finger against the head (948), the force may generate one or more sound waves that travel through the holes (945) within the surface (947) and reach the sensor (930). In these embodiments, the head (948) may form an input port for receiving user inputs and may or may not rotate. In other words, the head may be fixed in place, or may be allowed to rotate to provide haptic feedback and tactile sensations to the user as he or she provides input to the input button.

[0109] It should be noted that the head (948) illustrated in FIG. 17 has a plurality of holes formed through it, but in some embodiments, the holes may be omitted. For example, the head (948) may be made of a material that cannot attenuate sound waves, such as a material that can transmit sound waves through it. Additionally or alternatively, an input sensor (930) may be positioned on the surface (947), and the surface (947) may have a thickness thin enough to allow sound waves to travel through it.

[0110] Although it has been discussed that the input sensor (930) and the sensor cavity (932) are located within the head (948), in some embodiments, the input sensor and the sensor cavity may be located within the side walls of the head (948). In these embodiments, the side walls may include one or more holes to allow sound waves to travel through them.

[0111] The foregoing description has a wide range of applications. For example, while the examples disclosed herein may focus on wearable electronic devices, it should be understood that the concepts disclosed herein are equally applicable to virtually any other type of electronic device. Similarly, while an input button may be discussed in relation to a crown for a watch, the devices and technologies disclosed herein are equally applicable to other types of input button structures. Accordingly, the discussion of any embodiment is intended merely to be illustrative and is not intended to imply that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples.

Claims

Claim 1 A wearable electronic device comprising: an enclosure including a wall—the wall defines: an outer surface of the enclosure; an inner surface of the enclosure; and an opening extending through the wall from the outer surface to the inner surface—; a crown including a shaft positioned along the wall of the enclosure and extending through the opening; a sensing structure coupled to the inner surface of the enclosure and having a compartment—the sensing structure comprises: a switch coupled to the compartment and positioned at the end of the shaft—the switch is configured to detect a lateral input received at the crown—; and a rotation sensor coupled to the compartment and configured to detect a rotation input received at the crown—and the wearable electronic device responding to the rotation input and the lateral input. Claim 2 A wearable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the sensing structure comprises a substrate and the switch is coupled to the substrate. Claim 3 A wearable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation sensor comprises an optical sensing system configured to detect the rotation input at least partially based on light reflected from the surface of the crown that rotates in response to the rotation input. Claim 4 A wearable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a dome switch; and the lateral input causes the shaft to actuate the dome switch. Claim 5 A wearable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the crown further comprises a head coupled to the shaft, the head being positioned along the outer surface of the enclosure; and the wearable electronic device further comprises a biometric sensing system configured to detect biometric parameters based at least partially on a signal received from the head of the crown. Claim 6 A wearable electronic device, wherein the biometric parameter of claim 5 is heart rate. Claim 7 In claim 5, the wearable electronic device further comprises a processing element within the enclosure; and the signal is transmitted to the processing element through a path including the shaft, the wearable electronic device. Claim 8 The wearable electronic device according to claim 1 further comprises a touch-sensitive display configured to receive a touch input and provide a graphic output; the graphic output responds to the touch input, the rotation input, and the lateral input. Claim 9 A wearable electronic device comprising: an enclosure; a processing element positioned at least partially within the enclosure; a crown positioned along one surface of the enclosure and configured to receive rotational input and lateral input, wherein the crown comprises: a head; and a shaft coupled to the head and extending into the enclosure through a hole defined through the enclosure; and a sensing structure coupled to an inner surface of the enclosure, wherein the sensing structure comprises: a substrate; a switch coupled to the substrate and configured to detect the lateral input; and a rotation sensor configured to detect the rotational input. Claim 10 A wearable electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the rotation sensor comprises an optical sensing element configured to detect the rotation input at least partially based on light reflected from a component of the crown. Claim 11 In paragraph 10, the above component of the crown is the shaft, a wearable electronic device. Claim 12 A wearable electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the sensing structure defines a cavity; and the shaft extends at least partially into the cavity of the sensing structure. Claim 13 A wearable electronic device according to claim 9, further comprising a display coupled to the enclosure and configured to generate a graphic output, wherein the graphic output responds to the lateral input and the rotational input. Claim 14 A wearable electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the graphic output includes a list of items, and the rotation input causes the list of items to be scrolled on the display. Claim 15 A wearable electronic device comprising: an enclosure — said enclosure defines an opening extending from an outer surface of said enclosure to an inner surface of said enclosure —; a processing element positioned at least partially within said enclosure; a rotatable and translational input structure coupled to said enclosure — said rotatable and translational input structure comprises: a head; and a shaft coupled to said head and extending through said opening —; a sensing assembly coupled to said inner surface of said enclosure and at least partially defining a cavity that accommodates an end of said shaft within it — said sensing assembly comprises: a first sensor configured to detect a translational input applied to said rotatable and translational input structure; and a second sensor configured to detect a rotational input applied to said rotatable and translational input structure —; and a display coupled to said enclosure and configured to generate a graphic output, said graphic output responding to said translational input and said rotational input. Claim 16 A wearable electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the first sensor comprises a foldable dome switch; and the second sensor comprises an optical sensing system. Claim 17 A wearable electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the optical sensing system is configured to detect the rotational input by tracking the movement of the shaft. Claim 18 In paragraph 15, the first sensor is a wearable electronic device located in the cavity. Claim 19 A wearable electronic device according to claim 15, further comprising a haptic feedback system configured to provide tactile feedback in response to the rotation input. Claim 20 A wearable electronic device according to claim 19, wherein the display is associated with a touch sensing system; the haptic feedback is a first haptic feedback; and the haptic feedback system is further configured to provide a second haptic feedback in response to a touch input detected by the touch sensing system.

Images