HK1188308A - Methods, apparatus and systems for monitoring and reacting to exposure of electronic devices to moisture - Google Patents

Description

Method, device and system for monitoring moisture exposure and reacting of electronic device

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for monitoring and reacting to moisture exposure of electronic devices, and electronic devices employing such methods and/or systems.

Disclosure of Invention

A system that monitors contact of an electronic device with moisture (e.g., liquid, vapor, etc.) may be configured to alter or alter operation of the electronic device (e.g., when water enters the electronic device through an entry point, such as a port, seam, or crack; when the device is exposed to air having a high moisture content; etc.). Likewise, in a method for monitoring the exposure of an electronic device to moisture, the manner in which the electronic device operates will be altered or changed. Various aspects are disclosed relating to systems and methods for monitoring exposure of an electronic device to moisture.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a moisture responsive system. The moisture responsive system may be configured to monitor the moisture content to which an electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, other portable electronic device, etc.) is exposed. In some embodiments, the moisture responsive system may include a moisture sensor, a control element, a warning element, and a switch. The control elements, warning elements, switches, power supplies and electrical connections for these components, and other components of the moisture responsive system may be waterproof (e.g., covered by a waterproof coating, etc.). The moisture sensor may also be waterproof (e.g., portions of the moisture sensor (i.e., portions not configured to detect moisture) may be covered by a waterproof coating, etc.).

The moisture sensor can monitor the moisture content of the environment in which the moisture sensor and any associated (or part of) electronic device is located. The moisture sensor may be located within the electronic device or exposed to the exterior of the electronic device.

The control element may control the operation of other components of the moisture responsive system. The control element may be dedicated to the moisture responsive system or it may comprise a processing element of the electronics used by the moisture responsive system.

A warning element operable under the control of the control element may be configured to generate one or more signals indicating that the electronic device is exposed to moisture. In some embodiments, the warning element may be configured to notify a personal electronic device using the electronic device that the personal electronic device has been exposed to a moisture content above ambient. In some embodiments, the warning element may be configured to notify the remote monitoring service that the electronic device has been exposed to a moisture content above ambient.

A switch operable under the control of the moisture sensor or control element may be configured to move between a normal position and a moisture responsive position. When the switch is in the normal position, the electronic device can operate normally; the switch allows power to flow from the power source of the electronic device to its primary electronic components (e.g., electronic components that cause the electronic device to perform a desired function, etc.). In the moisture responsive position, the switch may terminate power communication from the power source to at least some of the circuitry of the electronic device (e.g., electronic components that cause the electronic device to perform a desired function, etc.). In some embodiments, when the switch is in its moisture responsive position, it may allow for communication of power from the power source to the remainder of the moisture responsive system.

In some embodiments, the change in direction of the switch may result in a mechanical action in the electronic device that may temporarily isolate one or more water sensitive elements from contact with moisture that has been detected.

According to another aspect, an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device of a known type, may additionally include a moisture sensor. The moisture sensor may be associated with other components of the electronic device (e.g., housing, display, other user interface components, internal components, power source, etc.) to monitor exposure of the electronic device or one or more components thereof to moisture. In some embodiments, the moisture sensor may be part of a moisture responsive system, which may also include a switch, and in some embodiments a dedicated control element.

In another aspect, the invention includes a method for responding to exposure of an electronic device to moisture above ambient levels. The method includes monitoring a moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed. The monitoring may be performed continuously or periodically. If the moisture content exceeds a predetermined environmental threshold, the normal operating mode of the electronic device may be terminated, and a moisture response mode of the electronic device may be initiated.

When the electronic device exits its normal operating mode, the supply of power from a power source (e.g., a battery, etc.) to one or more components of the electronic device may be terminated. Termination of the power supply to these components may protect them from damage (e.g., damage that may be caused by a water-induced short circuit, etc.). In some embodiments, such a moisture response mode of the electronic device may include a complete shut down of the electronic device. In other embodiments, the moisture response mode of the electronic device may include a safe mode in which certain components of the electronic device (e.g., components having waterproof properties, components that are unlikely to fail when exposed to moisture, etc.) may continue to operate. In some embodiments, operation of the device in the safe mode may cause the moisture responsive system to continue to operate while all other components of the electronic device (i.e., those not participating in the moisture responsive system) may be shut down.

When the electronic device enters a safe mode or a moisture responsive mode, the electronic device or a moisture responsive system associated with the electronic device may generate a notification. Without limitation, the notification may include an alert that the user can perceive, a signal that is generated and sent to a remote monitoring service, or a combination of these services.

In embodiments where moisture monitoring continues while the electronic device is in the moisture response mode, the electronic device can resume full operation once the moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed drops to an acceptable level. In such embodiments, when the detected moisture content falls to or below a predetermined reset threshold, the moisture response mode of the electronic device may be exited and the normal operating mode of the electronic device may be resumed.

Programs or applications (or "apps") that are launched or executed in response to detecting a moisture content above ambient are also disclosed. These programs or applications may perform functions related to exposure of the electronic device to moisture. By way of non-limiting example, a program or application that is executed or initiated when the electronic device is exposed to moisture may provide information to a user regarding the exposure of the electronic device to moisture. Such information may include, but is not limited to, information regarding the moisture content to which the electronic device has been exposed, information regarding previous exposure of the electronic device to moisture, and/or diagnostic information. As another non-limiting example, a program or application that is initiated when the electronic device is exposed to moisture levels that exceed a predetermined environmental threshold may provide information to a user regarding a water-resistant element of the electronic device (e.g., a time of last application of a water-resistant coating to a component of the electronic device, etc.).

Other aspects of the invention, as well as features and advantages of the various aspects, will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a moisture responsive system; and

figure 2 schematically illustrates one embodiment of an electronic device including a moisture sensor and a moisture response system (optional).

Detailed Description

Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a moisture responsive system 10 is shown. A moisture responsive system 10 configured for use with an electronic device (e.g., a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, etc.) may be configured for monitoring moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, moisture responsive system 10 includes a moisture sensor 12, a control element 14, a warning element 16, and a switch 18.

The moisture sensor 12 is capable of monitoring the moisture content of the environment in which it is located. The moisture sensor 12 may be configured as an accessory to an electronic device. Various embodiments of moisture sensor 12 may be used in moisture responsive system 10 incorporating teachings of the present invention. By way of non-limiting example, the moisture sensor may comprise a digital humidity sensor, such as a Sensirion AG available from Staefa, switzerland (e.g., model SHT21 digital humidity sensor from Sensirion, etc.).

The moisture sensor 12 may be in communication with a control element 14 of the moisture responsive system 10. The control element 14 may be configured to process signals of the moisture sensor 12 and execute commands that control operation of other components of the moisture responsive system 10 upon detecting signals indicative of certain conditions (e.g., moisture content exceeding a predetermined environmental threshold, moisture content at or below a predetermined reset threshold, etc.). The control element 14 may comprise a dedicated processing element (e.g., a microcontroller embedded in firmware, etc.) or may comprise a processor of an electronic device associated with the moisture responsive system 10.

One of the components of moisture responsive system 10 that may operate under the control of control element 14 is warning element 16. The warning element 16 may comprise a simple user-perceptible alarm configured to warn a user that the electronic device is exposed to moisture. In this embodiment, the warning element 16 may include a visual alarm, an audible alarm, a vibratory alarm, or the like. In some embodiments, the warning element 16 may include a display or monitor that may display a warning (e.g., a display or monitor associated with the moisture responsive system 10, or an electronic device of which the moisture responsive system 10 is a part, etc.). In embodiments where the warning element 16 includes a display or monitor, the control element 14 may provide a user interface (e.g., display an image, receive input (when the display or monitor is touch sensitive), etc.) to the control element 14 when it executes a program or application or "app" that is responsive to detection of moisture levels above the environment by the moisture sensor 12. In embodiments where the control element 14 initiates a program or application in response to detecting a moisture level above ambient, the warning element 16 may display information relating to the electronic device being exposed to moisture. By way of non-limiting example, a program or application that is executed or launched based on exposure of the electronic device to moisture may provide information to a user regarding exposure of the electronic device to moisture. Such information includes, but is not limited to, information about the moisture content to which the electronic device was exposed, information about the previous exposure of the electronic device to moisture, and/or diagnostic information. As another example, a program or application that is initiated when the moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed exceeds a predetermined environmental threshold may provide information to a user of a waterproof component of the electronic device (e.g., the last time a waterproof coating was applied to an electronic device component, etc.). In another example, the control element 14 may execute a program or application that provides instructions to a user on how to minimize moisture-related damage to an electronic device associated with the moisture response system 10; such as an indication of a protocol for removing moisture or drying from a particular electronic device associated with moisture responsive system 10. Other examples of information that the control element 14 may cause the warning element 16 to provide to the user include, but are not limited to, warranty information, maintenance information, advertisements related to mitigating the effects of potential damage to the electronic device from exposure to moisture, and other moisture-related information.

The alert element 16 may include a wireless communication element and may be configured to send a signal to a remote monitoring service. Without limitation, such a warning element 16 may comprise a wireless communication element (e.g., a Radio Frequency (RF) communication component, such as a cellular transmitter, bluetooth transmitter, or the like, etc.) of an electronic device associated with the moisture responsive system 10, or it may comprise a dedicated wireless communication system. In either embodiment, under the control of the control element 14, the warning element 16 may determine an appropriate recipient of information regarding the electronic device's exposure to moisture levels above ambient and send that information to the intended recipient.

The switch 18 is also operable in response to signals from the control element 14. Alternatively, switch 18 may be controlled directly by the signal of moisture sensor 12. In either case, the switch 18 may limit power communication from the power source 20 (e.g., a battery, etc.) to moisture-sensitive components of the electronic device (e.g., electronic components, etc.) with which the moisture-responsive system 10 is associated or part. In certain embodiments, the control element 14 may be configured (e.g., programmed, etc.) to determine the orientation of the switch 18, thereby terminating power to the electronics and/or portions of the moisture responsive system 10.

The switch 18 may have a normal position or orientation and at least one moisture responsive position or orientation. When the switch 18 is in the normal position, the electronic device can operate normally; the switch allows power to flow from the power source of the electronic device to its primary electronic components (e.g., electronic components that cause the electronic device to perform a predetermined function, etc.). When in the moisture responsive position, the switch 18 may terminate power from the power source 20 to at least some of the circuitry in the electronic device (e.g., electronic components that cause the electronic device to perform a predetermined function, etc.). In some embodiments, when switch 18 is in the moisture responsive position, it may allow for communication of power from power source 20 to the remainder of moisture responsive system 10.

The control element 14, warning element 16, switch 18, power source 20, and electrical connections and other components of the moisture responsive system 10 may be waterproof (e.g., covered with a waterproof coating 22, etc.). The moisture sensor 12 may also be waterproof (e.g., portions of the moisture sensor (i.e., portions not configured to detect moisture) may be covered with a waterproof coating, etc.).

Fig. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an electronic device 30 including a moisture sensor 12 having a housing 32, a display 34, and primary electronic components (e.g., electronic components that enable the electronic device to perform a predetermined function, etc.). In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 2, the moisture sensor 12 is part of the moisture control system 10 shown in FIG. 1.

The electronic device 30 may comprise a portable electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.). The housing 32 and the display 34 define at least a portion of an exterior of the electronic device 30. In some embodiments, the moisture sensor 12 may be located or at least exposed outside of the electronic device 30. In other embodiments, moisture sensor 12 may be located internal to electronic device 30, along with other components of moisture control system 10 (FIG. 1), if any, the main electronic components of electronic device 30, and power supply 20 that provides power to the various electronic components of electronic device 30. Without limitation, the major electronic components of the electronic device may include a processing element 36 (e.g., a microprocessor, etc.), a wireless communication system 38 (which may include at least one antenna), and other electronic components 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch 18 is disposed between the power source 20 and the primary electronics, between the power source 20 and the moisture sensor 12 and other components of the moisture responsive system 10.

In some embodiments, the electronic device 30 may also include one or more water-resistant coatings 22. The waterproof coating 22 may cover all or a portion of the exterior of the electronic device 30, all or a portion of the surface confined to the interior of the electronic device 30 (e.g., the surface of a combination of components or assemblies of the interior of the electronic device 30, etc.), or both the exterior and interior surfaces.

The present invention also includes methods for responding to exposure of the electronic device 30 to moisture above ambient levels (e.g., a predetermined, unsafe level or humidity, such as a relative humidity of 95% or greater, exposure to water in liquid form, etc.), referred to herein simply as "above-ambient threshold". Such methods include monitoring (e.g., using moisture sensor 12, etc.) the moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed. The monitoring may be performed continuously or periodically. If the moisture content detected (e.g., by moisture sensor 12, etc.) exceeds a predetermined environmental threshold, the normal operating mode of electronic device 30 may be terminated, and a moisture response mode of electronic device 30 may be initiated.

When electronic device 30 exits its normal operating mode, the supply of power from power source 20 to one or more electronic components of electronic device 30 may be terminated. In some embodiments, such a moisture response mode of electronic device 30 may include a complete shut down of electronic device 30. In other embodiments, the moisture responsive mode of the electronic device 30 may include a safe mode in which certain components of the electronic device 30 (e.g., primary electronic components that have been made waterproof, components that are unlikely to fail when exposed to moisture, etc.) may continue to operate. In some embodiments, operation of the device in the safe mode may cause the moisture sensor 12 or other components of the moisture responsive system 10 (if any) to continue to operate, while power communication from the power source 20 to any primary electronic components not participating in the moisture responsive system may be terminated.

When the electronic device 30 enters the safe mode or the moisture response mode, the electronic device 30 or the moisture response system 10 associated with the electronic device 30 may generate a notification. The notification may include an alert that the user can perceive, the generation and transmission of a signal to a remote monitoring service, or a combination of these services. The alert that the user is able to perceive may be provided by a physical indicator (e.g., visual, audible, motion, etc.) on the electronic device. Alternatively, the alert may be sent remotely to the user or to a monitoring service (e.g., as a text message, email, instant message, phone call, or any other suitable form of automated electronic communication). Such a warning may simply indicate that a particular electronic device has been exposed to moisture, or it may include other information, such as information regarding the time the electronic device was exposed to moisture, the type of moisture the electronic device was exposed to, the extent of exposure, the duration of exposure, the geographic location of the electronic device at the time of exposure, warranty information, contact information for the user and/or owner of the electronic device, information regarding previous exposure of the electronic device to moisture, and any other relevant information regarding exposure of the electronic device to moisture. Using this information, the recipient may assist the user of the electronic device, record the received information, and/or schedule reminders to follow the user.

In embodiments where moisture is continuously monitored while electronic device 30 is in the moisture response mode, electronic device 30 may be allowed to resume full operation once an acceptable level of moisture is detected (e.g., a predetermined reset threshold, etc.). In this embodiment, when the detected moisture content falls to or below the predetermined reset threshold, the moisture response mode of electronic device 30 may be exited and the normal operating mode of electronic device 30 may be resumed.

While the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of any appended claims, but merely as exemplifications of some specific embodiments which fall within the scope of the invention and the appended claims. Features from different embodiments may be used in combination. Moreover, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which fall within the scope of the invention and the following claims. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. All additions, deletions and modifications to the invention as disclosed herein are within the meaning and scope of the claims as encompassed by the claims.

Claims (28)

1. An electronic device, comprising:

a housing and a display defining an exterior of the electronic device and an interior of the electronic device;

a plurality of electronic components located at least partially inside the apparatus, the plurality of electronic components including a processing element;

a moisture sensor associated with the processing element, the moisture sensor or the processing element being configured to cause the electronic device to exit the normal operating mode and enter a moisture response mode when the moisture content to which the moisture sensor is exposed exceeds a predetermined environmental threshold.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein in the moisture response mode, the moisture sensor continues to monitor a moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the moisture sensor or the processing element is configured to cause the electronic device to exit the moisture responsive mode and enter the normal operating mode when the moisture sensor detects a moisture content below a predetermined reset threshold.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein in the moisture responsive mode, at least one of the moisture sensor and the processor causes the switch to terminate communication between the power source and at least some of the plurality of electronic components.

5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein in the moisture responsive mode, the switch prevents power communication to all electronic components of the electronic device except moisture responsive components that involve:

monitoring the moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed; or

Reporting that the moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed exceeds a predetermined environmental threshold.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein in the moisture responsive mode, the switch prevents power communication to all electronic components of the electronic device except for a moisture responsive component involved in monitoring a moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed and a moisture responsive component involved in reporting that the moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed exceeds a predetermined environmental threshold.

7. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein in the moisture response mode:

the switch prevents power communication to all electronic components of the electronic device except for moisture responsive components that relate to reporting that the electronic device has been exposed to moisture levels that exceed a predetermined environmental threshold; and is

The moisture responsive component reports that the electronic device is in contact with a user of the electronic device or a remote monitoring service.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein in the moisture response mode, the moisture response component reports the electronic device contacting the user by:

generating an alert perceivable by a user of the electronic device; or

Such that the display of the moisture responsive assembly visually indicates that the moisture content to which the consumer electronic device is exposed exceeds the predetermined environmental threshold.

9. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein in the moisture response mode, the moisture response component reports that the electronic device is in contact with the user by generating and sending a message to the user.

10. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein in the moisture response mode, the moisture response component reports the electronic device is in contact with a user and a remote monitoring service.

11. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein in the moisture response mode, the switch prevents power communication to all electronic components of the electronic device.

12. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one water-repellent element.

13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the at least one water resistant element comprises a water resistant coating on at least one of the plurality of electronic components.

14. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the processing element launches an application to provide information to at least one of a user of the electronic device and a remote monitoring service regarding exposure of the electronic device to moisture when the moisture sensor is exposed to a moisture content that exceeds a predetermined environmental threshold.

15. A moisture responsive system for an electronic device comprising:

a moisture sensor;

a control element in communication with the moisture sensor;

an alert element for generating an alert or sending a message to a remote monitoring service that is perceivable by a user of the electronic device; and

a switch in communication with at least one of the moisture sensor and the control element and positioned to control power communication from the power source of the electronic element to other circuitry of the electronic device.

16. The moisture responsive system of claim 15, wherein the switch is configured to electrically isolate the moisture responsive system from other circuitry of the electronic device.

17. The moisture responsive system of claim 15, further comprising:

an application configured to be executed by a processing element of an electronic device upon exposure of the moisture sensor to a moisture content exceeding a predetermined environmental threshold.

18. The moisture response system of claim 17, wherein the application is configured to provide information to at least one of a user of the electronic device and a remote monitoring service regarding exposure of the electronic device to moisture.

19. A method for responding to exposure of an electronic device to moisture, comprising:

monitoring a moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed, including determining whether the moisture content exceeds a predetermined environmental threshold;

if the moisture content exceeds the predetermined environmental threshold:

exiting the normal operation mode of the electronic device; and is

A moisture response mode of the electronic device is entered.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein exiting the normal operating mode comprises terminating power communication from a power source of the electronic device to the selected circuitry of the electronic device.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein entering a moisture response mode comprises:

an output is generated that is perceptible to a user indicating that the moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed exceeds a predetermined environmental threshold.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein generating a user-perceptible output includes activating an application corresponding to detecting the electronic device being exposed to a moisture content above ambient.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein entering a moisture response mode comprises:

generating a signal indicative of the electronic device being exposed to a moisture content exceeding a predetermined threshold; and

the signal is sent to a remote monitoring service.

24. The method of claim 19, wherein entering a moisture response mode comprises:

the moisture content to which the electronic device is exposed continues to be monitored.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein while continuing to monitor moisture content:

if the moisture content of the electronic device contact drops below a predetermined reset threshold

Exiting the moisture response mode; and is

The normal operating mode is entered again.

26. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

a count of the number of times the electronic device enters the moisture response mode is retained.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising:

when the count reaches a predetermined protection threshold, a user of the electronic device is notified that the electronic device needs to be serviced.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein notifying a user of the electronic device that the electronic device needs to be serviced comprises notifying the user that a water resistant coating needs to be applied to an interior surface of the electronic device.