HK1235881B - Proximity detection for an input mechanism of an electronic device - Google Patents

Description

Proximity detection for input mechanisms of electronic devices

Cross-reference to related applications

This application is a non-provisional patent application of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/235,068, filed on September 30, 2015, entitled “Proximity Detection for an Input Mechanism of an Electronic Device,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present embodiments generally relate to proximity sensing. More specifically, the described embodiments relate to determining the proximity of an object to an input mechanism of a wearable electronic device.

Background Art

Many electronic devices include one or more input devices for receiving input from a user and one or more output devices for providing output to the user. These input devices may include a keyboard, mouse, trackpad, buttons, knobs, microphones, etc. Example output devices include a display screen, speakers, haptic devices, etc.

When input is received on an input device, the output provided on an output device may change. However, it may be difficult to determine when an input device is intentionally actuated (such as, for example, by a user's finger), or whether an input device is actuated unintentionally.

Summary of the Invention

Various embodiments are disclosed for determining whether an object (such as a user's finger) is approaching and/or contacting an input mechanism of an electronic device. When an object is approaching or contacting the input mechanism, the state of the input mechanism and/or the electronic device may change. For example, the state of the input mechanism or the electronic device may change from an inactive state to an active state.

Thus, disclosed herein is an electronic device incorporating a proximity sensor to detect when an object approaches an input mechanism. More specifically, the electronic device may be a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device may include a rotatable crown for providing input to the wearable electronic device. The rotatable crown may be electrically isolated from a housing of the wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device may also include a proximity sensing component operative to determine when an object approaches or contacts the rotatable crown.

Also disclosed is a wearable electronic device having a proximity sensor operable to determine when an object is in proximity to at least a portion of the electronic device. The electronic device includes an input mechanism as a first component of the proximity sensor and a housing as a second component of the proximity sensor. The housing is electrically isolated from the input mechanism.

This disclosure also describes a method for determining the proximity of an object to an input mechanism of a wearable electronic device. The method includes: using the input mechanism of the wearable electronic device as a first component of a proximity sensor; and electrically isolating the housing of the wearable electronic device from the input mechanism and using it as a second component of the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor then measures changes in an electrical signal between the input mechanism and the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and wherein:

FIG1 illustrates an example electronic device that may use or incorporate a proximity sensor;

FIG2A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first configuration of components of the example electronic device of FIG1 taken along line A-A;

FIG2B illustrates an example schematic diagram of a resistive sensor that may be incorporated into an example electronic device;

FIG2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first configuration of components of the example electronic device of FIG1 taken along line A-A, wherein the input mechanism has been actuated;

FIG3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second configuration of components of the example electronic device of FIG1 taken along line A-A;

FIG3B illustrates an example schematic diagram of a capacitive sensor that may be incorporated into an example electronic device;

FIG4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third configuration of components of the example electronic device of FIG1 taken along line A-A;

FIG5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth configuration of components of the example electronic device of FIG1 taken along line A-A;

FIG6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fifth configuration of components of the example electronic device of FIG1 taken along line A-A;

FIG7A illustrates an example electronic device having a sensor for detecting motion of the electronic device in a first direction;

7B illustrates an example electronic device having a sensor for detecting motion of the electronic device in a second direction;

FIG8 illustrates a method for determining whether an object is touching or in proximity to an input mechanism of an electronic device; and

FIG9 illustrates example components of an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. Rather, it is intended to encompass variations, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

The embodiments described herein relate to determining whether an object is near or in contact with an input mechanism of an electronic device. More specifically, the embodiments described relate to wearable electronic devices that incorporate proximity sensors to determine whether an object, such as a user's finger, is near or in contact with an input mechanism.

In one embodiment, the proximity sensor is a resistive sensor that operates to detect a change in resistance between two components of an electronic device. In another embodiment, the proximity sensor is a capacitive sensor that operates to detect a change in capacitance when an object approaches or contacts the electronic device. In each of these embodiments, a first component of the electronic device can serve as the first component of the proximity sensor and a second component of the electronic device can serve as the second component of the proximity sensor.

For example, an input mechanism of an electronic device can serve as a first component of a proximity sensor, and a housing of the electronic device can serve as a second component of the proximity sensor. Thus, when an object (such as a user's finger) approaches or contacts the input mechanism, the proximity sensor detects a change in the electrical signal between the input mechanism and the housing, thereby sending a proximity and/or contact signal.

In other embodiments described herein, proximity is detected by an optical sensor. For example, the optical sensor is positioned within the housing of the electronic device and determines when an object is approaching and/or contacting an input mechanism based on the amount of light sensed.

In yet other embodiments, the electronic device incorporates one or more motion sensors (such as, for example, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and the like). These motion sensors detect when the electronic device is moving in a given direction. More specifically, the motion sensors detect when the electronic device is moving in a particular direction in response to a user contacting an input mechanism of the electronic device. The electronic device may also include one or more force sensors that detect whether an object is contacting the input mechanism.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to Figures 1 to 9. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

FIG1 illustrates an example electronic device 100 incorporating a proximity sensor. Electronic device 100 may include a housing 110, a display 120, a first input mechanism 130, and a second input mechanism 140. First input mechanism 130 may be a rotatable crown. Second input mechanism 140 may be a button. While a rotatable crown and a button are mentioned, each of first input mechanism 130 and second input mechanism 140 may be any type of input mechanism that provides input to electronic device 100.

As will be described below, the electronic device 100 may include one or more proximity sensors operable to detect contact with or proximity to the first input mechanism 130, the second input mechanism 140, the display 120, and/or the housing 110. More specifically, the proximity sensors operate to detect whether a user's finger (or other object) is in contact with the first input mechanism 130 and/or whether the user's finger is in proximity to the first input mechanism 130.

In some embodiments, proximity to or contact with the first input mechanism 130 may change the operational state of the electronic device 100. In another embodiment, proximity to or contact with the first input mechanism 130 may change the operational state of the first input mechanism 130.

For example, a user may manipulate the first input mechanism 130 to modify a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the display 120 of the electronic device 100. More specifically, elements displayed on the GUI may be modifiable through manipulation of the first input mechanism 130. Similarly, displayed elements may be changed using various manipulations of the first input mechanism 130. These manipulations may include pressing inward on the first input mechanism 130, rotating the first input mechanism 130 in a first direction, rotating the first input mechanism 130 in a second direction, and the like.

However, to prevent unintentional actuation of the first input mechanism 130 (or the second input mechanism 140), the graphical user interface may not be modifiable and/or displayed unless the user's finger approaches or contacts the first input mechanism 130. In another example, the graphical user interface may not be displayed until the user's finger contacts or approaches the first input mechanism 130. Continuing with this example, the display 120, and more specifically the electronic device 100, may be in a sleep state or other low-power state. When contact or proximity is detected, the display 120 and/or the electronic device 100 may change from the low-power state to an active state (e.g., showing a graphical user interface).

In another example embodiment, the operational state of the first input mechanism 130 can also be altered or changed based on contact or proximity with a user's finger or other object. For example, if proximity or contact is not detected, then rotation or actuation of the first input mechanism 130 will not register a change in the graphical user interface. Thus, if the first input mechanism 130 is unintentionally actuated, the electronic device 100 will not power on, register received input, and/or change the user interface.

In another example, the operational state of the first input mechanism 130 will not change until proximity or contact is detected. Thus, as long as proximity or contact with the first input mechanism 130 is detected, the first input mechanism 130, and more specifically the electronic device 100, is ready to register received input.

For example, if the user stops actuating the first input mechanism 130 for a period of time but keeps their finger close to or in contact with the first input mechanism 130, the state of the first input mechanism 130 and/or the electronic device 100 will not change (e.g., the electronic device 100 will not enter a low-power state or a sleep state). However, once contact or proximity is no longer detected (or in embodiments when the change in the electrical signal falls below a change threshold as described below), the state of the first input mechanism 130 and/or the electronic device 100 may change. For example, the electronic device 100 may enter a low-power state or a sleep state.

Although fingers are specifically mentioned in the above examples, the present disclosure is not so limited.The proximity sensors described herein are capable of detecting contact or proximity of other objects, including, for example, a stylus or other such input device.

Although the electronic device 100 is illustrated and described as a wearable electronic device, it should be understood that this is an example. In various embodiments, the electronic device 100 can be a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a health monitor, a digital media player, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a display, a printer, a mobile computing device, a tablet computing device, and/or any other electronic device without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

2A through 6 illustrate various cross-sectional views of the example electronic device 100 shown and described above with respect to FIG 1 , taken along line A-A. Although different reference numbers may be used to reference similar components in the following description, the same components in these figures may be configured to operate in a similar manner.

FIG2A illustrates various components of an electronic device 200 arranged in a first configuration. The electronic device 200 may include an input mechanism 210 (such as, for example, a rotatable crown). The input mechanism 210 may be movable relative to a housing 220. In some embodiments, a portion of the input mechanism 210 (e.g., an axis of the input mechanism 210) extends through the housing 220.

The electronic device 200 also includes a display 230. The display 230 can be used as both an input device and an output device. For example, the display can include one or more touch sensors that determine where a user touches the surface of the display 230. The display 230 can also include or otherwise be associated with one or more force sensors 260 that are operable to determine the amount of force applied to the display 230.

The electronic device 200 may further include at least one proximity sensor 240 , such as shown in FIG2B . The proximity sensor 240 is operable to determine whether an object (such as a user's finger) is near or in contact with the input mechanism 210 .

2B , proximity sensor 240 is a resistive sensor that detects changes in an electrical signal between two components of electronic device 200. More specifically, proximity sensor 240 includes a resistance monitor 280 electrically coupled to input mechanism 210 and housing 220.

For example, one or more electrical contacts can be positioned in and/or on the input mechanism 210. The electrical contacts extend through the shaft of the input mechanism 210 and connect to the resistance monitor 280. The resistance monitor 280 is also electrically coupled to the housing 220. Likewise, the first input mechanism 210 serves as a first component of the proximity sensor 240 and the housing 220 serves as a second component of the proximity sensor 240.

In some embodiments, the input mechanism 210 and the housing 220 are made of metal, such as gold, aluminum, titanium, or other such materials. Additionally, and as shown in FIG2A , the input mechanism 210, or a portion of the input mechanism 210, can extend through the housing 220. Similarly, in order for the input mechanism 210 and the housing 220 to function as components of the proximity sensor 240, the input mechanism 210 and the housing 220 can be electrically isolated from each other. Accordingly, the electronic device 200 can further include an insert 250 that electrically isolates the two components.

Insert 250 may be made of ceramic, rubber, plastic, or other suitable materials. Insert 250 may be coupled to a portion of housing 220, as shown in FIG2A . Insert 250 may be integrated or formed within housing 220. Additionally, insert 250 may extend from an interior portion of housing 220 to an exterior surface of housing 220. For example, insert 250 may extend from an interior portion of housing 220 to a bottom surface of housing 220 that contacts a user's arm and to a top surface of housing 220 near display 230.

As discussed above, the insert 250 electrically isolates the components of the electronic device 200. Thus, even if contaminants (e.g., sweat, water, or other contaminants) enter the gap between the input mechanism 210 and the housing 220, the insert 250 prevents these contaminants from shorting the path between the housing 220 and the input mechanism 210.

When the input mechanism 210 and the housing 220 are components of the proximity sensor 240 and are electrically isolated from one another, the proximity sensor 240 , and more specifically the resistance monitor 280 , can more accurately determine proximity or contact with the input mechanism 210 and/or the housing 220 .

For example, a user's finger or other object can act as resistor 270 and close the path between input mechanism 210 and housing 220. More specifically, when resistor 270 approaches or contacts input mechanism 210, resistance monitor 280 of proximity sensor 240 detects a change in resistance between input mechanism 210 and housing 220. Approach or contact can then be determined based on the detected change.

In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 240 will not register an approach or contact until the change in detected resistance reaches or exceeds a resistance change threshold. Further, the proximity sensor 240 may not register an approach or contact until the change in detected resistance reaches or exceeds the resistance change threshold over a given time threshold. Using these thresholds, the proximity sensor 240 can better distinguish intentional approach and/or intentional contact with the input mechanism 210 from unintentional approach and/or unintentional contact with the input mechanism 210.

When proximity sensor 240 registers proximity or contact, the operational state of electronic device 200 may change. In another embodiment, detected proximity or contact with input mechanism 210 may change the operational state of input mechanism 210.

For example, if the electronic device 200 is in a sleep state and proximity or contact is detected, the electronic device 200 can transition from the sleep state to the active state. In another example, the electronic device 200 can be in an active state while the input mechanism 210 is in an inactive state (e.g., actuation of the input mechanism 210 does not register a change in the user interface). Once proximity or contact is detected, the state of the input mechanism 210 can change.

In another example, despite the detection of proximity and/or contact, the state of the electronic device 200 and/or input mechanism 210 may not change. For example, if the electronic device 200 is in the active state and proximity or contact is detected, the electronic device 200 will remain in the active state. Similarly, if the input mechanism 210 is in the active state and proximity or contact is detected, the input mechanism 210 will remain in the active state. The electronic device 200 and/or input mechanism 210 will not change state until proximity or contact is no longer detected (e.g., when the change in the electrical signal no longer exceeds the resistance change threshold).

As discussed above, the electronic device 200 may also include or otherwise incorporate one or more force sensors 260. The force sensors 260 may also be used to determine proximity or contact with the input mechanism 210 and/or the housing 220.

For example, when a user's finger or other object contacts the input mechanism 210 and/or the housing 220, the force sensor 260 may also be actuated (such as, for example, by the edge of the object or finger). Although the actuation of the force sensor 260 may be unintentional when the user intends to actuate the input mechanism 210, the amount of force sensed can be used to determine that an object is contacting the input mechanism 210.

2C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example electronic device of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A, wherein input mechanism 210 has been actuated. Input mechanism 210 can be actuated in an inward direction (e.g., toward housing 220). When input mechanism 210 moves toward housing 220, proximity sensor 240 can detect a change in resistance, which indicates that input mechanism 210 has been actuated inward.

Figure 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second configuration of components in the example electronic device 300. The cross-section shown in Figure 3A may be taken along line A-A of Figure 1 .

In this example embodiment, electronic device 300 may include an input mechanism 310, a housing 320, and a display 330. Each of these components may operate in a similar manner as described above. For example, input mechanism 310 may be a rotatable crown that extends at least partially into housing 320. Actuation of input mechanism 310 may modify the output provided on display screen 300.

As shown in FIG3B , the electronic device 300 may further include a proximity sensor 340. However, in this embodiment, the proximity sensor 340 is a capacitive sensor. More specifically, the proximity sensor 340 includes a capacitance monitor 380 that operates to detect changes in capacitance between the input mechanism 310 and the housing 320.

In this embodiment, capacitive monitor 380 can be electrically coupled to input mechanism 310 and housing 320. More specifically, proximity sensor 340 can be coupled to input mechanism 310 such that input mechanism 310 acts as an electrode for proximity sensor 340.

For example, the inner portion of the input mechanism 310 and/or the outer portion of the input mechanism can be conductive or made of a conductive material. When an object approaches and/or contacts the input mechanism 310, the capacitive monitor 380 detects a change in capacitance. In some embodiments, the measured change in capacitance can be self-capacitance or mutual capacitance.

In another embodiment, housing 320 can serve as an electrode for proximity sensor 340. In still other embodiments, both input mechanism 310 and housing 320 can serve as electrodes. In these embodiments, housing 320 and/or input mechanism 310 are used to determine a change in capacitance, as described above.

In response to the detected change in capacitance, the operating state of the electronic device 300 and/or input mechanism 310 can be changed, as described above. For example, when the change in capacitance exceeds a capacitance change threshold, the state of the electronic device 300 and/or input mechanism 310 can be changed.

2A , the embodiment of FIG 3A further includes one or more inserts 350. The inserts 350 provide electrical isolation between the input mechanism 310 and the housing 320. As described above, the inserts 250 may extend from an interior portion of the housing 320 to an exterior portion of the housing 320.

In another embodiment, the insert 350 and/or the housing 320 can serve as both an isolating component and a conductive component. For example, the insert 350 can isolate the housing 320 from the input mechanism 310. However, contact with or proximity to the input mechanism 310 adjusts the housing 320, thereby eliminating any parasitic capacitance between the housing 320 and the input mechanism 310. This helps prevent changes in capacitance when liquid or other contaminants enter gaps or spaces that may appear between the input mechanism 310 and the housing 320. In embodiments where the electronic device 300 is a wearable electronic device, such a configuration can prevent changes in capacitance when the wearable electronic device is worn on a user's wrist or when the user's wrist inadvertently contacts the input mechanism 310.

The electronic device 300 may also include a force sensor 360. The force sensor 360 may include one or more capacitive elements that cause a change in capacitance when two elements are brought into proximity with each other (e.g., in response to an applied force). In addition to determining the amount of force applied, these capacitive elements may be used, either alone or in combination with the proximity sensor 340, to detect a change in capacitance when an object approaches or contacts the housing 320 or the input mechanism 310.

For example, one or more capacitive elements of force sensor 360 may be capacitively coupled to input mechanism 310. When a finger or other object approaches or contacts input mechanism 310, force sensor 360 and/or proximity sensor 340 may detect the resulting change in capacitance. Thus, a determination may be made that an object is approaching or contacting input mechanism 310.

In certain embodiments, the proximity sensor 340 can also determine a change in capacitance when the input mechanism 310 moves in an inward direction as described above with respect to FIG2C . For example, as the input mechanism 310 moves toward the housing 320 in response to being actuated, the proximity sensor 340 can detect the change in capacitance caused by the components being brought closer, thereby signaling an actuation of the input mechanism.

Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third configuration of components in the example electronic device 400. The cross-section shown in Figure 4 may be taken along line A-A of Figure 1 .

In this example embodiment, electronic device 400 may include input mechanism 410, housing 420, and display 430. Each of these components may operate as described above. Electronic device 400 also includes display stack 440. Display stack 440 may include one or more touch sensors for determining the location of input received on display 430.

More specifically, display stack 440 may include one or more capacitive elements that detect the position of a user's finger on display 430. However, one or more of the capacitive elements disposed at the edge of display stack 440 (e.g., the edge closest to input mechanism 410) may be boosted to detect proximity and/or contact of an object with input mechanism 410. For example, when an object (such as a user's finger) contacts or approaches input mechanism 410, edge pixels of the display stack may be operable to detect a change in capacitance.

Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth configuration of components in the example electronic device 500. The cross-section shown in Figure 5 may be taken along line A-A of Figure 1 .

In this example embodiment, electronic device 500 may include input mechanism 510, housing 520, and display 530. Each of these components may operate in the manner described above.

The proximity sensor in this particular embodiment is an optical sensor 540. The optical sensor may include a light source and an optical window or lens. The optical sensor 540 may be positioned within a cavity 550 formed around the inner perimeter of the display 530. In one particular embodiment, the optical sensor 540 may be positioned in the cavity 550 below the display 530 as shown and facing the surface of the display 530 and the input mechanism 510.

The light source of the optical sensor 540 can be an LED, infrared light (such as, for example, an infrared LED), a laser diode, a light bulb, and any other such light source. Light from the light source is transmitted through an (optional) optical window and the display 530. When an object (such as a user's finger) contacts or approaches the input mechanism 510, the optical sensor 540 detects the amount of light reflected by the user's finger and, as a result, determines proximity or contact. In another embodiment, the optical sensor can be operable to sense the amount of ambient light received through the display 530. When the amount of light detected changes (for example, when the user's finger blocks light from being received by the optical sensor as the finger moves toward the input mechanism 510), a determination can be made that the object is approaching or contacting the input mechanism 510. When proximity is detected, the operating state of the electronic device 500 and/or the input mechanism 510 can be changed as described above.

In some embodiments, the optical sensor 540 may also be capable of determining whether the input mechanism 510 is being actuated, such as described above with respect to FIG. 2C , or being rotated or moved in an inward direction. For example, the input mechanism 510 may include one or more patterns, ridges, dimples, or other such surface features on its interior. When the input mechanism is rotated or moved inward, the light reflected by the surface pattern may change, thereby signaling that the input mechanism 510 has been actuated.

Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fifth configuration of components in the example electronic device 600. The cross-section shown in Figure 6 may be taken along line A-A of Figure 1 .

In this example embodiment, electronic device 600 may include input mechanism 610, housing 620, and display 630. Each of these components may operate in the manner described above. Electronic device 600 may also include proximity sensor 640 disposed in channel 650 of display 630.

The proximity sensor 640 may be a capacitive sensor that operates to detect a change in capacitance when an object (such as a user's finger) approaches and/or contacts the input mechanism 610. In this particular embodiment, the proximity sensor may include a flexible substrate having one or more capacitive sensing components arranged thereon. To better sense the change in capacitance when the user's finger approaches or otherwise contacts the input mechanism 610, the flexible substrate is oriented to face the input mechanism 610 (e.g., having a field of view that encompasses at least a portion of the input mechanism 610).

In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 640 can work in conjunction with a capacitive sensor in a display stack (such as, for example, the display stack 440 shown and described above with respect to FIG. 4 ). More specifically, the change in capacitance sensed by the proximity sensor 640 can be combined with the change in capacitance sensed by the display stack to determine the position of an object in three-dimensional space. For example, if the change in capacitance detected by the proximity sensor 640 and the change in capacitance detected by the display stack exceed a threshold, a determination can be made that the object may be near or in contact with the input mechanism 610 and the current position of the object relative to the input mechanism 610 or the direction in which the object is approaching. However, if the change in capacitance detected by one or both of these components does not exceed the threshold, then the capacitance change can be rejected.

In another embodiment, the proximity sensor 640 can be an extension of the display stack. For example, a substrate, plate, or other material can extend from the display stack and couple to the channel 650. The plate can have one or more capacitive sensors or capacitive elements oriented to face the input mechanism 610. These capacitive elements are used to detect the proximity of a user's finger or other object to the input mechanism 610. In another embodiment, the proximity sensor 640 can work in conjunction with the force sensor 360 to detect changes in capacitance as described above.

7A and 7B illustrate an example electronic device 700 having sensors for detecting motion of the electronic device 700 in a first direction and a second direction, respectively. The electronic device 700 includes an input mechanism 710 movably coupled to a housing 720 and a display screen (not shown).

Electronic device 700 also includes first and second motion sensors 730 and 740. Motion sensors 730 and 740 may be positioned within housing 720 of electronic device 700. Motion sensors 730 and 740 may be accelerometers, gyroscopes, or any other suitable sensors that detect motion.

When input is received on input mechanism 710 (e.g., such as indicated by arrow 750 in FIG. 7A ), motion sensor 730 and motion sensor 740 may detect movement of housing 720, such as indicated by arrows associated with each of motion sensor 730 and motion sensor 740. Similarly, when input is received on input mechanism 710, as indicated by arrow 750 in FIG. 7B , housing 720 of electronic device 700 may move in the direction indicated by the arrows associated with motion sensor 730 and motion sensor 740.

When the housing 720 of the electronic device 700 is moved in these directions (or other similar directions), a determination can be made that an object (such as a user's finger) is contacting the input mechanism 710 .

In additional embodiments, motion sensors 730 and 740 may be configured to detect movement of housing 720 below a motion threshold. For example, when a user contacts input mechanism 710, the user's fingers may naturally tremble. Motion sensors 730 and 740 may be operable to sense movement of housing 720 caused by the tremor and, as a result, determine that the user is contacting input mechanism 710. Because the movement caused by the tremor may be slight, motion sensors 730 and 740 may be able to distinguish between movement associated with the tremor and movement caused by the user walking, riding a bicycle, etc., and thus make a determination that contact has occurred.

8 illustrates a method for determining whether an object is contacting or in proximity to an input mechanism of an electronic device. Method 800 can be used by an electronic device, such as, for example, any of the electronic devices described herein.

Method 800 begins at operation 810, where an input mechanism of an electronic device is operated to function as a first component of a force sensing device. In some embodiments, the input mechanism is a rotatable crown or other such input mechanism of the electronic device. The input mechanism can be electrically connected to a proximity sensor, such as, for example, a resistive sensor or a capacitive sensor. For example, in some embodiments, the input mechanism has one or more contacts disposed on a surface. In other embodiments, the input mechanism functions as electrodes for the proximity sensor.

Flow then proceeds to operation 820 and the housing of the electronic device operates to serve as a second component of the proximity sensor.As with the input mechanism described above, the housing may also be electrically connected to the proximity sensor.

The process then proceeds to operation 830 and the housing and the input mechanism are electrically isolated from each other. In some embodiments, this is achieved by placing an insert into the housing at the location where the input mechanism is coupled to (or passes through) the housing. The insert can be made of plastic, rubber, ceramic, or other suitable material.

At operation 840, the proximity sensor detects a change in an electrical signal when an object (such as, for example, a user's finger) approaches or contacts the input mechanism. For example, if the proximity sensor is a resistive sensor, the electrical signal detected by the proximity sensor may change when the user's finger contacts the input mechanism. If the proximity sensor is a capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor may detect a change in capacitance when the user's finger approaches or contacts the input mechanism.

Although resistive and capacitive sensors are specifically described herein, other proximity sensors (such as those described above) may also utilize method 800, or various operations of method 800, to determine proximity or contact with an input mechanism of an electronic device.

9 illustrates various components and modules that may be present in an example electronic device 900. More specifically, the components and modules shown and described with respect to FIG. 9 may be used in or in conjunction with the electronic device 100 of FIG.

As shown in Figure 9, electronic device 900 includes at least one processor 905 or processing unit configured to access memory 910. Memory 910 may have various instructions, computer programs, or other data stored thereon. The instructions may be configured to perform one or more operations or functions described with respect to electronic device 900. For example, the instructions may be configured to control or coordinate the operation of display 935, one or more input/output components 915, one or more communication channels 920, one or more sensors 925, speaker 930, and/or one or more haptic actuators 940.

The processor 905 may be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or sending data or instructions. For example, the processor 905 may be a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a combination of these devices.

The memory 910 can store electronic data that can be used by the electronic device 900. For example, the memory 900 can store electronic data or content, such as audio and video files, documents and applications, device configurations and user preferences, timing and control signals or data for various modules, data structures or databases, etc. The memory 910 can also store instructions for determining resistance, capacitance, detected light, and changes in the above.

The memory 910 may be any type of memory, such as, for example, random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements, or a combination of these devices.

As outlined above, the electronic device 900 may include various input and output components, represented in FIG9 as input/output 915. Although the input and output components are represented as a single item, the electronic device 900 may include a plurality of different input components, including buttons, input surfaces, microphones, switches, rotatable crowns, and dials for accepting user input. The input and output components may include one or more touch sensors and/or one or more force sensors as described above. For example, the display 935 may include a display stack that includes one or more touch sensors and/or one or more force sensors that enable a user to provide input to the electronic device 900.

The electronic device 900 may also include one or more communication channels 920. These communication channels 920 may include one or more wireless interfaces that provide communication between the processor 905 and an external device or other electronic device. Typically, one or more communication channels 920 may be configured to send and receive data and/or signals that may be interpreted by instructions executed on the processor 905. In some cases, the external device is part of an external communication network configured to exchange data with other devices. Typically, a wireless interface may include, but is not limited to, radio frequency, optical, acoustic and/or magnetic signals and may be configured to operate via a wireless interface or wireless protocol. Example wireless interfaces include radio frequency cellular interfaces, fiber optic interfaces, acoustic interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, near field communication interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP/IP interfaces, network communication interfaces, or any common communication interfaces.

The electronic device 900 may also include one or more sensors 925. Although FIG9 shows a single representation of a sensor 925, the electronic device 900 may have many sensors. These sensors may include resistive sensors, light sensors, capacitive sensors, biometric sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, air pressure sensors, humidity sensors, and the like.

One or more acoustic modules or speakers 930 may also be included within the electronic device 900. The speakers 930 may be configured to produce audible sounds or acoustic signals.

9 , the electronic device 900 may include one or more haptic actuators 940. The haptic actuators 940 may be any type of haptic actuator, including a rotary haptic device, a linear haptic device, a piezoelectric device, a vibration device, etc. The haptic actuators 940 are configured to provide emphatic and noticeable feedback to a user of the electronic device 900.

In certain embodiments, the electronic device 900 can include an internal battery 945. The internal battery 945 can be used to store and provide power to various components and modules of the electronic device 900, including the haptic actuator 940. The battery 945 can be configured to be charged using a wireless charging system, although a wired charging system can also be used.

For purposes of explanation, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a complete understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the described embodiments. Accordingly, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims (11)

1. A wearable electronic device, comprising: Rotatable crown; The housing of the wearable electronic device, the housing being electrically isolated from the rotatable crown; and Operate the proximity sensing component used to determine when an object approaches the rotatable crown. in: The housing serves as the first electrode of the proximity sensing component and is electrically connected to the proximity sensing component; The rotatable crown serves as a second electrode of the proximity sensing component, is electrically connected to the proximity sensing component, and extends through an opening in the housing; and The proximity sensing component is configured to determine the proximity of the object to the rotatable crown based on the change in capacitance between the housing and the rotatable crown. 2. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensing component is part of a display stack contained within the housing. 3. The wearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensing component is combined with a force sensing device. 4. A wearable electronic device, comprising: Operation of a proximity sensor for determining when an object approaches at least a portion of the electronic device; An input mechanism, electrically connected to the proximity sensor and serving as a first electrical component of the proximity sensor; and The housing of the wearable electronic device, which is electrically connected to the proximity sensor and serves as a second electrical component of the proximity sensor. in: The housing is electrically isolated from the input mechanism; The input mechanism extends through an opening in the housing; and The proximity sensor is configured to determine when an object approaches the input mechanism based on changes in capacitance between the housing and the input mechanism. 5. The wearable electronic device of claim 4, wherein the input mechanism includes a portion extending outside the housing. 6. The wearable electronic device of claim 4, wherein the input mechanism is a rotatable crown. 7. The wearable electronic device of claim 4, wherein the housing includes an insert that electrically isolates the input mechanism from the housing. 8. The wearable electronic device of claim 7, wherein the insert is made of plastic, ceramic or rubber. 9. A method for determining proximity of an object to an input mechanism of a wearable electronic device, the object being external to the wearable electronic device, the method comprising: The input mechanism of the wearable electronic device is used as a first electrical component of the proximity sensor, and the input mechanism is electrically connected to the proximity sensor; The housing of the wearable electronic device serves as a second electrical component of the proximity sensor, wherein the housing is electrically connected to the proximity sensor and electrically isolated from the input mechanism; and The proximity sensor measures the change in capacitance between the input mechanism and the housing. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: when the change in capacitance exceeds a threshold, altering the output provided on the display of the wearable electronic device. 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: When the change in capacitance exceeds a threshold, the input mechanism is kept in an active state; and When the change in capacitance is below the threshold, the input mechanism is switched to an inactive state.