EP4724878A1

EP4724878A1 - Miniaturized heart health sensors

Info

Publication number: EP4724878A1
Application number: EP23754925.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Debanjan Mukherjee; Xiaoyu Guo; Kevin Howard Drake; Hungyu Chen; Wen Shian Lin; Chijer Wang
Original assignee: Google LLC
Current assignee: Google LLC
Priority date: 2023-07-24
Filing date: 2023-07-24
Publication date: 2026-04-15
Also published as: WO2025023927A1

Abstract

A computing device includes a housing having a backplate and a sidewall extending around a periphery of the backplate that defines a first recess and a second recess. The computing device further includes a first button assembly and a second button assembly disposed at least partially within the first recess and second recess, respectively. The first button assembly includes a button, a cover that selectively actuates the button to cause the computing device to perform a first operation, and an optical sensor configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a biometric of a user. The second button assembly includes two buttons, a cover that selectively actuates the buttons to cause the computing device to perform a second operation that is different from the first operation, and a biometric sensor electrode configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a different biometric of the user.

Description

MINIATURIZED HEART HEALTH SENSORS

FIELD

[0001] Example aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to biometric sensors in an electronic device such as, for instance, a computing device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to biometric sensors in buttons of an electronic device such as, for instance, a computing device.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Computing devices capable of monitoring and detecting health-related information associated w ith a user of the computing device may track the user’s activities and/or biometrics using a variety of sensors. Data captured from these sensors may be analyzed in order to provide the user with information such as, for instance, an estimation of how far they walked in a day, their heart rate, how much time they spent sleeping, and the like.

SUMMARY

[0003] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or can be learned from the description, or can be learned through practice of the embodiments.

[0004] In one aspect, a computing device is provided. The computing device includes a housing, a first button assembly, and a second button assembly. The housing includes a backplate and a sidewall. The sidew all extends around a periphery of the backplate, and an exterior surface of the sidewall defines a first recess and a second recess. The first button assembly is disposed at least partially within the first recess, and the second button assembly is disposed at least partially within the second recess. The first button assembly includes a first printed circuit, a first button, a first cover, and an optical sensor. The first button is coupled to a first surface of the first printed circuit. The first cover is movable relative to the housing to selectively actuate the first button, which causes the computing device to perform a first operation. The optical sensor is coupled to a second surface of the first printed circuit, which is on an opposing side of the first printed circuit from the first surface. The optical sensor is configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a first biometric of a user. The second button assembly includes a second printed circuit, a second button, a third button, a second cover, and at least one biometric sensor electrode. The second button and third button are coupled to a first surface of the second printed circuit. The second cover is movable relative to the housing to selectively actuate the second button and the third button, which causes the computing device to perform a second operation that is different from the first operation. The at least one biometric sensor electrode is configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a second biometric of the user.

[0005] In some implementations, the optical sensor includes a printed circuit having a length dimension and a width dimension that is less than the length dimension. The optical sensor further includes one or more emitters positioned closer to a first end of the printed circuit than a second end of the printed circuit. The first end is spaced apart from the second end along the length dimension. The optical sensor further includes one or more detectors positioned closer to the second end of the printed circuit than the first end of the printed circuit. The optical sensor further includes a conductive post positioned on the printed circuit between the one or more emitters and the one or more detectors.

[0006] In some implementations, the optical sensor includes an optical baffle positioned on the printed circuit between the conductive post and the one or more emitters. The conductive post and the optical baffle are configured to optically isolate the one or more emitters from the one or more detectors.

[0007] In some implementations, the one or more emitters include a first light emitting diode (LED) configured to emit a red light, a second LED configured to emit a green light, and a third LED configured to emit infrared light.

[0008] In some implementations, a first opening defined by the first cover is aligned with the one or more emitters of the optical sensor, and a second opening defined by the first cover is aligned with the one or more detectors of the optical sensor.

[0009] In some implementations, the one or more emitters are configured to emit light signals through the first opening of the first cover to penetrate a finger of the user, the one or more detectors are configured to detect reflected light signals through the second opening of the first cover, and the computing device is configured to determine the first biometric of the user based, at least in part, on the reflected light signals.

[0010] In some implementations, the optical sensor of the first button assembly includes a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor, and the at least one biometric sensor electrode of the second button assembly includes at least one of an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor or an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor. [0011] In some implementations, the first biometric of the user includes at least one of a heart rate of the user or a blood oxygen level of the user, and the second biometric of the user includes a cardiac rhythm of the user.

[0012] In some implementations, the second cover of the second button assembly includes a transparent material, and the at least one biometric sensor electrode of the second button assembly includes a physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating extending around respective portions of a periphery of the transparent material.

[0013] In some implementations, the at least one biometric sensor electrode is configured to contact skin of the user at a location and obtain biometric data indicative of electrical impedance of the user at the location of the contact.

[0014] In some implementations, the first cover of the first button assembly includes a transparent material and at least one biometric sensor electrode having a physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating extending around a periphery of the transparent material. The at least one biometric sensor electrode is configured to obtain biometric data indicative of the second biometric of the user.

[0015] In some implementations, the first operation includes powering on or powering off the computing device, and the second operation includes controlling a volume of one or more speakers of the computing device.

[0016] In some implementations, the second button of the second button assembly increases the volume of the one or more speakers of the computing device and the third button of the second button assembly decreases the volume of the one or more speakers of the computing device.

[0017] In some implementations, the sidewall of the housing further defines an internal cavity. In such implementations, the computing device further includes a bracket coupled to an interior surface of the sidewall within the cavity. The first button assembly is coupled to the bracket to secure the first button assembly within the first recess, and the second button assembly is coupled to the bracket to secure the second button assembly within the second recess.

[0018] In some implementations, the first printed circuit and the second printed circuit are flexible printed circuits. Each of the flexible printed circuits include at least one rigid portion and at least one flexible portion. The at least one rigid portion is susceptible to inelastic deformation, and the at least one flexible portion is unsusceptible to inelastic deformation. [0019] In some implementations, the computing device is at least one of a mobile smart phone device or a mobile tablet device.

[0020] In another aspect, a button assembly for a computing device is provided. The button assembly includes a flexible printed circuit having at least one rigid portion and at least one flexible portion. The button assembly further includes a button electrically coupled to a first surface of the flexible printed circuit. The button assembly further includes a button housing disposed on a second surface of the flexible printed circuit. The button housing defines an opening. The button assembly further includes an optical sensor disposed within the opening of the button housing and is configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a first biometric of a user. The button assembly further includes a button cover coupled to the button housing. The button cover is moveable relative to the button housing to selectively actuate the button, which causes the computing device to perform an operation. The button assembly further includes a biometric sensor electrode extending around a periphery of the button cover. The biometric sensor electrode is configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a second biometric of the user. The second biometric of the user is different from the first biometric of the user.

[0021] In some implementations, the optical sensor includes a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor configured to emit light into a finger of the user. The biometric sensor electrode includes at least one of an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor or an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor configured to contact skin of the user at a location to obtain biometric data indicative of electrical impedance of the user at the location of contact.

[0022] In some implementations, the first biometric of the user includes at least one of a heart rate of the user or a blood oxygen level of the user, and the second biometric of the user includes a cardiac rhythm of the user.

[0023] In another aspect, a biometric data collection system for a computing system is provided. The biometric data collection system includes a first button assembly and a second button assembly. The first button assembly is positioned at a first location on the computing device, and the second button assembly is positioned at a second location on the computing device that is spaced apart from the first location. The first button assembly includes a first printed circuit, a first button coupled to a first surface of the first printed circuit, a first cover coupled to the first button, and an optical sensor coupled to a second surface of the first printed circuit that is on an opposing side of the first printed circuit from the first surface. The first cover is operable to selectively actuate the first button to perform a first operation. The optical sensor is configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a first biometric of the user. The second buton assembly includes a second printed circuit, a second buton, a third buton, a second over coupled to the second buton and the third buton, and at least one biometric sensor electrode configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a second biometric of the user. The second buton and third buton are coupled to a first surface of the second printed circuit. The second cover is operable to selectively actuate the second button and the third buton to perform a second operation that is different from the first operation. [0024] These and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodiments will become beter understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the related principles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill in the art are set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: [0026] FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of an example smart phone device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of an example tablet device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of an example computing device with an integrated biometric data collection system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 3B depicts a close-up, perspective view of the example biometric data collection system of FIG. 3 A according to example embodiments of the present disclosure; [0030] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded, perspective view of an example biometric data collection system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure

[0031] FIG. 5 depicts a side, perspective view of the example biometric data collection system of FIG. 4 according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example buton assembly according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded, perspective view of the example button assembly of FIG. 6 according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example buton assembly according to example embodiments of the present disclosure; [0035] FIG. 9 depicts an exploded, perspective view of the example button assembly of FIG. 8 according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 10A depicts a perspective view of an example optical sensor according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 10B depicts atop view of an example optical sensor according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example computing device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of an internal cavity of an example computing device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 13A depicts a top view of an example button assembly according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 13B depicts an exploded, perspective view of the example button assembly of FIG. 13 A according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 14 depicts an exploded, perspective view of the example button assembly of FIGS. 13A-13B according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 15 depicts a flow diagram of an example method according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 16 depicts a flow diagram of an example method according to example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0045] FIG. 17 depicts a flow diagram of an example method according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same and/or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the embodiments, not limitation of the present disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations. [0048] Recent consumer interest in personal health has led to a variety of personal health monitoring devices being offered in the market. These personal health monitoring devices have gained popularity amongst consumers due to their ability to monitor and determine a variety of health-related information associated with a user of the device. For example, devices such as fitness trackers and smartwatches are able to monitor and determine information relating to the pulse or motion of the user of the device.

[0049] Moreover, recent advances in sensor, electronics, and power source miniaturization have allowed the size of personal health monitoring devices (also referred to herein as “biometric tracking” or “biometric monitoring” devices) to be offered in extremely small sizes that were previously impractical. For example, certain biometric monitoring devices may include a variety of sensors for measuring multiple biological parameters that can be beneficial to a user of the device, a heart rate sensor, multi-purpose electrical sensors compatible with electrocardiogram, ECG, and EDA applications, red and infrared sensors, a gyroscopes, an altimeter, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, an ambient light sensor, Wi-Fi, GPS, a vibration or haptic feedback sensor, a speaker, and a microphone, among others. Due to the capabilities of these conventional devices, however, the amount and types of health-related information capable of being monitored and determined by such devices has been limited.

[0050] Currently, biometric sensors are used in various electronic and/or computing devices (e.g., smart watches, fitness trackers, smart phones, tablets) to capture a user’s physiological data. For instance, optical sensors are used in various electronic and/or computing devices to capture the user’s physiological data. As one example, one such optical sensor is a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, and examples of the physiological data that can be captured by different optical sensors include data indicative of the user’s heart rate (HR), pulse rate (PR), respiration rate, and/or blood oxygenation level (also referred to as “blood oxygen level” and/or “oxygen saturation” and/or “SpCh”).

[0051] To capture the user’s physiological data, some optical sensors are disposed in components of electronic and/or computing devices that contact the user. For example, some optical sensors are disposed in an area of a watch that contacts the user’s wrist, some optical sensors are disposed in area of a band or a strap that contacts the user’s chest, and some optical sensors are disposed in a finger clip device that contacts the user’s finger. Additionally, some optical sensors utilize a camera and camera flash technology (e.g., such as that of a camera system used in a smart phone or tablet) to illuminate an area on a user using the light output by the camera flash and capture the user’s physiological data using the camera and/or an optical sensor coupled to the camera.

[0052] A problem with conventional biometric tracking devices worn on the user’s wrist or chest is that they do not allow for the capture of physiological data from a finger and/or a fingertip of the user, where a relatively strong photoplethysmography (PPG) signal can be detected. Further, a problem with the above-described finger clip devices is that they are not incorporated in a portable, electronic and/or computing device for convenient and/or frequent access by the user. For instance, such finger clip devices and/or the optical sensors of such finger clip devices are not disposed in a button of a portable, electronic and/or computing device for convenient and/or frequent access by the user.

[0053] In addition, a problem with the optical sensors that are coupled to and/or integrated with a camera system (e.g., a camera system in a smart phone or a tablet) is that they involve the use of multiple cameras to capture different types of physiological data of a user. For example, such optical sensors that are coupled to and/or integrated with a camera system use a first camera (e.g., a front facing camera on a smart phone or a tablet) to capture certain type(s) of physiological data and a second camera (e.g., a rear facing camera on a smart phone or a tablet) to capture other ty pe(s) of physiological data. That is, they do not use a single camera (e.g., either front facing or rear facing camera) to capture physiological data that is indicative of the user’s heart rate, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood oxygenation level. Another problem with some of such optical sensors that are coupled to and/or integrated with a camera system is that they do not utilize red and/or infrared wavelengths of light, and thus, they do not allow for the capture of physiological data that is indicative of a user’s blood oxygenation level.

[0054] Accordingly, example aspects of the present disclosure are generally directed to an electronic device such as, for instance, a computing device (e.g., a wearable computing device, a mobile smart phone device, a mobile tablet device). The computing device according to example aspects of the present disclosure may include button assemblies configured to cause the computing device to perform a variety of operations. For example, the computing device may include a button assembly having a button that, when actuated, controls a power-related operation (e g., power on, power off) of the computing device. The computing device may further include a button assembly having two buttons that, when actuated, control a sound-related operation (e.g., increase volume, decrease volume) of the computing device. [0055] Example aspects of the present disclosure are further directed to a biometric data collection system for use in an electronic device such as, for instance, a computing device (e.g., a wearable computing device, a mobile smart phone device, a tablet device). More specifically, example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a computing device having a biometric data collection system integrated into the button assemblies of the computing device. For instance, example aspects of the present disclosure provide at least one button assembly for a computing device having at least one biometric sensor integrated therein that is configured to obtain biometric data indicative of at least one biometric of a user.

[0056] Example aspects of the present disclosure are further directed to a biometric data collection system for a computing device (e.g., a wearable computing device, a mobile smart phone device, a tablet device, etc.). More specifically, the biometric data collection system may include at least one button assembly to be positioned at a location on the computing device (e.g., a side surface of the computing device). The at least one button assembly may include at least one printed circuit, at least one button coupled to the at least one printed circuit, and a cover coupled to the at least one button. The cover may be operable to selectively actuate the at least one button to preform an operation. The biometric data collection system may further include an optical sensor coupled to the at least one printed circuit. The optical sensor may be configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a first biometric of a user. Additionally and/or alternatively, the biometric data collection system may include at least one biometric sensor electrode configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a second biometric of the user.

[0057] In some embodiments, example aspects of the present disclosure provide a computing device having a first button assembly and a second button assembly disposed at least partially within recesses defined by a housing sidewall of the computing device. More particularly, in some embodiments, the first button assembly may include a first button that, when actuated, powers on and/or powers off the computing device. In addition, the first button assembly may further include an optical sensor such as, for instance, a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor. The optical sensor of the first button assembly may be configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a first biometric of the user. In some embodiments, the first biometric may include, e.g., a heart rate of the user, a heart-rate variability of the user, a blood oxygen saturation (e.g., SpO ) of the user, a respiration rate of the user, etc. [0058] Moreover, in some embodiments, the second button assembly may include a second button and a third button that, when actuated, controls a volume of a speaker(s) of the computing device. By way of example, when actuated, the second button of the second button assembly increases volume of the speaker(s), and the third button of the second button assembly decreases the volume of the speaker(s). In addition, the second button assembly may further include at least one biometric sensor electrode configured to obtain data indicative of a second biometric of the user. More particularly, the second button assembly may include a cover disposed above the second button and the third button, and the cover may include a first portion corresponding to the second button and a second portion corresponding to the third button. In such embodiments, a first biometric sensor electrode may be disposed around a periphery of the first portion and a second biometric sensor electrode may be disposed around a periphery of the second portion. In some embodiments, the at least one biometric sensor electrode may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor and/or an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor that is configured to contact skin of the user at a location (e.g., the user’s finger). In this way, the at least one biometric sensor electrode may be configured to measure electrical impedance of the user at the location of the contact. Hence, in some embodiments, the second biometric of the user may include, e.g., an electrocardiogram (ECG) of the user, a pulse transit time (PTT) of the user, a pulse arrival time (PAT) of the user, a pulse wave analysis (PWA), a cardiac rhythm of the user, etc. [0059] Moreover, in some embodiments, the first button assembly may likewise include at least one biometric sensor electrode configured to obtain data indicative of a third biometric of the user. In some embodiments, the biometric sensor electrode of the first button assembly may be configured to obtain data indicative of the same biometric as the second button assembly. For instance. More particularly, the first button assembly may include a cover disposed above the first button, and the biometric sensor electrode may be disposed around a periphery of the cover. In some embodiments, the biometric sensor electrode may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor and/or an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor that contacts the user’s skin at a location (e.g., the user’s finger). In this way, the biometric sensor electrode may be configured to measure electrical impedance of the user at the location of the contact Hence, in some embodiments, the third biometric of the user may include, e.g., an electrocardiogram (ECG) of the user, a pulse transit time (PTT) of the user, a pulse arrival time (PAT) of the user, a pulse wave analysis (PWA), a cardiac rhythm of the user, etc. It should be appreciated that the third biometric can be a different biometric from the second biometric without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. [0060] Furthermore, example aspects of the present disclosure further provide a sealing method for the first button assembly and the second button assembly. More particularly, as discussed herein, button seams (e.g., joints) of the first button assembly and the second button assembly may be sealed with epoxy. Water and dust ingress into the example computing device may be prevented by co-molded seals at a base of the first button assembly and the second button assembly, respectively. Furthermore, a path (e.g., flex path) for the flexible printed circuit may be sealed by sandwiching two layers of compressible, waterproof foam (e g., a waterproof seal) at an opening through which the flexible printed circuit enters a cavity defined by the housing the example computing device.

[0061] Example aspects of the present disclosure provide numerous technical effects, benefits, and/or improvements in biometric monitoring and/or computing device technology. For instance, example embodiments described herein allow for the capture of an entity’s physiological data from a finger and/or a fingertip of the entity, where a relatively strong photoplethysmography (PPG) signal and/or electrocardiogram (ECG) signal can be detected. More specifically, by providing for such capture of an entity’s physiological data at a location where a relatively strong PPG signal and/or ECG signal can be detected (e.g., at a finger and/or fingertip), the button assemblies of the present disclosure can thereby capture PPG measurements and/or ECG measurements that are relatively more accurate than those captured at a different location (e.g., a wrist and/or chest).

[0062] Furthermore, example aspects of the present disclosure provide miniaturized optical and/or electrical biometric sensors integrated in the button assemblies of computing devices, such as mobile smart phone devices and/or mobile tablet devices. In this way, example aspects of the present disclosure provide easy, convenient, and accurate biometric spot-checking for users using miniaturized optical sensors and/or electrodes.

[0063] Moreover, the amount and types of health-related information capable of being monitored and determined by a computing device of the present disclosure is greatly increased. More specifically, by including both miniaturized optical sensors and electrodes in the button assemblies, a computing device of the present disclosure is capable of spotchecking a variety of biometrics of the user including, for instance, heart rate (HR), heart-rate variability (HRV), pulse rate (PR), respiration rate, blood oxygenation level (also referred to as “oxygen saturation” or “SpCh”), electrocardiogram (ECG), pulse transit time (PTT), pulse arrival time (PAT), pulse wave analysis (PWA), cardiac rhythm of the user, etc.

[0064] Even further, example aspects of the present disclosure may be integrated into a computing device without adversely affecting other components of the computing device. For instance, the button assemblies of the present disclosure may be integrated into computing devices without adversely affecting, e.g., a size of a batery of the computing device and/or a size of a display of the computing device.

[0065] As referenced herein, the term “entity” refers to a human, a user, an end-user, a consumer, a computing device and/or program (e.g., a processor, computing hardware and/or software, an application, etc.), an agent, a machine learning (ML) and/or artificial intelligence (Al) algorithm, model, system, and/or application, and/or another type of entity that can implement and/or facilitate implementation of one or more implementations of the present disclosure as described herein, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and/or included in the appended claims.

[0066] As referenced herein, the terms “couple,” “couples,” “coupled,” and/or “coupling” refer to chemical coupling (e.g., chemical bonding), communicative coupling, electrical and/or electromagnetic coupling (e.g., capacitive coupling, inductive coupling, direct and/or connected coupling, etc.), mechanical coupling, operative coupling, optical coupling, and/or physical coupling.

[0067] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (e.g., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The term “at least one of’ in the context of, e g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0068] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a tenn or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical"’ includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

[0069] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0070] FIG. 1 depicts a diagram of a user holding a mobile smart phone device 100 having an example biometric data collection system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the biometric data collection system may include a first button assembly 102 and a second button assembly 104. The first button assembly 102 and the second button assembly 104 can be arranged such that at least one finger of the user can contact both the first button assembly 102 and the second button assembly 104. It should be appreciated that the first button assembly 102 and the second button assembly 104 are depicted on opposing sides of the mobile smart phone device 100 for purposes of illustration and discussion. First button assembly 102 and second button assembly 104 can be arranged on any suitable side of the mobile smart phone device 100 without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0071] As will be discussed in greater detail below, the first button assembly 102 may include a button that, when actuated, causes the mobile smart phone device 100 to perform a first operation, such as powering on and/or powering off the mobile smart phone device 100. The first button assembly 102 may further include a biometric sensor configured to obtain data indicative of a biometric of the user. In some embodiments, the biometric sensor may include an optical sensor such as, for instance, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor configured to obtain data indicative of, e.g., a heart (pulse) rate of the user (HR and/or PR), a heart-rate variability of the user, a blood oxygen saturation (e.g., SpCh) of the user, a respiration rate of the user, etc.

[0072] The first button assembly 102 depicted in FIG. 1 can constitute an example, nonlimiting implementation of first button assembly 320 and/or first button assembly 1220 described below and illustrated in the example implementations depicted in FIGS. 3A-11 and 12-14, respectively. That is, for instance, in the example implementation depicted in FIG. 1, first button assembly 102 can include the same structure, components, attributes, and/or functionality as that of first button assembly 320 and/or first button assembly 1220 described below and illustrated in FIGS. 3A-11 and 12-14, respectively.

[0073] As will be discussed in greater detail below, the second button assembly 104 may include two buttons that, when actuated, causes the mobile smart phone device 100 to perform a second operation. In some embodiments, the second operation can be different from the first operation. For instance, the second operation may include, e.g., powering on and/or powering off the mobile smart phone device 100.

[0074] The second button assembly 104 may further include at least one biometric sensor in each of the buttons configured to obtain data indicative of a biometric of the user. In some embodiments, the second button assembly 104 can be configured to obtain data indicative of a different biometric than the first button assembly 102. Additionally and/or alternatively, in some embodiments, the second button assembly 104 can be configured to obtain data indicative of the same biometric as the first button assembly 102.

[0075] For example, second button assembly 104 may include at least one biometric sensor electrode in each of the buttons of the second button assembly 104. In some embodiments, the biometric sensor electrodes of the second button assembly 104 may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor and/or an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor configured to obtain data indicative of e.g., an electrocardiogram (ECG) of the user, a pulse transit time (PTT) of the user, a pulse arrival time (PAT) of the user, a pulse wave analysis (PWA), a cardiac rhythm of the user, etc.

[0076] The second button assembly 104 depicted in FIG. 1 can constitute an example, non-limiting implementation of second button assembly 340 and/or second button assembly 1240 described below and illustrated in the example implementations depicted in FIGS. 3A- 11 and 12-14, respectively. That is, for instance, in the example implementation depicted in FIG. 1, second button assembly 104 can include the same structure, components, attributes, and/or functionality as that of second button assembly 340 and/or second button assembly 1240 described below and illustrated in FIGS. 3A-11 and 12-14, respectively.

[0077] FIG. 2 depicts a diagram of a user holding a mobile tablet device 200 having an example biometric data collection system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the biometric data collection system may include a first button assembly 202 and a second button assembly 204 (e.g., button 204A and button 204B). The first button assembly 202 and the second button assembly 204 can be arranged such that at least one finger of the user can contact both the first button assembly 202 and the second button assembly 204. In some embodiments, the second button assembly 204 can include two buttons 204A, 204B arranged on different sides of the mobile tablet device 200. It should be appreciated that the first button assembly 202 and the second button assembly 204 (e.g., buttons 204A, 204B) are depicted on different sides of the mobile tablet device 200 for purposes of illustration and discussion. The first button assembly 202 and the second button assembly 204 (e.g., buttons 204A, 204B) can be arranged on any suitable side of the mobile tablet device 200 without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] Similar to the first button assembly 102 (FIG. 1), the first button assembly 202 depicted in FIG. 2 can constitute an example, non-limiting implementation of first button assembly 320 and/or first button assembly 1220 described below and illustrated in the example implementations depicted in FIGS. 3A-11 and 12-14, respectively. That is, for instance, in the example implementation depicted in FIG. 2, first button assembly 202 can include the same structure, components, attributes, and/or functionality as that of first button assembly 320 and/or first button assembly 1220 described below and illustrated in FIGS. 3A- 11 and 12-14, respectively.

[0079] Likewise, similar to the second button assembly 104 (FIG. 1), the second button assembly 204 depicted in FIG. 2 can constitute an example, non-limiting implementation of second button assembly 340 and/or second button assembly 1240 described below and illustrated in the example implementations depicted in FIGS. 3A-11 and 12-14, respectively. That is, for instance, in the example implementation depicted in FIG. 2, second button assembly 204 can include the same structure, components, attributes, and/or functionality as that of second button assembly 340 and/or second button assembly 1240 described below and illustrated in FIGS. 3A-11 and 12-14, respectively.

[0080] In an additional or alternative implementation, the first button assembly 202 can include a virtual optical sensor button assembly having at least one virtual button. As used herein, the term “virtual button” refers to a simulated button, as opposed to a mechanical button, that is displayed on at least a portion of a display screen. In such implementations, the virtual optical sensor button assembly can include the same attributes and/or functionality as that of the first button assembly 320 and/or first button assembly 1220 described below and illustrated in the example implementations depicted in FIGS. 3A-11 and 12-14, respectively.

[0081] However, in this implementation where the first button assembly 202 is a virtual optical sensor button, the first button assembly 202 can be implemented in and/or disposed in the mobile tablet device 200 in a manner that can differ from how the first button assembly 320 and/or first button assembly 1220 can be implemented in and/or disposed in computing device 200 and computing device 1200, respectively. For example, in implementations where the first button assembly 202 is a virtual optical sensor button assembly, such a virtual optical sensor button assembly can be disposed (e.g., embedded) in, for instance, a slotted section (not shown) of an external shell 206 of the mobile tablet device 200 (e.g., at an edge, comer, or bezel portion of external shell 206).

[0082] In these implementations, an optical sensor such as, for instance, optical sensor 424 or optical sensor 1224 can be disposed inside such a slotted section of the external shell 206 of the mobile tablet device 200. In these implementations, a cover (e.g., lens) such as, for instance, cover 432 (FIGS. 4-11) and/or cover 1232 (e.g., 13A-14) can extend across and be coupled to such a slotted section of the external shell 206 of the mobile tablet device 200 to protect the virtual optical sensor button assembly 202.

[0083] In these implementations, the optical sensor (e g., optical sensor 424, 1224) can include a circuit board (e.g., printed circuit 426, 1226) having a first portion and second portion. In these implementations, the first portion of the circuit board can be disposed in the slotted section of the external shell 206 of the mobile tablet device 200 and the second portion of the circuit board can extend through an opening (e.g., opening 460) in the external shell 206 to an interior section of the mobile tablet device 200. In these implementations, an end of the second portion of the circuit board can be coupled to, for instance, a bus, a circuit board, a processor, and/or a memory of the mobile tablet device 200.

[0084] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-5, a computing device 300 is provided according to some implementations of the present disclosure. The computing device 300 can include an external shell or housing 310. In some implementations, the housing 310 can include a backplate 312 and one or more sidewalls 314 extending therefrom (e.g., outward) to define a cavity (not shown) for electronic components (e.g., main logic board) of the computing device 300. As such, in some implementations, the sidewall(s) 314 of the housing 310 defines an internal cavity of the computing device 300. It should be appreciated that, in some implementations, the one or more sidewalls 314 can include a single sidewall that extends outward from the backplate 312 and around a periphery of the backplate 312 to define the cavity. Furthermore, the computing device 300 can include a biometric data collection system 350. The biometric data collection system 350 can include a first button assembly 320 and a second button assembly 340.

[0085] More particularly, the computing device 300 can include a first button assembly 320. The first button assembly 320 can include a button 522 (e g , tactile switch) that can be actuated (e.g., pressed) to cause the computing device 300 to perform a first operation (e.g., powering on the computing device 300 and powering off the computing device 300). The first button assembly 320 can further include an optical sensor 424. The optical sensor 424 can include one or more emitters (not shown) configured to emit light of varying wavelengths (e.g., red, green infrared). The optical sensor 424 can further include one or more detectors (e.g., photodiodes) configured to detect reflected light.

[0086] In some implementations, the first button assembly 320 can include a flexible printed circuit 426. The button 522 and the optical sensor 424 can be coupled to the flexible printed circuit 426. For instance, the button 522 can be coupled to a first surface of the flexible printed circuit 426 and the optical sensor 424 can be coupled to a second surface of the flexible printed circuit 426 that is different (e.g., opposite) from the first surface of the flexible printed circuit 426.

[0087] It should be appreciated that the flexible printed circuit 426 of the first button assembly 320 can be electrically coupled to a main logic board (not shown) of the computing device 300. For instance, in some implementations, the flexible printed circuit 426 can be directly coupled to the main logic board. In alternative implementations, the flexible printed circuit 426 can be electrically coupled to the main logic board via another flexible printed circuit.

[0088] The first button assembly 320 can include a button housing 428. The button housing 428 can define an opening 430 configured to accommodate the optical sensor 424. Furthermore, the button housing 428 can be positioned on the flexible printed circuit 426 such that the optical sensor 424 is positioned within the opening 430.

[0089] In some implementations, the flexible printed circuit 426 can be a rigid flexible printed circuit having one or more rigid portions and one or more flexible portions. The one or more rigid portions are susceptible to inelastic deformation (e.g., a change in shape) when equilibrium forces are applied to the one or more rigid portions, whereas the one or more flexible portions are not susceptible (e.g., unsusceptible) to inelastic deformation when equilibrium forces are applied to the one or more flexible portions.

[0090] In some implementations, at least one of button 522 and optical sensor 424 can be coupled to the one or more rigid portions of the rigid flexible printed circuit. In alternative implementations, at least one of button 522 and optical sensor 424 can be coupled to the one or more flexible portions of the rigid flexible printed circuit. It should be appreciated that the rigid flexible printed circuit can eliminate the need for have a stiffener disposed within the first button assembly 320.

[0091] The first button assembly 320 can include a cover 432. In some implementations, the cover 432 can be removably coupled to the button housing 428. In alternative implementations, the cover 432 can be integrally formed with the button housing 428. The cover 432 can be positioned above (e.g., directly above) the optical sensor 424. Furthermore, in some implementations, the cover 432 can define a first opening 433 A that is aligned with emitters of the optical sensor 424 and a second opening 433B that is separate from the first opening 433A and is aligned with the detectors of the optical sensor 424.

[0092] In some implementations, the cover 432 can include transparent material (e.g., glass) positioned within the first opening 433 A and transparent material (e.g., glass) positioned within the second opening 433B. In alternative implementations, a layer of transparent material can be positioned on top of the cover 432 such that the layer of transparent material covers both the first opening 433A and the second opening 433B. [0093] In some implementations, a user can place his or her finger on the cover 432 of the first button assembly 320. More specifically, the user can place his or her finger over the first opening 433A of the cover 432 and the second opening 433B of the cover 432. In this manner, light signals emitted by the emitters of the optical sensor 424 can exit the button housing 428 through the first opening 433 A of the cover 432 and can penetrate the user’s finger. The light signals can reflect off an artery in the user’s finger and can reenter the button housing 428 through second opening 433B of the cover 432. The detectors of the optical sensor 424 can detect the reflected light signals and the computing device 300 can determine a biometric (e.g., heart rate, SpO2) of the user based, at least in part, on the reflected light signals.

[0094] As shown, the first button assembly 320 can be disposed within a first recess 316 defined by the housing 310. More specifically, the first recess 316 can be defined by an exterior surface of the sidewall(s) 314 of the housing 310. It should be appreciated that a user can interact with the first button assembly 320 to cause the computing device 300 to perform the first operation (e.g., powering on and powering off the computing device 300). More specifically, the cover 432 can be movable relative to the housing 310 of the computing device 300 to selectively actuate the button 522. For instance, in some implementations, the user can press on the cover 432 to actuate the button 522 of the first button assembly 320 and therefore cause the computing device 300 to power off. The user can then press on the cover 432 of the first button assembly 320 to actuate the button 522 of the first button assembly 320 and therefore cause the computing device 110 to power on.

[0095] The computing device 300 can include a second button assembly 340 As shown, the second button assembly 340 can include a first button 542 and a second button 544. In some implementations, the first button 542 and the second button 544 can be actuated (e.g., pressed) to cause the computing device 300 to perform a second operation that is different from the first operation discussed above with reference to the first button assembly 320. For instance, in some implementations, the first button 542 and the second button 544 can be independently actuated (e.g., pressed) to control a volume of one or more speakers (not shown) of the computing device 300. More specifically, the first button 542 can be actuated to increase the volume of the speaker(s), whereas the second button 544 can be actuated to decrease the volume of the speaker(s).

[0096] In some implementations, the second button assembly 340 can include a flexible printed circuit 446. The first button 542 and the second button 544 can both be coupled to the flexible printed circuit 446. In some implementations, the flexible printed circuit 446 can include a first conductive post 448 and a second conductive post 450. As shown, the first button 542 and the second button 544 can each be coupled to a first surface of the flexible printed circuit 446, whereas the first conductive post 448 and the second conductive post 450 can each be coupled to a second surface of the flexible printed circuit 446 that is different (e.g., opposite) from the first surface.

[0097] In some implementations, the flexible printed circuit 446 can be a rigid flexible printed circuit having one or more rigid portions and one or more flexible portions. The one or more rigid portions are susceptible to inelastic deformation (e.g., a change in shape) when equilibrium forces are applied to the one or more rigid portions, whereas the one or more flexible portions are unsusceptible to inelastic deformation when equilibrium forces are applied to the one or more flexible portions. In this manner, flexible printed circuit 426 and flexible printed circuit 446 may both be rigid flexible printed circuits having at least one rigid portion and at least one flexible portion. [0098] Furthermore, in some implementations, at least one of the first button 542 and the second buton 544 can be coupled to the one or more rigid portions of the rigid flexible printed circuit. In alternative implementations, at least one of the first buton 542 and the second buton 544 can be coupled to the one or more flexible portions of the rigid flexible printed circuit.

[0099] The second buton assembly 340 can include a buton housing 452. The buton housing 452 can define one or more openings (not shown). Furthermore, the buton housing 452 can be positioned on the flexible printed circuit 446 such that the first conductive post 448 and the second conductive post 450 extend through the one or more openings defined by the buton housing 452.

[0100] The second buton assembly 340 can include a cover 454. In some implementations, the cover 454 can be removably coupled to the buton housing 452. In alternative implementations, the cover 454 can be integrally formed with the buton housing 452. As will be discussed later on in more detail, the cover 454 can include two separate electrodes that can be used to obtain biometrics (e.g., electrocardiogram) of the user.

[0101] As shown, the second buton assembly 340 can be disposed within a second recess 318 defined by the housing 310. More specifically, the second recess 318 can be separate from the first recess 316 and can be defined by an exterior surface of the sidewall(s) 314 of the housing 310. It should be appreciated that a user can interact with the second buton assembly 340 to cause the computing device 300 to perform the second operation (e g., volume control of speaker(s) of the computing device 300). More specifically, the cover 454 can be movable relative to the housing 310 of the computing device 300 to selectively actuate the first buton 542 and the second buton 544. For instance, in some implementations, the user can press a first portion (e.g., first halt) of the cover 454 to actuate the first button 542 and can press a second portion (e.g., second hah) of the cover 454 to actuate the second buton 544.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 5, the computing device 300 can, in some implementations, include a bracket 580 to which the first buton assembly 320 and the second buton assembly 340 can be coupled. For instance, the bracket 580 can be positioned within the cavity defined by the housing 310 (FIG. 4) of the computing device 300. More specifically, the bracket 580 can be placed against an interior surface of the sidewall(s) 314 (FIG. 4) of the housing 310. In this manner, the first buton assembly 320, specifically the flexible printed circuit 426 thereof, can be coupled to the bracket 580 to secure the first buton assembly 320 within the first recess 316 (FIG. 4). Likewise, the second buton assembly 340, specifically the flexible printed circuit 446 thereof, can be coupled to the bracket 580 to secure the second button assembly 340 within the second recess 318 (FIG. 4).

[0103] Referring now to FIG. 6, the optical sensor 424 and the cover 432 of the first button assembly 320 (FIGS. 3A-3B) are provided according to some implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, the cover 432 can include a transparent material 600 (e.g., glass) and an electrode 602. For instance, in some implementations, the electrode 602 can include a physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating extending around a periphery of the transparent material 600.

[0104] In some implementations, the optical sensor 424 can include a printed circuit 604 having a conductive post 606. It should be appreciated that the conductive post 606 can be electrically coupled to the flexible printed circuit 426 (FIG. 4). In some implementations, the printed circuit 604 can include a conductive pad 608 positioned on top of the conductive post 606. It should be appreciated that the electrode 602 can be electrically coupled to the conductive post 606. For instance, in some implementations, the electrode 1203 can be electrically coupled to the conductive pad 608 via a conductive glue 609.

[0105] Referring now to FIG. 7, an exploded view of the button housing 428 and the cover 432 are provided according to some implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, the button housing 428 can include a cap 710 and a trim 712 that is separate from the cap 710. It should be appreciated that the trim 712 can be attached to the cap 710 to form the button housing 428. It should be appreciated that the cover 432 can be coupled to the button housing 428 such that the trim 712 extends around a periphery of the cover 432. In this manner, the cover 432 can be separated from the housing 310 (FIGS. 3A-3B) by the trim 712 of the button housing 428.

[0106] In some implementations, the trim 712 can be formed from a plastic material. In alternative implementations, the trim 712 can be formed from a metal material. For example, in some implementations, the trim 712 can be formed from aluminum. In implementations in which the cover 432 includes the electrode 602 (FIG. 6), the trim 712 can be formed from a material (e.g., aluminum) that electrically isolates the cover 432 from the housing 310. In this manner, the trim 712 can prevent an electrical short between the electrode 602 and the housing 310.

[0107] Referring now to FIG. 8, the flexible printed circuit 446 and the cover 454 of the second button assembly 340 (FIGS. 3A-3B) are provided according to some implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, the cover 454 can include a transparent material 800. The cover 454 can further include a first electrode 802 and a second electrode 804. For instance, in some implementations, the first electrode 802 can include a PVD coating extending around a first portion of a periphery of the transparent material 800. Additionally, the second electrode 804 can include a PVD coating extending around a second portion of the periphery of the transparent material 800. As such, each of the electrodes 802, 804 of the second button assembly 340 can include PVD coating extending around respective portions oof the periphery of the transparent material 800. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the second portion of the periphery of the transparent material 800 is different from the first portion of the periphery of the transparent material 800. In this manner, the first electrode 802 and the second electrode 804 can be separate (e.g., not touching) from one another. [0108] In some implementations, the first electrode 802 can be coupled to the first conductive post 448 of the flexible printed circuit 446 and the second electrode 804 can be coupled to the second conductive post 450 of the flexible printed circuit 446. For instance, in some implementations, the first electrode 802 can be coupled to the first conductive post 448 via a conductive glue 806. Alternatively, or additionally, the second electrode 804 can be coupled to the second conductive post 450 via the conductive glue 806.

[0109] Referring now to FIG. 9, the button housing 452 and the cover 454 of the second button assembly 340 (FIGS. 3A-3B) are provided according to some implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, the button housing 452 can include a cap 910. In some implementations, the cap 910 can define a first opening 911A for the first conductive post 448 (FIG. 8) and a second opening 91 IB for the second conductive post 450. In alternative implementations, the cap 910 can define a single opening for the first conductive post 448 and the second conductive post 450.

[0110] In some implementations, the button housing 452 can further include a trim 912 that is separate from the cap 910. In alternative implementations, the trim 912 can be integrally formed with the cap 910. It should be appreciated that the cover 454 can be coupled to the button housing 452 such that the trim 912 extends around a periphery of the cover 454. In this manner, the cover 454 can be separated from the housing 310 (FIGS. 3A- 3B) by the trim 912 of the button housing 452.

[0111] In some implementations, the trim 912 can be formed from a plastic material. In alternative implementations, the trim 912 can be formed from a metal material. For example, in some implementations, the trim 912 can be formed from aluminum. In implementations in which the cover 454 includes at least one of the first electrode 802 (FIG. 8) and the second electrode 804 (FIG. 8), the trim 912 can be formed from a material (e.g., aluminum) that electrically isolates the cover 454 from the housing 310. In this manner, the trim 912 can prevent an electrical short between the electrode (e.g.. first electrode 802 and/or second electrode 804) and the housing 310.

[0112] Referring now to FIG. 10 A, the optical sensor 424 is provided according to some implementations of the present disclosure. As show n, the conductive post 606 can divide the printed circuit 604 into a first portion that includes emitters 1010 and a second portion that includes detectors 1020. In this manner, the conductive post 606 can prevent light emitted from the emitters 1010 from being detected by the detectors 1020 before the light exits the button housing 428 (FIG. 4) of the first button assembly 320. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the emitters 1010 may include light emitting diodes configured to emit light. For example, in some embodiments, the emitters 1010 may include a light emitting diode (LED) configured to emit a red light, an LED configured to emit a green light, and/or an LED configured to emit infrared light.

[0113] Referring now to FIG. 10B, the optical sensor 424 is provided according to some implementations of the present disclosure. As show n, the optical sensor 424 depicted in FIG. 10B is substantially similar to the optical sensor 424 depicted in FIG. 10A. For instance, the optical sensor 424 depicted in FIG. 10B includes the emitters 1010, the detectors 1020, and the conductive post 606 that separates the emitters 1010 from the detectors 1020. However, in contrast to the optical sensor 424 depicted in FIG. 10 A, the optical sensor 424 depicted in FIG. 10B further includes an optical baffle 1030 positioned on the first portion of the printed circuit 604. More specifically, the optical baffle 1030 can be positioned between the conductive post 606 and the emitters 1010. In this manner, the optical baffle 1030 can further prevent light emitted from the emitters 1010 from reaching the detectors 1020 before exiting the button housing 428 (FIG. 4) of the first button assembly 320. In this way, the optical baffle 1030 is configured to optically isolate the emitters 1010 and the detectors 1020. [0114] Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, as shown, the printed circuit 604 of the optical sensor 424 includes a length dimension L and a width dimension W. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, the printed circuit 604 may include a width dimension W that is less than the length dimension L. The printed circuit 604 of the optical sensor 424 may further include a first end 604 A and a second end 604B. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first end 604A and the second end 604B of the printed circuit 604 can be spaced apart from one another along the length dimension L. Furthermore, the emitters 1010 may be positioned closer to the first end 604A of the printed circuit 604 than the second end 604B of the printed circuit 604. Conversely, the detectors 1020 may be positioned closer to the second end 604B of the printed circuit 604 than the first end 604A of the printed circuit.

[0115] Referring now to FIG. 11, a cross-sectional view of the computing device 300 of FIGS. 3A-3B is provided according to some implementations of the present disclosure. The housing 310 can define an opening 460 for the flexible printed circuit 426 of the first button assembly 320 to pass through and into the cavity (e.g., interior) of the housing 310. More specifically, the opening 460 can be positioned within the first recess 316 (FIG. 4) defined by the exterior surface of the sidewall 314 (FIG. 4). In this manner, the flexible printed circuit 426 can include a first portion positioned within the first recess 316 and a second portion positioned within the cavity of the housing 310.

[0116] In some implementations, the second portion of the flexible printed circuit 426 can electrically connect to the main logic board of the computing device 300. In alternative implementations, the second portion of the flexible printed circuit 426 can electrically connect to another flexible printed circuit that is electrically connected to the main logic board.

[0117] In some implementations, the computing device 300 can include one or more layers of waterproof foam positioned on an interior surface of the housing 310 that surrounds the opening 460 through which the flexible printed circuit 426 enters the cavity . For instance, in some implementations, the computing device 300 can include a first layer 1162 of waterproof foam and a second layer 1164 of waterproof foam positioned to seal the opening 460 through which the flexible printed circuit 426 enters the cavity' of the housing 310. It should be appreciated that the first layer 1162 and the second layer 1164 of the waterproof foam can sandwich the portion of the flexible printed circuit 426 positioned within the cavity of the housing 310 to form a waterproof seal at the opening 460. In this manner, water cannot enter the cavity of the housing 310 via the opening 460 defined therein to allow the flexible printed circuit 426 to extend into the cavity' thereof.

[0118] In some implementations, the housing 310 can define an opening 470 for the flexible printed circuit 446 (FIG. 4) of the second button assembly 340 to pass through and into the cavity (e.g., interior) of the housing 310. More specifically, the opening 470 can be positioned within the second recess 318 (FIG. 4) defined by the exterior surface of the sidewall 314 (FIG. 4). In this manner, the flexible printed circuit 446 can include a first portion positioned within the second recess 318 and a second portion positioned within the cavity (e.g., interior) of the housing 310. [0119] In some implementations, the second portion of the flexible printed circuit 446 can electrically connect to the main logic board of the computing device 300. In alternative implementations, the second portion of the flexible printed circuit 446 can electrically connect to another flexible printed circuit that is electrically connected to the main logic board.

[0120] Although not depicted, it should be appreciated that the computing device 300 can include one or more layers of waterproof foam positioned to seal the opening 470 through which the flexible printed circuit 446 (FIG. 4) enters the cavity of the housing 310. For instance, in some implementations, the computing device 300 can include first and second layers of waterproof foam positioned on opposing sides of the second portion of the flexible printed circuit 446 like described above with respect to the flexible printed circuit 426 of the first button assembly 320.

[0121] Referring now to FIGS. 12-14, another example computing device 1200 and various components therein are provided according to some implementations of the present disclosure. The computing device 1200 can be configured in substantially the same manner as the computing device 300 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3A-11. For instance, the computing device 1200 can include the housing 1210. Furthermore, the computing device 1200 can include a first button assembly 1220 and a second button assembly 1240. However, the computing device 1200 can include an intermediate flexible printed circuit 1202 positioned within the interior (e.g., cavity 1206) of the computing device 1200 to facilitate coupling between the flexible printed circuit 1226 of the first button assembly 1220 to a main logic board 1204 of the computing device 1200. The main logic board 1204 can be positioned within the cavity 1206 defined by the housing 1210 of the computing device 1200. Additionally, the intermediate flexible printed circuit 1202 can facilitate coupling between a flexible printed circuit (not shown) of the second button assembly 1240 to the main logic board 1204.

[0122] The second button assembly 1240 depicted in FIG. 12 can constitute an example, non-limiting implementation of second button assembly 340 described above and illustrated in the example implementations depicted in FIGS. 3A-11. That is, for instance, in the example implementation depicted in FIG. 12, second button assembly 1240 can include the same structure, components, attributes, and/or functionality as that of second button assembly 340 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 3A-11.

[0123] Referring briefly to FIGS. 13A-13B, an example button assembly (e.g., first button assembly 1220) is depicted according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIG. 13A depicts atop view of the example first button assembly 1220 of computing device 1200, and FIG. 13B depicts an exploded perspective view of the example first button assembly 1220 of computing device 1200.

[0124] As shown, the first button assembly 1220 depicted in FIGS. 13A-13B is substantially similar to the first button assembly 320 depicted in FIGS. 3-11. For instance, the first button assembly 1220 can include a button housing 1228. The button housing 1228 can define an opening 1230 configured to accommodate an optical sensor 1224. Furthermore, the button housing 1228 can be positioned on a flexible printed circuit 1226 such that the optical sensor 1224 is positioned within the opening 1230. In some implementations, the button housing 1228 can be fonned of a single piece of, e.g., aluminum. It should be appreciated that the button housing 1228 may be formed of any suitable material without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0125] In some implementations, the flexible printed circuit 1226 can be a rigid flexible printed circuit having one or more rigid portions and one or more flexible portions. The one or more rigid portions are susceptible to inelastic deformation (e.g., a change in shape) when equilibrium forces are applied to the one or more rigid portions, whereas the one or more flexible portions are not susceptible (e.g., unsusceptible) to inelastic deformation when equilibrium forces are applied to the one or more flexible portions. Furthermore, in some implementations, at least one of a button (not shown) and optical sensor 1224 can be coupled to the one or more rigid portions of the rigid flexible printed circuit. In alternative implementations, at least one of the button (not shown) and optical sensor 1224 can be coupled to the one or more flexible portions of the rigid flexible printed circuit.

[0126] More specifically, the first button assembly 1220 can include a cover 1232. In some implementations, the cover 1232 can be removably coupled to the button housing 1228. In alternative implementations, the cover 1232 can be integrally formed with the button housing 1228. The cover 1232 can be positioned above (e.g., directly above) the optical sensor 1224. Furthermore, in some implementations, the cover 1232 can define a first opening 1233 A, a second opening 1233B, a third opening 1233C, and a fourth opening 1233D. The first opening 1233A and the second opening 1233B can be aligned with emitters 1310 of the optical sensor 1224, and the third opening 1233C and the fourth opening 1233D can be aligned with detectors 1330 of the optical sensor 1224.

[0127] The first button assembly 1220 depicted in FIGS. 12-14 can constitute an example, non-limiting implementation of first button assembly 320 described above and illustrated in the example implementations depicted in FIGS. 3A-11. That is, for instance, in the example implementation depicted in FIGS. 12-14, first button assembly 1220 can include the same structure, components, attributes, and/or functionality as that of first button assembly 320 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 3A-11. However, in contrast to the first button assembly 320, first button assembly 1220 depicted in FIGS. 12-14 does not include an electrode around the periphery of the cover 1232.

[0128] Referring briefly to FIG. 14, an exploded perspective view of the cover 1232 of the first button assembly 1220 of computing device 1200 is depicted. As noted above, the first button assembly 1220 does not include an electrode around the periphery of the cover 1232. Thus, in contrast to the first button assembly 320, first button assembly 1220 does not require conductive glue between the cover 1232 and the optical sensor 1224.

[0129] As shown, the cover 1232 can include transparent (e.g., glass) layer 1432A positioned above the first opening 1233 A, the second opening 1233B, the third opening 1233C, and the fourth opening 1233D. In this way, the transparent layer 1432A of transparent material can be positioned on top of the cover 1232 such that the transparent material covers each of the openings 1233A, 1233B, 1233C, 1233D. It should be appreciated that the transparent layer 1432A can be formed using any suitable material such as, for example, glass, sapphire, plastic, and/or another material that can protect optical sensor 1224 and be transparent to one or more different wavelengths of light such as, for instance, green light wavelengths, red light wavelengths, infrared light wavelengths, and/or another wavelength of light.

[0130] The cover 1232 can further include ink layers 1432B, 1432C positioned below the transparent layer 1432. As show n, the ink layers 1432B, 1432C can define the first opening 1233A, the second opening 1233B, the third opening 1233C, and the fourth opening 1233D. In some implementations, the openings in ink layer 1432B can be smaller than the openings in ink layer 1432C. Additionally and/or alternatively, the openings in ink layer 1432B can be the same size and/or larger than the openings in ink layer 1432C. Furthermore, as shown, each of the openings in ink layers 1432B, 1432C can be rounded openings. However, it should be noted that the configurations of the openings are rounded for purposes of illustration and discussion. The openings may be any suitable shape and have any suitable configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0131] Referring again to FIGS. 12-14, in some implementations, the optical sensor 1224 can include a printed circuit board 1304 having a conductive post 1306. It should be appreciated that the conductive post 1306 can be electrically coupled to the flexible printed circuit 1226. In some implementations, the printed circuit board 1304 can include a conductive pad 1308 positioned on top of the conductive post 1306. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, an electrode (not shown) can be electrically coupled to the conductive post 1306. For instance, in some implementations, the electrode (not shown) can be electrically coupled to the conductive pad 1308 via a conductive glue (not shown). Thus, in implementations where the first button assembly 1220 includes an electrode, that electrode can have the same structure, components, attributes, and/or functionality as that of electrode 602 discussed above and depicted in FIG. 6.

[0132] Furthermore, similar to the optical sensor 424 depicted in FIG. 10B, the conductive post 1306 can divide the printed circuit 1304 into a first portion that includes the emitters 1310 and a second portion that includes the detectors 1330. In this manner, conductive post 1306 can prevent light emitted from emitters 1310 from being detected by the detectors 1330 before the light exits the button housing 1228 of the first button assembly 1220. Furthermore, optical sensor 1224 also includes an optical baffle 1320 positioned on the first portion of the printed circuit 1304. More specifically, the optical baffle 1320 can be positioned between the conductive post 1306 and the emitters 1310. In this manner, optical baffle 1320 can further prevent light emitted from the emitters 1310 from reaching the detectors 1330 before exiting the button housing 1228 of the first button assembly 1220. [0133] In some implementations, a user can place his or her finger on the cover 1232 of the first button assembly 1220. More specifically, the user can place his or her finger over the first opening 1233A, the second opening 1233B, the third opening 1233C, and the fourth opening 1233D of the cover 432. In this manner, light signals emitted by the emitters 1310 of the optical sensor 1224 can exit the button housing 1228 through the first opening 1233A and the second opening 1233B of the cover 432 and can penetrate the user’s finger. The light signals can reflect off an artery in the user’s finger and can reenter the button housing 1228 through the third opening 1233C and the fourth opening 1233D of the cover 432. The detectors 1330 of the optical sensor 1224 can detect the reflected light signals and the computing device 1200 can determine a biometric (e.g., heart rate, SpO2) of the user based, at least in part, on the reflected light signals.

[0134] As depicted in FIG. 12, the example computing device 1200 may, in some implementations, further include a third button assembly 1260. The third button assembly 1260 can include the same structure, components, attributes, and/or functionality as that of first button assembly 320 and/or second button assembly 340 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 3A-11. [0135] More specifically, the third button assembly 1260 may include a button (not shown) that, when actuated, causes the computing device 1200 to perform a third operation. It should be noted that the third operation may be the same and/or different from the first operation and the second operation associated with the first button assembly 1220 and the second button assembly 1240, respectively. Furthermore, the third button assembly 1260 may include at least one biometric sensor configured to obtain data indicative of a biometric of the user.

[0136] For instance, in some embodiments, the third button assembly 1260 may include at least one optical sensor such as, for instance, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor configured to obtain data indicative of, e.g., a heart (pulse) rate of the user (HR and/or PR), a heart-rate variability of the user, a blood oxygen saturation (e.g., SpCh) of the user, a respiration rate of the user, etc. Additionally and/or alternatively, in some embodiments, the third button assembly 1260 may include at least one biometric sensor electrode such as, for instance, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor and/or an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor configured to obtain data indicative of e g., an electrocardiogram (ECG) of the user, a pulse transit time (PTT) of the user, a pulse arrival time (PAT) of the user, a pulse wave analysis (PWA), a cardiac rhythm of the user, etc.

[0137] The third button assembly 1260 depicted in FIG. 12 can constitute an example, non-limiting implementation of first button assembly 320 and/or first button assembly 1220 described above and illustrated in the example implementations depicted in FIGS. 3A-11 and 12-14, respectively. That is, for instance, in the example implementation depicted in FIG. 12, third button assembly 1260 can include the same structure, components, attributes, and/or functionality as that of first button assembly 320 and/or first button assembly 1220 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 3A-11 and 12-14, respectively.

[0138] Additionally and/or alternatively, the third button assembly 1260 depicted in FIG. 12 can constitute an example, non-limiting implementation of second button assembly 340 and/or second button assembly 1240 described above and illustrated in the example implementations depicted in FIGS. 3A-11 and 12-14, respectively. That is, for instance, in the example implementation depicted in FIG. 12, third button assembly 1260 can include the same structure, components, attributes, and/or functionality as that of second button assembly 340 and/or second button assembly 1240 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 3A-11 and 12-14, respectively.

[0139] FIGS. 15-17 depict flow chart diagrams of an example method 1500 for assembling an example biometric data collection system according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, FIGS. 15-17 depict flow diagrams of an example, non-limiting method 1500 that can be implemented to fabricate button assemblies to produce a biometric data collection system implemented in an example computing device according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 1500 can be implemented using, for instance, fabrication equipment that can facilitate formation of the button assemblies (e.g., first button assembly 320 and second button assembly 340) in a computing device (e.g., computing device 300). For example, method 1500 can be implemented using, for instance, fabrication equipment used to fabricate integrated circuits and/or semiconductor devices. In some implementations, method 1500 can be implemented using, for instance, a computing system that can be coupled (e.g., communicatively, electrically, operatively) to such fabrication equipment. In these implementations, such a computing system can include one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media that can include instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, can cause the computing system and/or the fabrication equipment to perform one or more operations of method 1500.

[0140] FIG. 15 depicts example method steps for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the methods described in the present disclosure may be adapted, modified, include steps not illustrated, omitted, and/or rearranged without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0141] At (1502), the method 1 00 may include assembling a first button assembly. More specifically, the method 1500 may include assembling various components of, e.g., the first button assembly 320 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3A-11. Additionally and/or alternatively, the method 1500 may include assembling various components of, e.g., the first button assembly 1220 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 12-14.

[0142] As an illustrative example, FIG. 16 depicts an example method 1600 for assembling a first button assembly (e.g., first button assembly 320) at (1502) according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 depicts example method steps for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the methods described in the present disclosure may be adapted, modified, include steps not illustrated, omitted, and/or rearranged without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 16 at (1602), the method 1600 may include attaching a button to a first surface of a flexible printed circuit. More specifically, the method 1600 may include attached a button (e.g., button 522) to a first surface of a flexible printed circuit (e.g., flexible printed circuit 426) of a first button assembly (e.g., first button assembly 320). In some implementations, the flexible printed circuit 426 can be a rigid flexible printed circuit having at least one rigid portion and at least one flexible portion. The button may be attached to a rigid portion of the rigid flexible printed circuit and/or a flexible portion of the rigid flexible printed circuit.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 16 at (1604), the method 1600 may include attaching an optical sensor to a second surface of the flexible printed circuit More specifically, the method 1600 may include attaching an optical sensor (e.g., optical sensor 424) to a second surface of the flexible printed circuit (e.g., flexible printed circuit 426) of the first button assembly (e.g., first button assembly 320). As noted above, the second surface of the flexible printed circuit may be a different surface than the first surface of the flexible printed circuit. For instance, in some embodiments, the first surface and the second surface may be on opposing sides of the flexible printed circuit. Furthermore, as noted above, the flexible printed circuit may be a rigid flexible printed circuit in some implementations. As such, the optical sensor may be attached to a rigid portion of the rigid flexible printed circuit and/or a flexible portion of the rigid flexible printed circuit.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 16 at (1606), the method 1600 may include bonding a cap to the flexible printed circuit. More specifically, the method 1600 may include bonding a cap (e.g., cap 710) to the flexible printed circuit (e.g., flexible printed circuit 426).

[0146] Referring to FIG. 16 at (1608), the method 1600 may include bonding a button cover to the cap. More specifically, the method 1 00 may include bonding a button cover (e.g., cover 432) to the flexible printed circuit (e.g., flexible printed circuit 426). As noted above, the cover may include a transparent material (e.g., glass) and may define a first opening (e.g., first opening 433A) and a second opening (e.g., second opening 433B). Furthermore, the button cover may be positioned above the optical sensor (e.g., optical sensor 424) such that the first opening is aligned with emitters (e.g., emitters 1010) of the optical sensor and the second opening is aligned with the detectors (e.g., detectors 1020) of the optical sensor.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 16 at (1610), the method 1600 may include attaching a trim around the cap and the button cover. More specifically, the method 1600 may include attaching a trim (e.g., trim 712) around the cap (e.g., cap 710) and the button cover (e.g., cover 432) such that the trim extends around a periphery of the button cover. In this manner, the button cover can be separated from a housing (e.g., housing 310) of the first button assembly by the trim. Furthermore, as noted above, the trim may be separate from the cap in some embodiments. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the trim may be integrally formed with the cap. Additionally, in some embodiments, the trim may be formed from a plastic material. In other embodiments, the trim may be formed from a metal material. It should be appreciated that the trim may be formed from any suitable material that electrically isolates the button cover from the housing (e.g., housing 310) of the computing device (e.g., computing device 300) without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0148] Returning to FIG. 15 at (1504), the method 1500 may include assembling a second button assembly. More specifically, the method 1500 may include assembling various components of, e.g., the second button assembly 340 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3A-11. Additionally and/or alternatively, the method 1500 may include assembling various components of, e.g., the second button assembly 1240 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 12-14.

[0149] As an illustrative example, FIG. 17 depicts an example method 1700 for assembling a second button assembly (e.g., second button assembly 340) at (1504) according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 depicts example method steps for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary' skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that the methods described in the present disclosure may be adapted, modified, include steps not illustrated, omitted, and/or rearranged without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 17 at (1702), the method 1700 may include attaching buttons to a first surface of a flexible printed circuit. More specifically, the method 1700 may include attached a first button (e.g., button 542) and a second button (e.g., button 544) to a first surface of a flexible printed circuit (e.g., flexible printed circuit 446) of a second button assembly (e.g., second button assembly 340). As noted above, the flexible printed circuit discussed with respect to FIG. 16 (e.g., flexible printed circuit 426) may be a different flexible printed circuit discussed with respect to FIG. 17 (e.g., flexible printed circuit 446). Furthermore, in some implementations, the flexible printed circuit 446 can be a rigid flexible printed circuit having at least one rigid portion and at least one flexible portion. The buttons may be attached to a rigid portion of the rigid flexible printed circuit and/or a flexible portion of the rigid flexible printed circuit.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 17 at (1704), the method 1700 may include attaching conductive posts to a second surface of the flexible printed circuit. More specifically, the method 1700 may include attaching a first conductive post (e.g., conductive post 448) and a second conductive post (e.g., conductive post 450) to a second surface of the flexible printed circuit (e.g., flexible printed circuit 446) of the second button assembly (e.g., second button assembly 340). As discussed above, the first conductive post and the second conductive post may be arranged such that at least a portion of the first conductive post and the second conductive post may extend through a button housing (e.g., button housing 452).

Furthermore, the second surface of the flexible printed circuit may be a different surface than the first surface of the flexible printed circuit. For instance, in some embodiments, the first surface and the second surface may be on opposing sides of the flexible printed circuit. Furthermore, as noted above, the flexible printed circuit may be a rigid flexible printed circuit in some implementations. As such, the conductive posts may be attached to a rigid portion of the rigid flexible printed circuit and/or a flexible portion of the rigid flexible printed circuit. [0152] Referring to FIG. 17 at (1706), the method 1700 may include attaching electrodes to a button cover. More specifically, the method 1700 may include attaching a first electrode (e.g., electrode 802) to a button cover (e.g., cover 454) of the second button assembly (e.g., second button assembly 340). Furthermore, the method 1700 may also include attaching a second electrode (e.g., electrode 804) to a button cover (e.g., cover 454) of the second button assembly (e.g., second button assembly 340). As noted above, the first electrode and the second electrode can each include a PVD coating extending around a first portion of the button cover and around a second portion of the button cover, respectively. It should be appreciated that the first portion and the second portion of the button cover periphery are different. In this manner, the first electrode and the second electrode may be spaced apart (e.g., not touching) from one another.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 17 at (1708), the method 1700 may include coupling the electrodes to the conductive posts. More specifically, the method 1700 may include coupling the first electrode (e.g., electrode 802) to the first conductive post (e.g., conductive post 448). Furthermore, the method 1700 may also include coupling the second electrode (e.g., electrode 804) to the second conductive post (e.g., conductive post 450). In some embodiments, the electrodes may be coupled to the corresponding conductive post via a conductive glue (e.g., conductive glue 806). It should be understood that the conductive posts may be coupled to the electrodes using any suitable material without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 17 at (1710), the method 1700 may include bonding a cap to the flexible printed circuit. More specifically, the method 1700 may include bonding a cap (e.g., cap 910) to the flexible printed circuit (e.g., flexible printed circuit 446). [0155] Referring to FIG. 17 at (1712), the method 1700 may include bonding the button cover to the cap. More specifically, the method 1700 may include bonding the button cover (e.g., cover 454) to the flexible printed circuit (e.g., flexible printed circuit 446). As noted above, the button cover may include a transparent material (e g., glass). Furthermore, the button cover may be positioned above the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 17 at (1714), the method 1700 may include attaching a trim around the cap and the button cover. More specifically, the method 1700 may include attaching a trim (e.g., trim 912) around the cap (e.g., cap 910) and the button cover (e g., cover 454) such that the trim extends around a periphery of the button cover. In this manner, the button cover can be separated from a housing (e.g., housing 310) of the first button assembly by the trim. Furthermore, as noted above, the trim may be separate from the cap in some embodiments. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the trim may be integrally formed with the cap. Additionally, in some embodiments, the trim may be formed from a plastic material. In other embodiments, the trim may be formed from a metal material. It should be appreciated that the trim may be formed from any suitable material that electrically isolates the button cover from the housing (e.g., housing 310) of the computing device (e.g., computing device 300) without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In this manner, the trim can prevent an electrical short between the electrodes and the housing of the computing device.

[0157] Returning to FIG. 15 at (1506), the method 1500 may include attaching a waterproof seal to the first button assembly assembled at (1502). More particularly, the method 1500 may include attaching a first layer (e.g., layer 1162) and a second layer (e.g., layer 1164) of waterproof material in order to seal an opening (e.g., opening 460) through which the flexible circuit (e.g., flexible printed circuit 426) enters the cavity of the housing (e.g., housing 310) of the computing device (e.g., computing device 300). It should be appreciated that the first and second layers of the waterproof material can sandwich the portion of the flexible printed circuit positioned within the cavity of the housing to form a waterproof seal at the opening. In this manner, water cannot enter the cavity of the housing via the opening defined therein to allow the flexible printed circuit to extend into the cavity thereof It should be appreciated that the waterproof material may be, for instance, a sealant, an epoxy, a glue, and/or another material that can be used to seal such an opening to prevent debris, liquid, and/or gas from entering the interior of the button and/or the computing device by way of such opening. [0158] At (1508), the method 1500 may include attaching a waterproof seal to the second button assembly assembled at (1504). More particularly, the method 1500 may include attaching layers of waterproof material in order to seal an opening (e.g., opening 470) in a similar manner as that discussed above at (1506). In this manner, water cannot enter the cavity of the housing via the opening defined therein to allow the flexible printed circuit to extend into the cavity thereof. It should be appreciated that the waterproof material may be, for instance, a sealant, an epoxy, a glue, and/or another material that can be used to seal such an opening to prevent debris, liquid, and/or gas from entering the interior of the button and/or the computing device by way of such opening.

[0159] At (1510), the method 1500 may include attaching the first button assembly and the second button assembly to a bracket. More particularly, the method 1500 may include attaching the first button assembly (e.g., first button assembly 320) assembled at (1502) and the second button assembly (e.g., second button assembly 340) assembled at (1504) to a bracket (e.g., bracket 580). As noted above, the bracket may be positioned within the cavity defined by the housing (e.g., housing 310) of the computing device (e.g., computing device 300). In particular, the bracket can be placed against an interior surface of a sidewall (e.g., sidewall(s) 314) of the housing. In this manner, the flexible printed circuit (e.g., flexible printed circuit 426) of the first button assembly can be coupled to the bracket to secure the first button assembly within a first recess (e.g., recess 316) of the defined by the housing. Likewise, the flexible printed circuit (e.g., flexible printed circuit 446) of the second button assembly can be coupled to the bracket to secure the second button assembly within a second recess (e.g., recess 318) of the defined by the housing.

[0160] While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific example embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing can readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A computing device comprising: a housing comprising a backplate and a sidewall extending around a periphery of the backplate, an exterior surface of the sidewall defining a first recess and a second recess; a first button assembly disposed at least partially within the first recess, the first button assembly comprising: a first printed circuit; a first button coupled to a first surface of the first printed circuit; a first cover movable relative to the housing to selectively actuate the first button to cause the computing device to perform a first operation; and an optical sensor coupled to a second surface of the first printed circuit, the second surface being on an opposing side of the first printed circuit from the first surface, the optical sensor configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a first biometric of a user; and a second button assembly disposed at least partially within the second recess, the second button assembly comprising: a second printed circuit; a second button and a third button, the second button and the third button coupled to a first surface of the second printed circuit; a second cover movable relative to the housing to selectively actuate the second button and the third button to cause the computing device to perform a second operation that is different from the first operation; and at least one biometric sensor electrode configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a second biometric of the user.

2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor comprises: a printed circuit having a length dimension and a width dimension that is less than the length dimension; one or more emitters positioned closer to a first end of the printed circuit than a second end of the printed circuit, the first end spaced apart from the second end along the length dimension; one or more detectors positioned closer to the second end of the printed circuit than the first end of the printed circuit; and a conductive post positioned on the printed circuit between the one or more emitters and the one or more detectors.

3. The computing device of claim 2, wherein the optical sensor further comprises: an optical baffle positioned on the printed circuit between the conductive post and the one or more emitters, the conductive post and the optical baffle configured to optically isolate the one or more emitters and the one or more detectors.

4. The computing device of claim 2, wherein the one or more emitters comprise: a first light emitting diode (LED) configured to emit a red light; a second LED configured to emit a green light; and a third LED configured to emit infrared light.

5. The computing device of claim 2, wherein: a first opening defined by the first cover is aligned with the one or more emitters of the optical sensor; and a second opening defined by the first cover is aligned with the one or more detectors of the optical sensor.

6. The computing device of claim 5, wherein: the one or more emitters are configured to emit light signals through the first opening of the first cover to penetrate a finger of the user; the one or more detectors are configured to detect reflected light signals through the second opening of the first cover; and the computing device is configured to determine the first biometric of the user based, at least in part, on the reflected light signals.

7. The computing device of claim 1, wherein: the optical sensor of the first button assembly comprises a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor; and the at least one biometric sensor electrode of the second button assembly comprise at least one of an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor or an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor.

8. The computing device of claim 7, wherein: the first biometric of the user comprises at least one of a heart rate of the user or a blood oxygen level of the user; and the second biometric of the user comprises a cardiac rhythm of the user.

9. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein: the second cover of the second button assembly comprises a transparent material; and the at least one biometric sensor electrode of the second button assembly comprise a physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating extending around respective portions of a periphery of the transparent material.

10. The computing device of claim 9, wherein the at least one biometric sensor electrode is configured to contact skin of the user at a location and obtain biometric data indicative of electrical impedance of the user at the location of the contact.

11. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the first cover of the first button assembly comprises: a transparent material; and at least one biometric sensor electrode comprising a physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating extending around a periphery of the transparent material, the at least one biometric sensor electrode configured to obtain biometric data indicative of the second biometric of the user.

12. The computing device of claim 1, wherein: the first operation comprises powering on or powering off the computing device; and the second operation comprises controlling a volume of one or more speakers of the computing device.

13. The computing device of claim 12, wherein: the second button of the second button assembly increases the volume of the one or more speakers of the computing device; and the third button of the second button assembly decreases the volume of the one or more speakers of the computing device.

14. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall of the housing further defines an internal cavity, the computing device further comprising: a bracket coupled to an interior surface of the sidewall within the cavity , wherein the first button assembly is coupled to the bracket to secure the first button assembly within the first recess and the second button assembly is coupled to the bracket to secure the second button assembly within the second recess.

15. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the first printed circuit and the second printed circuit are flexible printed circuits, each of the flexible printed circuits comprising: at least one rigid portion, the at least one rigid portion being susceptible to inelastic deformation; and at least one flexible portion, the at least one flexible portion being unsusceptible to inelastic deformation.

16. The computing device of claim 1, wherein the computing device is at least one of a mobile smart phone device or a mobile tablet device.

17. A button assembly for a computing device, comprising: a flexible printed circuit comprising at least one rigid portion and at least one flexible portion; a button electrically coupled to a first surface of the flexible printed circuit; a button housing disposed on a second surface of the flexible printed circuit, the button housing defining an opening; an optical sensor disposed within the opening of the button housing, the optical sensor configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a first biometric of a user; a button cover coupled to the button housing, the button cover movable relative to the button housing to selectively actuate the button to cause the computing device to perform an operation; and a biometric sensor electrode extending around a periphery of the button cover, the biometric sensor electrode configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a second biometric of the user that is different from the first biometric of the user.

18. The button assembly of claim 17, wherein: the optical sensor comprises a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor configured to emit light into a finger of the user; and the biometric sensor electrode comprises at least one of an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor or an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor configured to contact skin of the user at a location and obtain biometric data indicative of electrical impedance of the user at the location of contact.

19. The button assembly of claim 18, wherein: the first biometric of the user comprises at least one of a heart rate of the user or a blood oxygen level of the user; and the second biometric of the user comprises a cardiac rhythm of the user.

20. A biometric data collection system for a computing device, comprising: a first button assembly positioned at a first location on the computing device, the first button assembly comprising: a first printed circuit; a first button coupled to a first surface of the first printed circuit; a first cover coupled to the first button, the first cover operable to selectively actuate the first button to perform a first operation; and an optical sensor coupled to a second surface of the first printed circuit, the second surface being on an opposing side of the first printed circuit from the first surface, the optical sensor configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a first biometric of a user; and a second button assembly positioned at a second location on the computing device, the second location spaced apart from the first location, the second button assembly comprising: a second printed circuit; a second button and a third button, the second button and the third button coupled to a first surface of the second printed circuit; a second cover coupled to the second button and the third button, the second cover operable to selectively actuate the second button and the third button to perform a second operation that is different from the first operation; and at least one biometric sensor electrode configured to obtain biometric data indicative of a second biometric of the user.