Optical encoder with direction-dependent optical properties having an optically anisotropic region to produce a first and a second light distribution
First Claim
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1. An optical encoder for an electronic device, the optical encoder comprising:
- a spindle configured to rotate about a central axis;
an optical emitter configured to illuminate a portion of the spindle;
an optical detector configured to receive light from the illuminated portion of the spindle; and
an array of contrasting regions formed on an outward-facing surface of the spindle and extending along a length of the spindle, wherein the array of contrasting regions includes a set of optically anisotropic regions interspersed with a set of optically-absorptive regions, whereinan optically anisotropic region of the set of optically anisotropic regions is configured to;
produce a first light distribution for light that is reflected along a transverse plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the spindle; and
produce a second light distribution for light that is reflected along a longitudinal plane that passes through the central axis of the spindle, wherein the second light distribution is wider than the first light distribution.
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Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an optical encoder for an electronic device. The optical encoder includes a spindle and an encoded pattern disposed around a circumference of the spindle. The encoded pattern may include one or more surface features that create a direction-dependent reflective region.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. An optical encoder for an electronic device, the optical encoder comprising:
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a spindle configured to rotate about a central axis; an optical emitter configured to illuminate a portion of the spindle; an optical detector configured to receive light from the illuminated portion of the spindle; and an array of contrasting regions formed on an outward-facing surface of the spindle and extending along a length of the spindle, wherein the array of contrasting regions includes a set of optically anisotropic regions interspersed with a set of optically-absorptive regions, wherein an optically anisotropic region of the set of optically anisotropic regions is configured to; produce a first light distribution for light that is reflected along a transverse plane that is perpendicular to the central axis of the spindle; and produce a second light distribution for light that is reflected along a longitudinal plane that passes through the central axis of the spindle, wherein the second light distribution is wider than the first light distribution. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A portable electronic device comprising:
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a housing; a display positioned within an opening of the housing; a crown positioned on the housing and configured to receive rotational input; an optical encoder operatively coupled to the crown and configured to measure the rotational input, the optical encoder comprising; a spindle; an array of alternating regions formed on and extending along a length of the spindle; and an optical sensor configured to detect light reflected from the spindle and comprising; an optical emitter; an optical detector; and an optically diffusing member positioned adjacent a face of at least one of the optical emitter or the optical detector and configured to produce a light distribution that is wider in a direction along the length of the spindle. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An optical encoder for an electronic device, the optical encoder comprising:
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a spindle; an optical emitter configured to illuminate a portion of the spindle; an optical detector configured to receive light from the illuminated portion of the spindle; and an array of features arranged along a length the spindle;
wherein the array of features is configured to;produce alternating light and dark reflections on the optical detector; produce a first type of reflection having a first beam spread for light along a transverse plane that is perpendicular to a central axis of the spindle; and produce a second type of reflection having a second beam spread for light along a longitudinal plane that passes through the central axis of the spindle, wherein the second beam spread is wider than the first beam spread. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification