OPTICAL ENCODER WITH DIRECTION-DEPENDENT OPTICAL PROPERTIES
First Claim
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1. An optical encoder for an electronic device, the optical encoder comprising:
- 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 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.
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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
26 Claims
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1. 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 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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. 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 optical sensor configured to detect light reflected from the spindle; and an array of alternating regions formed on and extending along a length of the spindle. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. 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 sensor. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification