Electronic Devices With Multi-Function Environmental Sensors

    公开(公告)号:US20240085223A1

    公开(公告)日:2024-03-14

    申请号:US18321456

    申请日:2023-05-22

    Applicant: Apple Inc.

    CPC classification number: G01D21/02 G01J1/44 G01K17/00 G01P5/12 G01J2001/4266

    Abstract: An electronic device may include an environmental sensor. In particular, the sensor may include a layer of metal and be operable as an anemometer, a thermometer, a bolometer, and/or a heat flux sensor. To operate as an anemometer or thermometer, circuitry may heat the layer of metal and calculate an air speed based on a decay of the metal temperature. To operate as a bolometer, a first portion of the metal may have a first optical absorption/insulation (e.g., be insulated), while a second portion may have a second optical absorption/insulation (e.g., be uncoated). Differences in heating/cooling of the first and second portions may be used to measure solar radiation. To operate as a heat flux sensor, different metals may be used, and Seebeck voltages between the different metals may be measured. The metal may be deposited on the housing or may be incorporated into a mesh on the device.

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