Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an optical encoder for an electronic device. The optical encoder comprises an elongated shaft and a plurality of markings axially disposed around a circumference of the elongated shaft. The optical encoder also includes an optical sensor. In embodiments, the optical sensor includes an emitter and an array of photodiodes. The emitter and the array of photodiodes may be radially aligned with respect to the elongated shaft or axially aligned with respect to the shaft.
Abstract:
A proximity sensor may be mounted below a display cover layer in an electronic device. The proximity sensor may have a light source that emits light and a detector configured to detect reflections of the emitted light from nearby external objects. The light emitted from the light source may pass through a lens along an axis towards external objects. The light source and the detector may be mounted in a proximity sensor housing having openings that are aligned with the light source and the detector. A reflector may be mounted to the proximity sensor in a configuration that bridges the opening over the light source. The reflector may be formed from a strip of metal or a strip of prism structures. Some of the light from the light source reflects from the reflector at a non-zero angle with respect to the axis and enhances proximity sensor performance.
Abstract:
An optical encoder having diffuser members, and methods for detecting the rotational movement of the cylinder of the optical encoder are disclosed. The optical encoder may include a rotatable cylinder configured to reflect light. The rotatable cylinder may include an encoding pattern of alternating reflective stripes having distinct light-reflective properties. The optical encoder may also include a light source positioned adjacent the rotatable cylinder, and an array of optical sensors positioned adjacent the rotatable cylinder. The array of optical sensors may receive the reflected light from the rotatable cylinder. The optical encoder may include a diffuser member positioned on the rotatable cylinder, the light source, and the array of optical sensors.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an optical encoder for an electronic device. The optical encoder comprises an elongated shaft and a plurality of markings axially disposed around a circumference of the elongated shaft. The optical encoder also includes an optical sensor. In embodiments, the optical sensor includes an emitter and an array of photodiodes. The emitter and the array of photodiodes may be radially aligned with respect to the elongated shaft or axially aligned with respect to the shaft.
Abstract:
A proximity sensor may be mounted below a display cover layer in an electronic device. The proximity sensor may have a light source that emits light and a detector configured to detect reflections of the emitted light from nearby external objects. The light emitted from the light source may pass through a lens along an axis towards external objects. The light source and the detector may be mounted in a proximity sensor housing having openings that are aligned with the light source and the detector. A reflector may be mounted to the proximity sensor in a configuration that bridges the opening over the light source. The reflector may be formed from a strip of metal or a strip of prism structures. Some of the light from the light source reflects from the reflector at a non-zero angle with respect to the axis and enhances proximity sensor performance.
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.
Abstract:
An electronic device display may have a display cover layer. The cover layer may have a border that has an opaque masking material with an opening defining a light window for an ambient light sensor. The ambient light sensor may have a photodetector mounted in a light sensor housing. A molded clear plastic light diffuser may be used to diffuse light for the ambient light sensor that is passing through the light window. The light diffuser may reduce directionality in the ambient light sensor. The light diffuser may have an array of molded protrusions such as flat-topped cones. Alignment features may be formed in the light sensor housing and the light diffuser. Clips and other molded structures for attaching the light sensor to a mounting bracket or other structures may be molded into the light diffuser and light sensor housing.
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.
Abstract:
An optical encoder having diffuser members, and methods for detecting the rotational movement of the cylinder of the optical encoder are disclosed. The optical encoder may include a rotatable cylinder configured to reflect light. The rotatable cylinder may include an encoding pattern of alternating reflective stripes having distinct light-reflective properties. The optical encoder may also include a light source positioned adjacent the rotatable cylinder, and an array of optical sensors positioned adjacent the rotatable cylinder. The array of optical sensors may receive the reflected light from the rotatable cylinder. The optical encoder may include a diffuser member positioned on the rotatable cylinder, the light source, and the array of optical sensors.
Abstract:
A portable electronic device including a proximity sensing device having an emitter and a detector. The electronic device further including a housing for containing the proximity sensing device which includes an optical interface forming a face of the housing through which radiation between the emitter and the detector pass. The optical interface may include an oleophobic coating which is selectively modified such that optical interference from an optical interface near-field object on the proximity sensing device is reduced without reducing a sensitivity of the proximity sensing device to a target near-field object.