Optical encoder with direction-dependent optical properties comprising a spindle having an array of surface features defining a concave contour along a first direction and a convex contour along a second direction

US11002572B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Apple Inc. · US

Inventors

• Paisith P. Boonsom · Concord, US
• Serhan O. Isikman · Sunnyvale, US
• Richard Ruh · San Jose, US
• Prashanth S. Holenarsipur · Fremont, US
• Colin M. Ely · Cupertino, US
• William N. Pickeral · San Jose, US
• Jairam Manjunathaiah · Cupertino, US
• David G. Havskjold · Cupertino, US
• Anant Rai · San Jose, US
• Maegan K. Spencer · La Honda, US
• Milind S. Bhagavat · Santa Clara, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 12, 2020
• Grant date: May 11, 2021
• Expiry date: May 12, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01D5/34715
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

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.