18505965. Electronic Device with Optical Angle Sensor simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

Electronic Device with Optical Angle Sensor

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Ruonan Yang of Santa Clara CA (US)

David D. Dashevsky of San Jose CA (US)

Dong Zheng of Los Altos CA (US)

Electronic Device with Optical Angle Sensor - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18505965 titled 'Electronic Device with Optical Angle Sensor

Simplified Explanation

An electronic device with rotating housing parts uses light and sensors to calculate the angle of rotation.

• The device has a hinge angle encoder that rotates with the housing parts.
• An emitter sends light towards the encoder, which reflects it back.
• A sensor receives the reflected light and calculates the rotation angle.
• The encoder includes a polarizing filter and a diffuser layer.
• The sensor has a pixelated polarizer overlapping an array of photodetectors.
• Processing circuitry computes the rotation angle based on intensity values from the photodetectors.

Key Features and Innovation

• Rotating housing parts with a hinge angle encoder.
• Use of light and sensors to calculate rotation angle.
• Polarizing filter and diffuser layer in the encoder.
• Pixelated polarizer and photodetector array in the sensor.
• Processing circuitry for angle computation.

Potential Applications

This technology can be used in:

• Smartphones and tablets for automatic screen orientation adjustment.
• Laptops and convertible devices for hinge angle detection.
• Wearable devices for tracking movement and orientation.
• Robotics for joint angle measurement.
• Augmented reality and virtual reality headsets for precise motion tracking.

Problems Solved

• Accurately determining the angle of rotation in electronic devices.
• Providing a reliable method for detecting hinge movement.
• Enabling seamless user experience through automatic orientation adjustments.
• Enhancing the functionality of devices with rotating parts.
• Improving the precision of motion tracking in various applications.

Benefits

• Improved user experience with automatic orientation adjustments.
• Enhanced functionality of electronic devices with rotating parts.
• Precise motion tracking for better performance in applications.
• Increased accuracy in measuring angles of rotation.
• Potential for innovative features in devices utilizing this technology.

Commercial Applications

Title: Automatic Orientation Adjustment Technology for Electronic Devices This technology can revolutionize the following commercial applications:

• Consumer electronics industry for smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
• Wearable technology sector for fitness trackers and smartwatches.
• Robotics industry for robotic arms and joints.
• Augmented reality and virtual reality market for immersive experiences.
• Industrial automation for precise movement control in machinery.

Prior Art

For prior art related to this technology, researchers can explore patents and publications in the fields of sensor technology, optical encoders, and electronic device design.

Frequently Updated Research

Researchers are continually exploring advancements in sensor technology, optical encoders, and motion tracking algorithms to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of angle detection in electronic devices.

Questions about Automatic Orientation Adjustment Technology for Electronic Devices

How does this technology improve user experience in electronic devices?

This technology enhances user experience by automatically adjusting the orientation of screens based on the angle of rotation, providing convenience and seamless usability.

What are the potential applications of this technology beyond consumer electronics?

This technology can be applied in various industries such as robotics, wearable technology, augmented reality, and industrial automation for precise angle measurement and motion tracking.

Original Abstract Submitted

An electronic device can include housing with first and second housing portions configured to rotate relative to one another about a hinge, a hinge angle encoder that rotates with the hinge, an emitter that emits light towards the hinge angle encoder, and a sensor die that receives light reflecting back from the hinge angle encoder. The hinge angle encoder may include an absorptive polarizing filter layer and a reflective diffuser layer. A pixelated polarizer may be formed overlapping an array of photodetectors in the sensor die. The electronic device may include processing circuitry configured to compute a hinge angle by which the first and second housing portions are rotated based on one or more intensity values acquired using the array of photodetectors.