Apple inc. (20240247929). Electronic Device with Optical Angle Sensor simplified abstract

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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 20240247929 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.

  • Housing parts rotate about a hinge.
  • Hinge angle encoder rotates with the hinge.
  • Emitter emits light towards the encoder.
  • Sensor receives light reflecting back from the encoder.
  • Processing circuitry computes the hinge angle based on intensity values from photodetectors.

Key Features and Innovation

  • Rotating housing parts with a hinge for flexibility.
  • Hinge angle encoder for accurate angle measurement.
  • Use of light and sensors for angle calculation.
  • Pixelated polarizer for precise detection.
  • Processing circuitry for hinge angle computation.

Potential Applications

  • Smartphones and tablets with rotating screens.
  • Laptops with adjustable hinges for different viewing angles.
  • Cameras with rotating lenses for panoramic shots.
  • Wearable devices with flexible displays.
  • Industrial equipment with adjustable parts.

Problems Solved

  • Accurate measurement of rotation angles.
  • Precise alignment of rotating parts.
  • Enhanced user experience with adjustable devices.
  • Improved functionality of devices with rotating components.

Benefits

  • Customizable viewing angles for users.
  • Increased durability of devices with rotating parts.
  • Enhanced functionality in various applications.
  • Improved user interaction with electronic devices.

Commercial Applications

Rotating Electronic Devices for Enhanced User Experience

This technology can be applied to smartphones, laptops, cameras, wearable devices, and industrial equipment to provide users with customizable viewing angles and improved functionality. The market implications include increased demand for devices with flexible and adjustable components, leading to potential growth in the electronic device industry.

Prior Art

Research on rotating electronic devices and angle measurement technologies can provide insights into similar inventions and advancements in the field. Investigating patents related to hinge mechanisms, light sensors, and angle encoders may reveal prior art relevant to this technology.

Frequently Updated Research

Ongoing research in the fields of flexible displays, sensor technologies, and electronic device design may contribute to advancements in rotating housing parts and angle measurement systems. Stay updated on developments in photodetectors, polarizing filters, and processing algorithms for accurate angle calculations.

Questions about Rotating Electronic Devices

What are the potential applications of this technology beyond electronic devices with rotating screens?

This technology can also be utilized in cameras, wearable devices, and industrial equipment for adjustable components and precise angle measurements.

How does this innovation improve user experience compared to traditional fixed devices?

By allowing users to customize viewing angles and adjust device orientation, this technology enhances user interaction and functionality in electronic devices.


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.