Optical sensing of translation and rotation axis movement

Abstract

The invention relates to optical sensing of translation and rotation axis movement. An assembly for an electronic device includes a rotatable and translatable input device having an axis of rotation, a circumference around the axis of rotation, and an optical encoder pattern disposed around the circumference. The optical encoder pattern includes a series of polygonal faces around the circumference and a one-dimensional substantially retroreflective feature parallel to the axis of rotation. The assembly also includes an optical transmitter configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation toward the optical encoder pattern, and an optical receiver including a two-dimensional array of pixels. The optical receiver is configured to receive a reflection of the emitted electromagnetic radiation from the optical encoder pattern and generate an irradiance pattern in response to the reflection. The optical transmitter and the optical receiver are arranged along a sensing axis orthogonal to the rotational axis.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 541,246 filed on September 28, 2023, and claims the benefit of that U.S. Provisional Patent Application under 35 U.S.C. §1.119(e), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed herein. Technical Field

[0003] The described embodiments relate generally to sensing translational and rotational axis movement, and more particularly to optically sensing translational and rotational axis movement. Background Art

[0004] Many devices today include user-operable input devices, such as buttons, crowns, dials, or knobs. Some devices that may include such input devices include wearable devices (e.g., wrist-worn devices, headphones, or earbuds), game controllers, dashboards, or any other type of device (e.g., another type of portable, wearable, movable, or fixed device). Some input devices may only rotate or translate. Other input devices may both rotate and translate. Devices that include input devices that are capable of rotation and translation need a method to sense when the input device has been rotated or translated. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments of the systems, apparatuses, methods, and devices described in this disclosure employ optical sensing to detect (or track) translational and rotational movement of an axis, such as an axis forming part of an input device.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present disclosure describes a component for an electronic device. The component may include an input device capable of rotation and translation, the input device having an axis of rotation, a circumference around the axis of rotation, and an optical encoder pattern arranged around the circumference. The optical encoder pattern may include a series of polygonal faces around the circumference and a one-dimensional basic retroreflective feature parallel to the axis of rotation. The component may also include an optical transmitter and an optical receiver, the optical transmitter being configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the optical encoder pattern, the optical receiver comprising a two-dimensional pixel array. The optical receiver may be configured to receive a reflection of the emitted electromagnetic radiation from the optical encoder pattern and generate an irradiance pattern in response to the reflection. The optical transmitter and the optical receiver may be arranged along a sensing axis orthogonal to the axis of rotation.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present disclosure describes another component for an electronic device. The component may include a rotatable and translatable shaft having an optical encoder pattern arranged around the circumference of the shaft; an optical transmitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the optical encoder pattern; and an optical receiver including a two-dimensional pixel array. The optical receiver may be configured to receive a reflection of the emitted electromagnetic radiation from the optical encoder pattern and generate an irradiance pattern in response to the reflection. The irradiance pattern may have a center of mass that moves along a first axis relative to the two-dimensional pixel array in response to translation of the shaft along the axis of rotation, and the irradiance pattern may move along a second axis relative to the two-dimensional pixel array in response to rotation of the shaft around the axis of rotation.

[0008] In a third aspect, the present disclosure describes another component for an electronic device. The component may include a rotatable and translatable shaft having an optical encoder pattern arranged around the circumference of the shaft; an optical transmitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the optical encoder pattern; and an optical receiver including a two-dimensional pixel array. The optical receiver may be configured to receive a reflection of the emitted electromagnetic radiation from the optical encoder pattern and generate an irradiance pattern in response to the reflection. The irradiance pattern may have an electromagnetic radiation distribution that changes along a first axis relative to the two-dimensional pixel array in response to the translation of the shaft along the rotation axis, and the irradiance pattern moves along a second axis relative to the two-dimensional pixel array in response to the rotation of the shaft around the rotation axis.

[0009] In addition to the illustrative aspects and embodiments described, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure will be readily understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like structural elements, and in which:

[0011] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An example of a device that may include components for optically sensing translational and rotational axis movement is shown;

[0012] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F An exemplary assembly including a shaft, an optical transmitter, and an optical receiver is shown;

[0013] Figure 3 shows an exemplary optical element disposed between a shaft and an optical receiver of a first exemplary assembly for optically sensing translational and rotational shaft movement;

[0014] Figure 4A a shaft of a first exemplary assembly for optically sensing translational and rotational shaft movement in a first translational position, and Figure 4B showing the shaft in a second translational position;

[0015] Figure 5 shows exemplary variations of the irradiance pattern on the surface of an optical receiver that may be caused by Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B The translation or rotation of the axis shown causes;

[0016] Figure 6 shows an exemplary profile of a one-dimensional base retroreflective feature of a second exemplary assembly for optically sensing translational and rotational axis movement;

[0017] Fig. 7A a shaft of an exemplary assembly for optically sensing translational and rotational shaft movement in a first translational position, and Figure 7B showing the shaft in a second translational position;

[0018] Figure 8 shows exemplary variations of the irradiance pattern on the surface of an optical receiver that may be caused by Figure 6 , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The translation or rotation of the axis shown causes;

[0019] Fig. 9 showing an exemplary optical element disposed between an optical emitter and a shaft of a third exemplary assembly for optically sensing translational and rotational shaft movement; and

[0020] Fig.10 An exemplary block diagram of an electronic device is shown.

[0021] The use of cross-hatching or shading in the drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the drawings. Thus, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not express or indicate any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element sizes, commonality of similar illustrated elements, or any other feature, attribute, or characteristic of any element shown in the drawings.

[0022] Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and sizes (relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, spacings, and positional relationships presented therebetween are provided in the accompanying drawings solely to facilitate understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and therefore may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for the embodiments illustrated to exclude the embodiments described in conjunction therewith. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to the representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover substitutions, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0024] Described herein are assemblies that can be used to optically sense translational and rotational shaft movement (e.g., translational and rotational movement of a shaft that is typically applied or formed with a cylindrical optical encoder pattern, or translational and rotational movement of a shaft that has a generally cylindrical optical encoder pattern attached). In some embodiments, translational and rotational shaft movement can be sensed simultaneously. In some embodiments, the assembly can be associated with a crown that is both rotatable and translatable (i.e., depressible and / or pullable).

[0025] In addition to a sensing module capable of simultaneously sensing both translation and rotation of a crown (or other input device, or other apparatus including both rotatable and translatable axes), the components described herein may also provide better alignment and process variation tolerance, reduced sensing component size, reduced component and / or sensing module cost, reduced power consumption, and improved radio frequency (RF) immunity (e.g., improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)).

[0026] refer to Figures 1A to 10 These and other systems, devices, methods, and apparatus are described. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0027] Directional terms, such as "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "above", "below", "above", "below", "left", "right", etc., are used with reference to the orientation of some components in some of the figures described below. Since components in various embodiments can be positioned in a plurality of different orientations, the directional terms are used for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily limiting. Directional terms are intended to be interpreted broadly and should not be interpreted to exclude components oriented in different ways. In addition, as used herein, the phrase "at least one of" following a series of items in any of the items separated by the terms "and" or "or" is to modify the list as a whole, rather than modifying each member of the list. The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least one of each of the listed items; rather, the phrase allows for the meaning of including at least one of any of the items in the items and / or at least one of any combination of the items and / or at least one of each of the items in the items. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" each refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or one or more of each of A, B, and C. Similarly, it should be understood that the order in which elements are presented for either a combined or separate list provided herein should not be construed to limit the present disclosure to only the order provided.

[0028] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An example of a device 100 (electronic device) that may include components for optically sensing translational and rotational axis movement is shown. The size and form factor of the device and the inclusion of a band 104 (e.g., a wristband) indicate that the device 100 is an electronic watch, a fitness monitor, or a health diagnostic device. However, the device 100 may alternatively be any type of wearable device, including earbuds or headphones. Figure 1A A front isometric view of the device 100 is shown, and Figure 1B A rear isometric view of device 100 is shown.

[0029] Device 100 may include body 102 (e.g., a watch body). Body 102 may include input devices or selection devices, such as crown 118 or button 120. Band 104 may be attached to housing 106 of body 102 and may be used to attach body 102 to a body part of a user (e.g., an arm, wrist, leg, ankle, or waist). Body 102 may include housing 106 that at least partially surrounds display 108. In some embodiments, housing 106 may include sidewalls 110 that may support front cover 112 ( Figure 1A ) and / or rear cover 114 ( Figure 1B). The front cover 112 can be positioned above the display 108 and can provide a window through which the display 108 can be viewed. In some embodiments, the display 108 can be attached to (or adjacent to) the sidewalls 110 and / or the front cover 112. In alternative embodiments of the device 100, the display 108 can be excluded and / or the housing 106 can have an alternative configuration.

[0030] The display 108 may include one or more light emitting elements, including, for example, light emitting elements defining a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an electroluminescent (EL) display, or other types of displays. In some embodiments, the display 108 may include or be associated with one or more touch sensors and / or force sensors configured to detect touch and / or force applied to the surface of the front cover 112.

[0031] In some embodiments, the sidewall 110 of the housing 106 can be formed using one or more metals (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel), polymers (e.g., plastic), ceramics, or composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber). The front cover 112 can be formed, for example, using one or more of glass, crystal (e.g., sapphire), or a transparent polymer (e.g., plastic), which enables the user to view the display 108 through the front cover 112. In some cases, a portion of the front cover 112 (e.g., a peripheral portion of the front cover 112) can be coated with an opaque ink to cover the components included in the housing 106. In some cases, all external components of the housing 106 can be formed of a transparent material, and the components within the device 100 can be covered or not covered by the opaque ink or opaque structure within the housing 106.

[0032] The back cover 114 can be formed using the same material as that used to form the sidewall 110 or the front cover 112. In some cases, the back cover 114 can be part of an integral element that also forms the sidewall 110. In other cases, and as shown, the back cover 114 can be a multi-part back cover, such as a back cover having a first back cover portion 114a attached to the sidewall 110 and a second back cover portion 114b attached to the first back cover portion 114a. In some cases, the second back cover portion 114b can have a circular perimeter and an arcuate outer surface 116 (i.e., an outer surface 116 having an arcuate profile).

[0033] The front cover 112, the rear cover 114 or the first rear cover portion 114a can be mounted to the side wall 110 using fasteners, adhesives, seals, gaskets or other components. When present, the second rear cover portion 114b can be mounted to the first rear cover portion 114a using fasteners, adhesives, seals, gaskets or other components.

[0034] A display stack or device stack (hereinafter “stack”) including display 108 may be attached (or abut) to the inner surface of front cover 112 and extend into the interior volume of device 100. In some cases, the stack may include a touch sensor (e.g., a grid of capacitive, resistive, strain-based, ultrasonic, or other types of touch sensing elements) or other layers of optical, mechanical, electrical, or other types of components. In some cases, the touch sensor (or a portion of a touch sensor system) may be configured to detect a touch applied to an outer surface of front cover 112 (e.g., to a display surface of device 100).

[0035] In some cases, a force sensor (or a portion of a force sensor system) can be positioned within an internal volume below and / or to the side of display 108 (and in some cases, within the device stackup). The force sensor (or force sensor system) can be triggered in response to the touch sensor detecting one or more touches on front cover 112 (or one or more locations of one or more touches on front cover 112), and can determine the magnitude of the force associated with each touch, or the magnitude of the force associated with the entire set of touches. The force sensor (or force sensor system) can alternatively trigger operation of the touch sensor (or touch sensor system), or can be used independently of the touch sensor (or touch sensor system).

[0036] The device 100 may include various sensors. In some embodiments, the device 100 may have a port 122 (or a set of ports) on a side (or elsewhere) of the housing 106, and an ambient pressure sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, an internal / external differential pressure sensor, a gas sensor, a particulate matter concentration sensor, or an air quality sensor may be positioned in or near the port 122.

[0037] In some cases, one or more skin-facing sensors 126 may be included within device 100. Skin-facing sensors 126 may emit or transmit signals through housing 106 (or back cover 114) and / or receive signals or sense conditions through housing 106 (or back cover 114). For example, in some embodiments, one or more such sensors may include multiple electromagnetic radiation emitters (e.g., visible light and / or IR emitters) and / or multiple electromagnetic radiation detectors (e.g., visible light and / or IR detectors, such as any of the electromagnetic radiation detectors described herein). The sensors may be used to obtain biometric information (e.g., heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, blood flow rate, blood oxygenation, blood glucose level, etc.) from a wearer or user of device 100, or to determine the state of device 100 (e.g., whether device 100 is being worn or the tightness of device 100).

[0038] The device 100 may include circuitry 124 (e.g., a processor and / or other components) configured to determine or extract, for example, a biological parameter of a user of the device, an input provided by the user, a state of the device 100 or its environment, and / or a location (or other aspects) of an object, particle, surface, or user, at least in part in response to signals received directly or indirectly from one or more of the device's sensors. The biological parameter may include, for example, a biometric, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, blood flow rate, blood oxygenation, blood glucose level, etc. In some embodiments, the circuitry 124 may be configured to transmit the determined or extracted parameter, input, or state via an output device of the device 100. For example, the circuitry 124 may cause an indication to be displayed on the display 108, output the indication via audio or tactile output, transmit via a wireless communication interface or other communication interface, etc. The circuitry 124 may additionally or alternatively maintain or change one or more settings, functions, or aspects of the device 100, including, in some cases, content displayed on the display 108.

[0039] In some embodiments, one of the components described herein for optically sensing translational and rotational axis movement may be associated with the crown 118. This component may be used, for example, to determine whether the crown 118 has been rotated, how much the crown 118 has been rotated, how fast the crown 118 has been rotated, whether the crown 118 has been pressed (or pulled), and the like.

[0040] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F An exemplary assembly 200 including a shaft 202 , an optical transmitter 204 , and an optical receiver 206 is shown. Figure 2A An isometric view of assembly 200 is shown. Figure 2B Shows from Figure 2A View in Figure 2B-2B A first elevational view of assembly 200 is seen. Figure 2C Shows from Figure 2A View in Figure 2C-2C A second elevational view of assembly 200 is shown. Figure 2D Shows from Figure 2C Vision Figure 2D-2D An isometric view of a portion of optical encoder pattern 212 on circumference 210 of shaft 202 is seen. Figure 2E Shows from Figure 2D View in Figure 2E-2E A portion of optical encoder pattern 212 is seen. Figure 2F Shows from Figure 2D View in Figure 2F-2F A portion of optical encoder pattern 212 is seen.

[0041] Go to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C, and in some embodiments, axis 202 can be an axis of a rotatable and translatable input device, such as an axis of a crown, button, dial, or knob. The input device can be provided on a wearable device (e.g., a wrist-worn device, a headset, or earbuds), a game controller, a dashboard, or any other type of device (e.g., another type of portable, wearable, movable, or fixed device). In some embodiments, axis 202 can be a reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B The shaft of the crown described. In some embodiments, the shaft 202 can be the shaft of a machine or engine.

[0042] The shaft 202 may be at least partially supported by a housing through which the shaft 202 extends, or by a support member, sleeve, or bearing through which the shaft 202 extends, or by a bracket or support member that otherwise supports the shaft 202. The optical transmitter 204 and the optical receiver 206 may be supported by the same housing that supports the shaft 202, or by different housings, or by a printed circuit board, a flexible circuit, or other structure to which the optical transmitter 204 and the optical receiver 206 are attached.

[0043] The shaft 202 (which in some cases can be part of an input device) can rotate and translate relative to a rotation axis 208. For example, the shaft 202 can rotate about the rotation axis 208 and translate along the rotation axis 208. The shaft 202 can have a circumference 210 and an optical encoder pattern 212 (e.g., a designed optical surface) disposed about the circumference 210. See Figure 2A , Figure 2C and Figure 2D In some embodiments, the optical encoder pattern 212 may include a series of polygonal faces 214 around the circumference 210 (see FIG. 2C to FIG. 2E ) and a one-dimensional (1D) elementary retroreflective feature 216 parallel to the rotation axis 208 (see Figure 2C , Figure 2D and Figure 2F ).

[0044] A retroreflective feature is a feature that reflects incident photons in a direction parallel to the direction in which the photons were received (sometimes, but not always, in a direction completely opposite to the direction in which the photons were received). A 1D retroreflective feature is a feature that reflects incident photons into a plane parallel to the direction in which the photons were received (sometimes, but not always, into a plane that includes the direction in which the photons were received). As defined herein, a 1D basic retroreflective feature 216 is a feature that is retroreflective or sufficiently close to retroreflective such that at least some of the reflected photons (but not necessarily all of the reflected photons) will be returned in a direction that is within a plane that is parallel to the direction in which the photons were received or that intersects the plane that is parallel to the direction in which the photons were received, wherein the angle of intersection is preferably less than ten degrees (10°), less than 5°, less than 2°, or less than 1°. Preferably, but not necessarily, all or most of the plane in which photons may be reflected by the 1D basic retroreflective feature 216 should intersect with the electromagnetic radiation receiving surface of the optical receiver 206. In some embodiments, the 1D basic retroreflective feature 216 may include a 1D roof prism array 218, such as Figure 2F In some embodiments, each roof prism 218 in the roof prism array 218 can have the same group size (e.g., the same roof surface length and the same angle between adjacent roof surfaces). In some embodiments, different roof prisms may have different group sizes.

[0045] The optical emitter 204 and the optical receiver 206 can be disposed in the module 220, but can alternatively be disposed separately. The module 220 includes a housing 222, and the housing 222 can include a light barrier 224 in some embodiments. In embodiments including the light barrier 224, the optical emitter 204 and the optical receiver 206 can be carried by the housing 222 and positioned on opposite sides of the light barrier 224. The light barrier 224 (in some cases in combination with other light barriers or aspects of the housing 222) can reduce optical crosstalk between the optical emitter 204 and the optical receiver 206, and help ensure that electromagnetic radiation emitted by the optical emitter 204 strikes the optical encoder pattern 212 before striking the optical receiver 206.

[0046] In some embodiments, the module 220 can be attached to a printed circuit board, a flexible circuit, or other substrate. In some embodiments, the optical transmitter 204 and the optical receiver 206 can be attached to a printed circuit board, a flexible circuit, or other substrate, respectively. The optical transmitter 204 and the optical receiver 206 can be arranged along a sensing axis 226 that is orthogonal (or transverse) to the rotation axis 208, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown (unlike the sensing axis of a typical sensor, which is parallel to the rotational axis 208 and generally requires an optical encoder pattern with a larger axial width).

[0047] The optical emitter 204 can be configured (e.g., positioned and oriented) to emit electromagnetic radiation 228 toward the optical encoder pattern 212. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation 228 includes infrared (IR) electromagnetic radiation, but the electromagnetic radiation can additionally or alternatively include electromagnetic radiation of other wavelengths. In some embodiments, the optical emitter 204 can include a wide-angle and incoherent optical emitter, such as a light emitting diode (LED), but the optical emitter 204 can also include a laser diode or other types of optical emitters.

[0048] The optical receiver 206 can be configured (e.g., positioned and oriented) to receive reflections 230 of emitted electromagnetic radiation from the optical encoder pattern 212 and generate an irradiance pattern in response to the reflections 230. The optical receiver 206 can include a two-dimensional (2D) pixel array. In some embodiments, the pixel array can be a 4×2, 4×4, 8×4, or 8×8 pixel array. The movement or change of the irradiance pattern along the first dimension can be primarily used to determine the rotation of the axis 202. The movement or change of the irradiance pattern along the second dimension can be primarily used to determine the translation of the axis 202.

[0049] In some embodiments, the optical receiver 206 can generate a heat map of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the optical encoder pattern 212 and returned to the optical receiver 206. In some embodiments, the optical receiver 206 can be a digital imager. For example, the optical receiver 206 can include a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array (e.g., each pixel of the optical receiver 206 can include a SPAD). In some embodiments, the optical receiver 206 can be an analog imager. For example, the optical receiver 206 can be a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. A digital imager (such as a SPAD array) may have advantages over an analog imager (such as a CMOS image sensor) because it can be associated with a faster readout circuit that takes up less space.

[0050] Figure 3 An exemplary optical element 302 is shown disposed between an axis 202 (eg, an input device) and an optical receiver 206 of a first exemplary assembly 300 for optically sensing translational and rotational axis movement. The assembly 300 may generally be described with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F Configure as described and use the reference FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F Reference numerals are introduced to identify the same or similar parts or elements.

[0051] The optical element 302 can be configured to convert angular changes in the retroreflections from the optical encoder pattern 212 due to translation of the shaft 202 along the rotation axis 208 into changes in the spatial position of the retroreflections on the optical receiver 206. In some embodiments, the optical element 302 can include a cylindrical lens having a power axis 304 oriented parallel to the sensing axis 226. In some embodiments, the optical element 302 can be suspended above the optical receiver 206 by the housing 222, as shown. Alternatively, the optical element 302 can be overmolded on the optical receiver 206 (i.e., formed directly on the optical receiver 206, rather than spaced apart from the optical receiver 206).

[0052] In alternative embodiments, optical element 302 may include a Fresnel lens, a 1D microlens array, a cylindrical lens array, a diffractive element, or another type of optical element that converts the angular optical reception of the reflection into a change in the spatial position of the reflection on optical receiver 206.

[0053] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An elevation view of a first exemplary assembly 300 for optically sensing translational and rotational axis movement is shown. Figure 4A The shaft 202 of the assembly 300 is shown in a first translational position, and Figure 4B The shaft 202 is shown in a second translational position.

[0054] exist Figure 4A , the shaft 202 is located at the rightmost position. Figure 4B , axis 202 is in the leftmost position. If axis 202 is included in the wearable device and is biased to Figure 4A The rightmost position shown (e.g., by a spring or other biasing member) can be achieved by the user applying force (e.g., pressing) to the rightmost end 400 of the shaft 202. Figure 4B If axis 202 is included in a wearable device and is biased to Figure 4B The leftmost position shown (e.g., by a spring or other biasing member) can be achieved by the user applying a force (e.g., pulling) to the rightmost end 400 of the shaft 202. Figure 4A In other embodiments, the shaft 202 may not be biased to one position or another, and detents, bumps, etc. on or adjacent to the shaft 202 may temporarily hold the shaft in the position it is moved to. In other embodiments, for example, the shaft 202 may be moved by a machine, and the optical receiver 206 may be used to confirm that the shaft 202 is where it should be at one or more sampling times.

[0055] When the optical emitter 204 transmits electromagnetic radiation toward the optical encoder pattern 212 , a portion of the electromagnetic radiation may be reflected toward the optical receiver 206 and generate an irradiance pattern. Figure 5 An exemplary irradiance pattern 500 is shown. The irradiance pattern 500 is shown relative to a surface of an optical receiver 206. By way of example, the optical receiver 206 is shown as having a 4x4 array 504 of pixels.

[0056] The irradiance pattern 500 may be Figure 4A The axis 202 shown in the translation position corresponds to the axis 202. Figure 4B 2. When the shaft 202 is in the translation position shown, the irradiance pattern 500 may change to the irradiance pattern 502 (shown in dashed lines). The irradiance pattern 500 has a center of mass 506 that moves along a first axis 508 relative to the 2D pixel array 504 in response to the translation of the shaft 202 along the rotation axis 208. In contrast, in response to the rotation of the shaft 202 about the rotation axis 208, the irradiance pattern 500 may move along a second axis 510 relative to the 2D pixel array 504 (e.g., when the shaft 202 rotates, the irradiance pattern 500 may change to the irradiance pattern 512 or 514).

[0057] In some embodiments, the output of the optical receiver 206 can be processed by the circuit 402 (e.g., analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and / or a processor; see e.g. Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) is received by the circuit 402, which is coupled to the optical receiver 206. The coupling can be direct (e.g., by means of a circuit 402 including a sense amplifier or an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that receives the output of the optical receiver 206) or indirect (e.g., coupled to a memory that stores a digital representation of the output of the optical receiver 206). The circuit 402 can be configured to, for example, determine the position of the center of mass 506 of the irradiance pattern 500 along the first axis 508, and relate the position of the center of mass 506 of the irradiance pattern 500 along the first axis 508 to the translational position of the shaft 202 along the rotational axis 208.

[0058] The circuit 402 may also be configured to, for example, determine the position of the irradiance pattern 500 along the second axis 510 and relate the position of the irradiance pattern 500 along the second axis 510 to the rotational position of the shaft 202 about the rotational axis 208. In essence, the optical emitter 204, the optical encoder pattern 212, the optical receiver 206, and the circuit 402 function as an image phase encoder for rotational tracking.

[0059] In some embodiments, circuit 402 may be configured to simultaneously determine both the translational position and the rotational position of shaft 202 (although circuit 402 may alternatively determine one position and then the other, or only one position or the other).

[0060] Depending on the number and / or type of pixels included in optical receiver 206, the output of optical receiver 206 may in some cases be used by circuitry 402 to determine more than two translational positions of shaft 202. If shaft 202 is made of an optional compliant material or compliant member (e.g., compliant material 406 located between non-movable housing member 408 and leftmost end 404 of shaft 202; see Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) bias, circuit 402 can relate the position of center of mass 506 of irradiance pattern 500 along first axis 508 not only to the translational position of shaft 202 along rotational axis 208, but also to the magnitude of the force applied to shaft 202. In some embodiments, compliant material 406 or compliant member may include silicone, springs, foam, or other types of materials or members.

[0061] In some embodiments, circuitry 402 can determine other aspects of axial translation based on movement of center of mass 506 of irradiance pattern 500 along first axis 508 , such as duration of a press, a predetermined sequence of presses (eg, a double press), and so forth.

[0062] Circuit 402 may also be coupled to optical transmitter 204 and may drive optical transmitter 204, convert signals generated by optical receiver 206 into digital counts, speed or direction information, and / or perform other operations.

[0063] Figure 6 An exemplary profile of a ID base retroreflective feature 600 of a second exemplary assembly for optically sensing translational and rotational axis movement is shown.

[0064] and Figure 2F Compared to the profile of the 1D basic retroreflective feature shown having a regularly repeating periodic structure, the profile of the 1D basic retroreflective feature 600 has an axial perturbation from a first end 602 of the feature 600 to a second end 604 of the feature 600 (e.g., a variation in the dihedral deviation between different roof prism subgroups).

[0065] By way of example, a 1D base retroreflective feature 600 includes a 1D roof prism array 606 that extends from a first position along the rotation axis 208 (e.g., a first end 602 of the feature 600) to a second position along the rotation axis 208 (e.g., a second end 604 of the feature 600). The 1D roof prism array 606 can include a first roof prism 606a that is closer to the first position (e.g., the first end 602 of the feature 600) than a second roof prism 606b, and the first roof prism 606a and the second roof prism 606b can have different group sizes (e.g., different lengths of the roof surfaces and / or different angles between adjacent roof surfaces). In some embodiments, the first roof prism group 608 can have a first group size (e.g., the size of the first roof prism 606a), and the second roof prism group 610 can have a second group size (e.g., the size of the second roof prism 606b). In some embodiments, the first roof prism subgroup 608 can have dimensions that make the roof prisms retro-reflective, while the second roof prism subgroup 610 can have dimensions that make the roof prisms not completely retro-reflective (e.g., the dihedral angle between adjacent roof surfaces of the second roof prism subgroup 610 can be greater than 0° but less than 10°, less than 5°, less than 2°, or less than 1° and less than or greater than 90°).

[0066] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B A second exemplary assembly 700 for optically sensing translational and rotational axis movement is shown in elevation. The second exemplary assembly may generally be constructed as described with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F Configure as described and use the reference FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F Reference numerals are introduced to identify the same or similar parts or elements. Fig. 7A The shaft 202 of the assembly 700 is shown in a first translational position, and Figure 7B The axis is shown in a second translational position. The optical encoder pattern 212 may include a reference Figure 6 A 1D elementary retroreflective feature 600 is depicted.

[0067] exist Fig. 7A , the shaft 202 is located at the rightmost position. Figure 7B , axis 202 is in the leftmost position. If axis 202 is included in the wearable device and is biased to Fig. 7A The rightmost position shown (e.g., by a spring or other biasing member) can be achieved by the user applying force (e.g., pressing) to the rightmost end 702 of the shaft 202. Figure 7B If axis 202 is included in a wearable device and is biased to Figure 7BThe leftmost position shown (e.g., by a spring or other biasing member) can be achieved by the user applying a force (e.g., pulling) to the rightmost end 702 of the shaft 202. Fig. 7A In other embodiments, the shaft 202 may not be biased to one position or another, and detents, bumps, etc. on or adjacent to the shaft 202 may temporarily hold the shaft in the position it is moved to. In other embodiments, for example, the shaft 202 may be moved by a machine, and the optical receiver 206 may be used to confirm that the shaft 202 is where it should be at one or more sampling times.

[0068] When the optical emitter 204 transmits electromagnetic radiation toward the optical encoder pattern 212 , a portion of the electromagnetic radiation may be reflected toward the optical receiver 206 and generate an irradiance pattern. Figure 8 An exemplary irradiance pattern 800 is shown. The irradiance pattern 800 is shown relative to a surface of an optical receiver 206. By way of example, the optical receiver 206 is shown as having a 4x4 array 804 of pixels.

[0069] The irradiance pattern 800 may be Fig. 7A The axis 202 shown in the translation position corresponds to the axis 202. Figure 7B 202 along the rotation axis 208. In contrast, in response to the rotation of the shaft 202 about the rotation axis 208, the irradiance pattern 800 can move relative to the 2D pixel array 804 along the second axis 808 (e.g., when the shaft 202 rotates, the irradiance pattern 800 can change to the irradiance pattern 810 or 812).

[0070] In some embodiments, the output of the optical receiver 206 can be processed by the circuit 704 (e.g., analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and / or a processor; see e.g. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B) is received by the circuit 704, which is coupled to the optical receiver 206. The coupling can be direct (e.g., by means of a circuit 704 including a sense amplifier or ADC that receives the output of the optical receiver 206) or indirect (e.g., coupled to a memory that stores a digital representation of the output of the optical receiver 206). The circuit 704 can be configured to, for example, determine the electromagnetic radiation distribution of the irradiance pattern 800 along the first axis 806, and to correlate the electromagnetic radiation distribution of the irradiance pattern 800 along the first axis 806 to the translational position of the shaft 202 along the rotational axis 208. In some embodiments, the circuit 704 can be configured to identify the amplitude of a first peak of the electromagnetic radiation distribution; identify a second amplitude of a second peak of the electromagnetic radiation distribution; determine a ratio of the amplitude of the first peak to the amplitude of the second peak; and use the ratio to correlate the electromagnetic radiation distribution of the irradiance pattern 800 along the first axis 806 to the translational position of the shaft 202 along the rotational axis 208.

[0071] The circuit 704 may also be configured to, for example, determine a position of the irradiance pattern 800 along the second axis 808 and relate the position of the irradiance pattern 800 along the second axis 808 to a rotational position of the shaft 202 about the rotational axis 208. In essence, the optical emitter 204, the optical encoder pattern 212, the optical receiver 206, and the circuit 704 function as an image phase encoder for rotational tracking.

[0072] In some embodiments, circuit 704 can be configured to simultaneously determine both the translational position and the rotational position of shaft 202 (although circuit 704 can alternatively determine one position and then the other, or only one position or the other).

[0073] Depending on the number and / or type of pixels included in optical receiver 206, the output of optical receiver 206 may in some cases be used by circuitry 704 to determine more than two translational positions of shaft 202. If shaft 202 is made of an optional compliant material or compliant member (e.g., compliant material 708 located between non-movable housing member 710 and leftmost end 706 of shaft 202; see Fig. 7A and Figure 7B ), the circuit 704 can relate the electromagnetic radiation distribution of the irradiance pattern 800 along the first axis 806 not only to the translational position of the shaft 202 along the rotational axis 208, but also to the magnitude of the force applied to the shaft 202. In some embodiments, the compliant material 708 or compliant member can include silicone, springs, foam, or other types of materials or members.

[0074] In some embodiments, circuit 704 can determine other aspects of axis translation based on the movement of the electromagnetic radiation distribution of irradiance pattern 800 along first axis 806, such as the duration of the compression, a predetermined sequence of compressions (eg, a double compression), and so on.

[0075] Circuit 704 may also be coupled to optical transmitter 204 and may drive optical transmitter 204, convert signals generated by optical receiver 206 into digital counts, speed or direction information, and / or perform other operations.

[0076] Fig. 9 An exemplary optical element 902 is shown disposed between the optical emitter 204 and the shaft 202 of a third exemplary assembly 900 for optically sensing translational and rotational shaft movement. The assembly 900 may generally be described with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F Configure as described and use the reference FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F Reference numerals are introduced to identify the same or similar parts or elements.

[0077] The optical element 902 can be configured to generate a virtual optical emission plane 904 of the optical emitter 204. In some embodiments, the optical element 902 can include a cylindrical lens having a power axis 910 oriented parallel to the sensing axis 226. The virtual optical emission plane 904 may be different from the actual optical emission plane 906 of the optical emitter 204, and may be different from the image plane 908 of the optical receiver 206. The actual optical emission plane 906 and the image plane 908 can be the same plane. In some embodiments, the optical element 902 can include a spherical lens. In some embodiments, the optical element 902 can include a cylindrical lens or other types of optical elements. In some embodiments, the optical element 902 can be suspended above the optical emitter 204 by the housing 222, as shown. Alternatively, the optical element 902 can be overmolded on the optical emitter 204 (i.e., formed directly on the optical emitter 204, rather than spaced apart from the optical emitter 204).

[0078] Optical element 902 causes 1D elementary retroreflective features 216 to return reflected electromagnetic radiation to virtual optical emission plane 904. However, this reflection will be received at different spatial locations on the surface of optical receiver 206, depending on the translational position of axis 202. The spatial location can be related to the translational position of axis 202, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5 described.

[0079] As Fig. 9Alternatively to the example shown, the actual optical emission plane 906 of the optical emitter 204 or the image plane 908 of the optical receiver 206 can be physically shifted. For example, the optical emitter 204 or the optical receiver 206 can be mounted on a base to provide an actual offset (rather than a virtual offset) between the actual optical emission plane 906 and the image plane 908. This also causes the 1D base retroreflective features 216 to return reflected electromagnetic radiation to different spatial locations on the surface of the optical receiver 206, depending on the translational position of the axis 202.

[0080] In some embodiments, optical elements can be provided between the optical emitter 204 and the axis 202 and between the axis 202 and the optical receiver 206 to enhance the shift in the spatial position of the irradiance pattern on the optical receiver 206 due to the axis translation. In some embodiments, the optical element between the optical emitter 204 and the axis 202 can include a cylindrical lens having a power axis 910 oriented parallel to the sensing axis 226, and the optical element between the axis 202 and the optical receiver 206 can include a concave lens having a power axis oriented parallel to the sensing axis 226.

[0081] Fig.10 An exemplary electrical block diagram of an electronic device 1000 is shown, which in some cases may be a reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B The electronic device 1000 may include components for optically sensing translational and rotational movement of an input device, such as reference 1000. Figures 1A to 9 . The electronic device 1000 may optionally include an electronic display 1002 (e.g., a light emitting display), a processor 1004, a power supply 1006, a memory 1008 or storage device, a sensor system 1010, and / or an input / output (I / O) mechanism 1012 (e.g., an input / output device, an input / output port, or a tactile input / output interface). The processor 1004 may control some or all operations of the electronic device 1000. The processor 1004 may communicate directly or indirectly with some or all other components of the electronic device 1000. For example, a system bus or other communication mechanism 1014 may provide communication between the electronic display 1002, the processor 1004, the power supply 1006, the memory 1008, the sensor system 1010, and the I / O mechanism 1012.

[0082] Processor 1004 may be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving or transmitting data or instructions, whether such data or instructions are in the form of software or firmware or encoded in other ways. For example, processor 1004 may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a control circuit, or a combination of such devices. As described herein, the term "processor" is intended to cover a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or one or more other appropriately configured computing elements. In some cases, processor 1004 may provide part or all of the processing system or processor described herein.

[0083] It should be noted that components of electronic device 1000 may be controlled by multiple processors. For example, selected components of electronic device 1000 (e.g., sensor system 1010) may be controlled by a first processor and other components of electronic device 1000 (e.g., electronic display 1002) may be controlled by a second processor, where the first processor and the second processor may or may not be in communication with each other.

[0084] The power supply 1006 may be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to the electronic device 1000. For example, the power supply 1006 may include one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power supply 1006 may include a power connector or a power cord that connects the electronic device 1000 to another power source (such as a wall outlet). The power supply 1006 may also include a wireless charging circuit.

[0085] The memory 1008 can store electronic data that can be used by the electronic device 1000. For example, the memory 1008 can store electronic data or content, such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals, control signals, instructions, and / or data structures or databases. The memory 1008 may include any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory 1008 may include random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory, removable memory, other types of storage elements, or combinations of these memory types.

[0086] The electronic device 1000 may also include one or more sensor systems 1010 positioned at almost any location on the electronic device 1000. The sensor system 1010 may be configured to sense one or more types of parameters, such as, but not limited to, vibration data, light data, touch data, force data, thermal data, movement data, relative motion data, biometric data of a user (e.g., bio-parameters), air quality data, proximity data, position data, connectivity data, surface quality data, and the like. By way of example, the sensor system 1010 may include a thermal sensor, a position sensor, a light or optical sensor, an accelerometer, a pressure transducer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a health monitoring sensor, and an air quality sensor, and the like. Additionally, the one or more sensor systems 1010 may utilize any appropriate sensing technology, including, but not limited to, interferometry, magnetic, capacitive, ultrasonic, resistive, optical, acoustic, piezoelectric, or thermal technology.

[0087] I / O mechanism 1012 can transmit or receive data from a user or another electronic device. I / O mechanism 1012 can include electronic display 1002, a touch-sensitive input surface, a crown (e.g., a crown associated with components for optically sensing translational and rotational movement of an input device, such as Figures 1A to 9 ), one or more buttons (e.g., a graphical user interface "home" button), one or more cameras (including an under-display camera), one or more microphones or speakers, one or more ports, such as a microphone port, and / or a keyboard. Additionally or alternatively, the I / O mechanism 1012 can transmit electronic signals via a communication interface, such as a wireless, wired, and / or optical communication interface. Examples of wireless and wired communication interfaces include, but are not limited to, cellular and Wi-Fi communication interfaces.

[0088] The above description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments for explanation. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, after reading this specification, the embodiments can be practiced without specific details. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, after reading this specification, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Claims

1. A component for an electronic device, the component comprising: A rotatable and translatable input device having a rotation axis, a circumference about the rotation axis, and an optical encoder pattern disposed about the circumference, the optical encoder pattern comprising a series of polygonal facets about the circumference and one-dimensional (1D) primary retroreflective features parallel to the rotation axis; an optical emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the optical encoder pattern; and An optical receiver comprising a two-dimensional (2D) pixel array, the optical receiver being configured to receive reflections of the emitted electromagnetic radiation from the optical encoder pattern and to generate an irradiance pattern in response to the reflections, the optical transmitter and the optical receiver being arranged along a sensing axis orthogonal to the rotation axis.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: An optical element is disposed between the rotatable and translatable input device and the optical receiver, the optical element being configured to convert an angular change in a reflection from the optical encoder pattern resulting from a translation of the input device into a change in a spatial position of the reflection on the optical receiver.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the optical element is a cylindrical lens having a power axis oriented parallel to the sensing axis.

4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the optical element is overmolded onto the optical receiver.

5. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising: A housing, the housing comprising a light-blocking wall; wherein, The optical transmitter and the optical receiver are carried by the housing and positioned on opposite sides of the light barrier; and The optical element is suspended above the optical receiver by the housing.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the one-dimensional base retroreflective feature comprises a 1D roof prism array, each roof prism in the 1D roof prism array having a same set of dimensions.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the one-dimensional base retroreflective feature has an axial perturbation from a first end of the 1D base retroreflective feature to a second end of the 1D base retroreflective feature.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: The one-dimensional substantially retroreflective feature comprises a one-dimensional array of roof prisms extending from a first position to a second position along the rotation axis; The one-dimensional roof prism array includes a first roof prism that is closer to the first position than a second roof prism; and The first roof prism and the second roof prism have different group sizes.

9. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: An optical element is disposed between the optical transmitter and the rotatable and translatable input device, and is configured to generate a virtual optical emission plane for the optical transmitter, the virtual optical emission plane being different from an actual optical emission plane of the optical transmitter and an image plane of the optical receiver.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein an optical emission plane of the optical transmitter is different than an image plane of the optical receiver.

11. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the optical emitter comprises a light emitting diode (LED).

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each pixel in the two-dimensional pixel array comprises a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD).

13. A component for an electronic device, the component comprising: a rotatable and translatable shaft having an optical encoder pattern disposed about a circumference of the shaft; an optical emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the optical encoder pattern; and An optical receiver comprising a two-dimensional (2D) pixel array, the optical receiver being configured to receive reflections of the emitted electromagnetic radiation from the optical encoder pattern and to generate an irradiance pattern in response to the reflections, the irradiance pattern having a center of mass that moves along a first axis relative to the 2D pixel array in response to translation of the shaft along the rotation axis, and the irradiance pattern moves along a second axis relative to the 2D pixel array in response to rotation of the shaft about the rotation axis.

14. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising: A circuit coupled to the optical receiver and configured to: determining a position of the centroid of the irradiance pattern along the first axis; as well as The position of the centroid of the irradiance pattern along the first axis is related to a translational position of the shaft along the rotational axis.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein: The circuit is further configured to: determining a position of the irradiance pattern along the second axis; and The position of the irradiance pattern along the second axis is related to a rotational position of the shaft about the rotational axis.

16. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the electromagnetic radiation comprises infrared electromagnetic radiation.

17. A component for an electronic device, the component comprising: a rotatable and translatable shaft having an optical encoder pattern disposed about a circumference of the shaft; an optical emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward the optical encoder pattern; and An optical receiver comprising a two-dimensional (2D) pixel array, the optical receiver being configured to receive reflections of the emitted electromagnetic radiation from the optical encoder pattern and to generate an irradiance pattern in response to the reflections, the irradiance pattern having an electromagnetic radiation distribution that varies along a first axis relative to the two-dimensional pixel array in response to translation of the shaft along the rotation axis, and the irradiance pattern moves along a second axis relative to the two-dimensional pixel array in response to rotation of the shaft about the rotation axis.

18. The assembly of claim 17, further comprising: A circuit coupled to the optical receiver and configured to: determining the electromagnetic radiation distribution of the irradiance pattern along the first axis; as well as The electromagnetic radiation distribution of the irradiance pattern along the first axis is related to a translational position of the shaft along the rotational axis.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein: The circuit is further configured to: identifying a magnitude of a first peak of the electromagnetic radiation distribution; identifying a second magnitude of a second peak of the electromagnetic radiation distribution; determining a ratio of the amplitude of the first peak to the amplitude of the second peak; as well as The ratio is used to relate the electromagnetic radiation distribution of the irradiance pattern along the first axis to the translational position of the shaft along the rotational axis.

20. The assembly of claim 18, wherein: The circuit is further configured to: determining a position of the irradiance pattern along the second axis; and The position of the irradiance pattern along the second axis is related to a rotational position of the shaft about the rotational axis.

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