PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11762193-B2
Application Number: US-201916538702-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Optical tracking system

Abstract:
An electronic device includes an electromagnetic radiation source having an axis, a set of optics disposed about the axis, a reflector disposed about the axis non-symmetrically, and a controller configured to operate the electromagnetic radiation source while controlling a beam steering orientation (e.g., rotation) of the reflector. The reflector is disposed to reflect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source. The set of optics is disposed to shape electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source and direct electromagnetic radiation received from the reflector into a panoramic field of view about the axis.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A panoramic optical scanner, comprising:
 a light source configured to emit light along an axis; 
 a light directing module disposed about the axis and configured to receive and direct the light emitted by the light source; and 
 a light steering assembly disposed about the axis and configured to steer light received from the light directing module non-symmetrically about the axis and toward the light directing module; wherein:
 light received at the light directing module from the light steering assembly is directed into a panoramic field of view, in a ring of light having a leading edge and a trailing edge; and 
 the ring of light is moved about the axis by the light steering assembly. 
 
 
     
     
       2. The panoramic optical scanner of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a housing; wherein: 
 the light source and the light directing module are mounted in fixed stationary positions within the housing. 
 
     
     
       3. The panoramic optical scanner of  claim 2 , wherein the light steering assembly comprises:
 an optical component configured to direct received light non-symmetrically about the axis; and 
 a motor configured to rotate the optical component. 
 
     
     
       4. The panoramic optical scanner of  claim 2 , wherein the light steering assembly comprises:
 a reflective surface configured to direct received light non-symmetrically about the axis; and 
 at least one component configured to move the reflective surface through different non-symmetric orientations with respect to the axis. 
 
     
     
       5. The panoramic optical scanner of  claim 1 , wherein the light directing module comprises a monolithic dielectric through which light passes from the light source to the light steering assembly, and from the light steering assembly to the panoramic field of view. 
     
     
       6. An electronic device, comprising:
 an electromagnetic radiation source having an axis; 
 a set of optics disposed about the axis; 
 a reflector disposed about the axis non-symmetrically; and 
 a controller configured to operate the electromagnetic radiation source while changing a beam steering orientation of the reflector; wherein, 
 the reflector is disposed to reflect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source; and 
 the set of optics is disposed to,
 shape electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source, before the emitted electromagnetic radiation is reflected by the reflector; and 
 direct electromagnetic radiation received from the reflector into a panoramic field of view about the axis, the electromagnetic radiation directed into the panoramic field of view having a pattern or shape including a leading edge and a trailing edge, the trailing edge spatially following the leading edge, and the leading edge and the trailing edge moved about the axis as the controller changes the beam steering orientation of the reflector. 
 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the electromagnetic radiation source comprises a single electromagnetic radiation emitter. 
     
     
       8. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the electromagnetic radiation source comprises a set of electromagnetic radiation emitters disposed in circular symmetry about the axis. 
     
     
       9. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the controller is configured to rotate the reflector about the axis; and 
 the set of optics is configured to change a thickness of the leading edge, or the trailing edge, or a combination thereof as the reflector is rotated about the axis. 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the pattern or shape including the leading edge and the trailing edge defines a ring shape. 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the set of optics directs the electromagnetic radiation received from the reflector to one side of the axis; and 
 the change of the beam steering orientation of the reflector sweeps the electromagnetic radiation around the axis. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the set of optics directs the electromagnetic radiation received from the reflector into a ring about the axis; and 
 the change of the beam steering orientation of the reflector causes the ring to wobble about the axis. 
 
     
     
       13. An electronic device, comprising:
 an electromagnetic radiation source including a set of electromagnetic radiation emitters disposed in circular symmetry about an axis; 
 a set of optics disposed about the axis; 
 a reflector disposed about the axis non-symmetrically; and 
 a controller configured to operate the electromagnetic radiation source while controlling a beam steering orientation of the reflector; wherein, 
 the reflector is disposed to reflect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source; 
 the set of optics is disposed to,
 shape electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source, before the emitted electromagnetic radiation is reflected by the reflector; and 
 direct electromagnetic radiation received from the reflector into a panoramic field of view about the axis; and 
 
 the controller is configured to activate or deactivate different electromagnetic emitters or different combinations of electromagnetic radiation emitters as the reflector is rotated about the axis. 
 
     
     
       14. An electronic device, comprising:
 an electromagnetic radiation source; 
 a set of optics disposed about the axis; 
 a reflector disposed about the axis non-symmetrically; and 
 a controller configured to operate the electromagnetic radiation source while controlling a beam steering orientation of the reflector; wherein, 
 the reflector is disposed to reflect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source; 
 the set of optics is disposed to,
 shape electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source, before the emitted electromagnetic radiation is reflected by the reflector; and 
 direct electromagnetic radiation received from the reflector into a panoramic field of view about the axis; and 
 
 the controller is configured to modulate the electromagnetic radiation differently as the reflector is moved through different non-symmetric orientations with respect to the axis. 
 
     
     
       15. An electronic device, comprising:
 a set of multiple photodetectors, each photodetector having a fixed spatial and orientation relationship with respect to other photodetectors in the set of multiple photodetectors; 
 a controller configured to:
 operate each photodetector during each of multiple time periods; 
 for each photodetector of the set of multiple photodetectors, identify a first timing of a first edge of electromagnetic radiation and a second timing of a second edge of electromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic radiation received from a panoramic optical scanner; and 
 relate the first and second timings identified per photodetector to a timing reference of the panoramic optical scanner. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The electronic device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 receiving an optical timing pulse from the panoramic optical scanner; and 
 recording a time of receipt of the optical timing pulse as the timing reference. 
 
     
     
       17. The electronic device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 determining, from the electromagnetic radiation received from the panoramic optical scanner, a modulation pattern encoded in the electromagnetic radiation; and 
 determining the timing reference from the modulation pattern. 
 
     
     
       18. The electronic device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 determining, per photodetector, a width of at least the first edge or the second edge; and 
 determining the timing reference from the width of the first edge or the width of the second edge. 
 
     
     
       19. The electronic device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 receiving an indication of a posing of the panoramic optical scanner; and 
 determining, based at least in part on the relating of the first and second timings identified per photodetector to the timing reference, the fixed spatial and orientation relationships of the photodetectors, and the posing of the panoramic optical scanner, a posing of the electronic device in relation to the posing of the panoramic optical scanner. 
 
     
     
       20. The electronic device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 Transmitting, to the panoramic optical scanner, and for each photodetector of the set of multiple photodetectors, an indication of the first and second timings in relation to the timing reference; and 
 receiving a response to the indication from the panoramic optical scanner.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a nonprovisional of and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/765,118, filed Aug. 17, 2018, entitled “Optical Tracking System,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to optical tracking. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to electronic devices (e.g., a panoramic optical scanner and an optical tracker) capable of optically determining ranging and/or relative posing information for the devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are scenarios in which it is desirable to determine ranging information (i.e., relative locations and distance between) and/or relative posing information (i.e., relative locations and orientations) for a pair of devices. For example, when playing an augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), or mixed reality (MR) game, it may be desirable to determine a range or posing of a game controller with respect to a game console. In some cases, it may be desirable to determine ranges or posings of multiple game controllers, goggles, and so on with respect to the game console, and to determine ranges or posings of the game controllers with respect to each other. As another example, it may be desirable to determine ranging and/or relative posing information for devices that engage in line-of-sight optical communication (e.g., in a room or around a conference table). 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the systems, devices, methods, and apparatus described in the present disclosure are directed to optical tracking. In accordance with described techniques, a panoramic optical scanner may be constructed with fewer and/or lighter weight moving parts. A panoramic optical scanner may also be constructed with components disposed along and about a single axis, with the components being disposed to receive, direct, or steer electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible or invisible (e.g., infrared (IR)) light) along, about, or outward from the single axis. 
     Panoramic optical scanners described in the present disclosure may direct electromagnetic radiation having a set of electromagnetic radiation edges into a panoramic field of view. For example, a panoramic optical scanner may direct ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation to one side of an axis, and sweep the ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation about the axis. The ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation may define leading and trailing edges of electromagnetic radiation, with each of the edges being a portion of the ring, and with the portions (edges) being defined by a rotational direction in which the ring is swept. As another example, a panoramic optical scanner may direct ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation about an axis, and may sweep the electromagnetic radiation in a manner that makes the ring appear to wobble about the axis. In each of these examples, an electromagnetic radiation source may be oriented to emit electromagnetic radiation along or about the axis from which electromagnetic radiation is projected outward into a panoramic field of view. 
     An optical tracker may be provided with a set of multiple photodetectors capable of detecting the electromagnetic radiation edges emitted by a panoramic optical scanner, and may identify timings of the edges and relate the timings to a timing reference of the panoramic optical scanner. The timing reference may correspond to a predetermined position of an electromagnetic radiation steering element (e.g., a reflector or other optical component) of the panoramic optical scanner, and may be broadcast by the panoramic optical scanner apart from, or as part of, the electromagnetic radiation edges that the panoramic optical scanner directs into a panoramic field of view. 
     In a first aspect, the present disclosure describes a panoramic optical scanner. The panoramic optical scanner includes a light source configured to emit light along an axis, a light directing module disposed about the axis and configured to receive and direct the light emitted by the light source, and a light steering assembly disposed about the axis and configured to steer light received from the light directing module non-symmetrically about the axis (and toward the light directing module). Light received at the light directing module, from the light steering assembly, is directed into a panoramic field of view about the axis. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure describes an electronic device. The electronic device includes an electromagnetic radiation source having an axis, a set of optics disposed about the axis, a reflector disposed about the axis non-symmetrically, and a controller configured to operate the electromagnetic radiation source while controlling a beam steering orientation of the reflector. The reflector is disposed to reflect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source. The set of optics is disposed to shape electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source and direct electromagnetic radiation received from the reflector into a panoramic field of view about the axis. 
     In still another aspect of the disclosure, another electronic device is described. The electronic device includes a set of multiple photodetectors and a controller. Each photodetector has a fixed spatial and orientation relationship with respect to other photodetectors in the set of multiple photodetectors. The controller is operable to collect charge at each photodetector during each of multiple charge integration periods; identify, per photodetector and from the collected charges, a first timing of a first edge of electromagnetic radiation and a second timing of a second edge of electromagnetic radiation; and relate the first and second timings identified per photodetector to a timing reference of a panoramic optical scanner that emits the electromagnetic radiation. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows an example environment in which a panoramic optical scanner and one or more optical trackers may be used; 
         FIG.  2    shows an example block diagram of a panoramic optical scanner; 
         FIGS.  3 A &amp;  3 B  show example embodiments of the panoramic optical scanner described with reference to  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  show example portions or subsets of the optics described with reference to  FIGS.  3 A &amp;  3 B , which portions or subsets may be used to shape the electromagnetic radiation emitted by an electromagnetic radiation source; 
         FIG.  5    shows an example of the optics described with reference to  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  6    shows an example of the set of optics described with reference to  FIG.  3 B ; 
         FIGS.  7 A &amp;  7 B  show example embodiments of the optical component or reflector described with reference to  FIGS.  2 ,  3 A,  3 B,  5   , &amp;  6 ; 
         FIG.  8    shows an example block diagram of an optical tracker capable of detecting the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a panoramic optical scanner; 
         FIG.  9    shows an example controller that may incorporate photodetectors distributed at various locations over various surfaces of the controller; 
         FIG.  10    shows how the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a panoramic optical scanner may sweep past the photodetectors of an optical tracker; 
         FIG.  11    shows an example set of electromagnetic radiation pulses that may be detected by an optical tracker; 
         FIGS.  12  &amp;  13    illustrate alternative ways for a panoramic optical scanner to provide a timing reference to an optical tracker; 
         FIG.  14    shows an example relationship between an optical center of a panoramic optical scanner and a two-dimensional (2D) measurement of an optical tracker by the panoramic optical scanner; 
         FIGS.  15 A- 15 C  show another example of a panoramic optical scanner; 
         FIGS.  16 A- 16 C  show various stages of a process that may be performed by a panoramic optical scanner, an optical tracker, or another device; and 
         FIG.  17    shows a sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device. 
     
    
    
     The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures. 
     Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates to optical tracking. In particular, and in some embodiments, a panoramic optical scanner capable of emitting a temporal-spatial encoded pattern of electromagnetic radiation, such as a ring, oval, cycloid curve, or other pattern of electromagnetic radiation, is described. In some embodiments, the described panoramic optical scanners may provide a 360 degree panoramic field of view, and an optical tracker may have photodetectors disposed over multiple surfaces thereof so that the optical tracker may detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the panoramic optical scanner regardless of its posing with respect to the panoramic optical scanner. 
     In some cases, a panoramic optical scanner constructed in accordance with described techniques may be constructed with fewer and/or lighter weight moving parts, with a lightweight reflective surface of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) being the only moving part in some embodiments. In some cases, the panoramic optical scanning functionality may be performed by a non-traditional moving part, such as an electrically-driven liquid or a liquid crystal beam-shaping component, or by a strictly non-moving part (e.g., an optical phase array, an electro-optical modulator, or an acoustic-optical modulator). 
     A panoramic optical scanner may also be constructed with components disposed along and about a single axis, with the components being disposed to receive, direct, or steer visible or invisible electromagnetic radiation (such as visible or infrared light, or other electromagnetic wavelengths) along, about, or outward from the single axis. Many conventional optical scanners position components along various axes, or require the rotation of many components having considerable weight. 
     Panoramic optical scanners described in the present disclosure may direct electromagnetic radiation having a set of electromagnetic radiation edges into a panoramic field of view. For example, a panoramic optical scanner may direct ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation to one side of an axis, and sweep the ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation about the axis. The ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation may define leading and trailing edges of electromagnetic radiation, with each of the edges being a portion of the ring, and with the portions (edges) being defined by a rotational direction in which the ring is swept. As another example, a panoramic optical scanner may direct ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation about an axis, and may sweep the electromagnetic radiation in a manner that makes the ring appear to wobble about the axis. In each of these examples, an electromagnetic radiation source may be oriented to emit electromagnetic radiation along or about the axis from which electromagnetic radiation is projected outward into a panoramic field of view. 
     An optical tracker may be provided with a set of multiple photodetectors capable of detecting the electromagnetic radiation edges emitted by a panoramic optical scanner, and may identify timings of the edges and relate the timings to a timing reference of the panoramic optical scanner. The timing reference may correspond to a predetermined position of a light steering element (e.g., a reflector or other optical component) of the panoramic optical scanner, and may be broadcast by the panoramic optical scanner apart from, or as part of, the electromagnetic radiation edges that the panoramic optical scanner directs into a panoramic field of view. Alternatively or additionally, a timing reference may be communicated over one or more non-optical channels. For example, a timing reference may be communicated over one or more radio frequency (RF) channels between a panoramic optical scanner and one or more optical trackers. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 17   . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG.  1    shows an example environment  100  in which a panoramic optical scanner and one or more optical trackers may be used. As shown, the environment  100  includes a stationary electronic device (e.g., a hub  102 ) and a number of mobile electronic devices (e.g., a first smartphone  104   a  and a second smartphone  104   b ). The hub  102  may include a panoramic optical scanner, and each of the smartphones  104   a ,  104   b  may include an optical tracker (or vice versa). 
     The panoramic optical scanner included in the hub  102  may include an electromagnetic radiation source and means (e.g., a light directing module or set of optics, and a light steering assembly including an optical component such as a reflector) to direct a pattern of electromagnetic radiation defining one or more electromagnetic radiation edges into a panoramic field of view. Each smartphone  104   a ,  104   b  may detect the electromagnetic radiation edges emitted by the panoramic optical scanner, determine a timing reference for the panoramic optical scanner, and determine a range or posing of its optical tracker with respect to a location or posing of the panoramic optical scanner included in the hub  102 . The smartphone  104   a  or  104   b  may then transmit its determined range or posing to the hub  102 . Alternatively, the smartphone  104   a  or  104   b  (or its user) may decide to keep its determined range or posing confidential. For example, the smartphone  104   a  or  104   b  may operate in a stealth mode. The smartphone  104   a  or  104   b  (or its user) may also decide to share its range or posing only with entities other than the panoramic optical scanner. For example, the smartphone  104   a  may share its range or posing with the smartphone  104   b  or a private group of devices including the smartphone  104   b  or other devices. In these latter alternatives, the panoramic optical scanner may operate as a public lighthouse service and not attempt to obtain private information from its customers (e.g., from devices including optical trackers, such as the smartphones  104   a  and  104   b ). 
     In a further alternative, each smartphone  104   a ,  104   b  may transmit information to the hub  102  that enables the hub  102  to determine a range or posing of the optical tracker included in the smartphone  104   a  or  104   b  with respect to a location or posing of the panoramic optical scanner included in the hub  102 . After determining the ranges or relative posings of the smartphones  104   a ,  104   b , the hub  102  may optically transmit only in the directions of the smartphones  104   a ,  104   b , and may conserve power by not transmitting in other directions. The hub  102  may also or alternatively vary its transmit power based on the distances of the smartphones  104   a ,  104   b  from the hub  102 . Similarly, the smartphones  104   a ,  104   b  may only transmit in the direction of the hub  102 , or may vary their transmit powers based on their distances from the hub  102 . Periodically or responsive to a trigger (e.g., in response to deteriorating or lost optical communication with one of the smartphones  104   a ,  104   b ), or responsive to a request by one of the smartphones  104   a ,  104   b , the hub  102  may optically transmit in all directions or at a maximum transmit power. Optically transmitting over its full panoramic field of view or maximum transmit power may enable the same or new devices to detect the hub  102  and determine a range or posing with respect to the hub  102 . 
     A panoramic optical scanner may include an electromagnetic radiation source (e.g., a visible or invisible (e.g., IR) light source), and means (e.g., a light directing module or set of optics, and a light steering assembly including an optical component such as a reflector) to direct a pattern of electromagnetic radiation defining one or more electromagnetic radiation edges into a panoramic field of view. 
     Each optical tracker may include a set of multiple photodetectors (e.g., a set of photodiodes), with each photodetector having a fixed spatial and orientation relationship with respect to other photodetectors in the set of multiple photodetectors. In some embodiments, a tracking circuit of an optical tracker may include a photodetector, a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) based front end circuit, and a timing channel in a controller. The TIA may convert photocurrent from a photodetector into a voltage in real time (with certain spectral filtering and latency). The converted voltage may then be thresholded/binarized (with a static or dynamic threshold) by a comparator. The resulting digital pulsing signal may be fed into a timer running at an integer multiple of a controller clock. A timing stamp may be generated by the timer for a particular electromagnetic radiation edge and compared with a timing reference stamp to derive a scanning position (e.g., a scanner-to-tracker orientation). The controller may relate timings of the edges to a timing reference of a panoramic optical scanner that emits a pattern of electromagnetic radiation including the edges. In some cases, the timing reference may be received by the optical tracker as an optical trigger (e.g., as an optical timing pulse or flash) emitted by the panoramic optical scanner in synchronization with a periodic repetition of the electromagnetic radiation pattern. In some cases, the timing reference may be encoded within the pattern of electromagnetic radiation. 
     Information such as the relationships between the edge timings identified by an optical tracker, fixed spatial and orientation relationships between the locations of the photodetectors that sense the edges, and a known posing of the panoramic optical scanner that emitted a pattern of electromagnetic radiation including the edges, may be used to determine a range or posing of the optical tracker in relation to a location or posing of the panoramic optical scanner. The range or posing of the optical tracker in relation to the location or posing of the panoramic optical scanner may be determined by a device that includes the optical tracker (in which case a device including the panoramic optical scanner may transmit an indication of the scanner&#39;s location or posing to the device including the optical tracker) or by the device that includes the panoramic optical scanner (in which case the device including the optical tracker may transmit an indication of its determined edge timings and photodetector positions to the device including the panoramic optical scanner). In other embodiments, both the device that includes the panoramic optical scanner and the device that includes the optical tracker may transmit information to a third device that determines the range or posing of the optical tracker in relation to the location or posing of the panoramic optical scanner. 
     Another environment in which a panoramic optical scanner and one or more optical trackers may be used is an AR, VR, or MR game, in which each participant may wear a pair of goggles and hold a number of game controllers (e.g., one or more of game controllers). By way of example, each game controller may have a circular sensing component coupled to a handle, and each participant may hold a game controller in each hand. Alternatively, each participant may hold or otherwise be associated with no, one, or multiple game controllers, and different participants may be associated with different numbers of game controllers. Alternatively, a participant may not wear a set of goggles and instead just hold or manipulate one or more game controllers. In some embodiments, a game controller may have an alternate configuration or shape. For example, a game controller may be shaped like a particular item it represents, such as a weapon, a glove, or a steering wheel. Also, some game controllers may be held by two or more participants at once, or may be items that are worn by, sat on, stood on, or ridden by a participant. 
     The game played by the participants may be hosted by a game console or other device, within or remote from the environment in which the game is played. By way of example, a game console may sit on a table within a room in which the participants are playing. In some embodiments, the game console may wirelessly serve game video to goggles worn by the participants, or the game console may serve game video over a wireless network to which the game console or goggles are connected. Audio for the game may be served in the same manner, or provided via a speaker of the game console, or broadcast from wired or wireless speakers connected to the game console or a wireless network. In some embodiments, the game console may be a device that performs other functions. For example, the game console may also function as one or more of a stereo receiver, a computer, a personal assistant, a security system, and so on. 
     While the game is played, the game may need to determine posings (positions and orientations) of the goggles, the game controllers, and/or the game console with respect to each other (i.e., relative posings). The posings may enable these items (or virtual representations thereof) to be posed or manipulated within an AR, VR, or MR game environment, or may enable scenes, structures, things, persons, animals, and so on to be rendered in relation to the posings of the goggles, game controllers, and/or game console. 
     In some embodiments, the relative posings of the goggles, game controllers, and/or game console, with respect to each other, may be determined by operation of a panoramic optical scanner included in the game console and optical trackers included in each of the goggles and game controllers. In other embodiments, the posings of the goggles, game controllers, and/or game console may be determined by operation of a panoramic optical scanner included in one or more of the goggles or game controllers, and optical trackers in the remaining devices. Typically, the effects of including a panoramic optical scanner or optical tracker in a mobile device can be ignored when determining relative posings of the devices, given that the speed of optical communication between mobile devices (or a mobile device and a stationary device) at close range is many orders of magnitude greater than the speeds at which mobile devices may be humanly moved. 
     In some embodiments, a panoramic optical scanner may have a panoramic field of view of 360 degrees, 270 degrees, or some other angular extent. For example, a panoramic optical scanner incorporated into the top of the game console may have a 360 degree panoramic field of view, whereas a set of goggles may incorporate a panoramic optical scanner into each temple portion of the goggles, with each panoramic optical scanner having a 270 degree panoramic field of view that overlaps the 270 degree panoramic field of the other panoramic optical scanner. 
       FIG.  2    shows an example block diagram of a panoramic optical scanner  200 . The panoramic optical scanner  200  may include an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source  202  (e.g., a light source including one or multiple emitters), one or multiple electromagnetic radiation directors such as electromagnetic radiation director  204  (e.g., a light directing module or set of optics), one or multiple electromagnetic radiation steering assemblies such as electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206  (e.g., a light steering assembly), and an optional controller  208 . For purposes of this disclosure, electromagnetic radiation directing is defined to be a passive operation, or an operation performed by stationary components. Electromagnetic radiation steering is defined to be an active operation, or an operation performed by a reconfigurable or moving component, or a component that is transitioned through a sequence of variable or discrete state changes. 
     The components of the panoramic optical scanner  200  may be mounted on or within a housing  210 . The housing  210  may be a monolithic structure or include multiple parts. 
     The electromagnetic radiation source  202  may have an axis  212  (e.g., an imaginary axis), and in some cases may include a single electromagnetic radiation emitter (e.g., a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), a vertical external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL), or a light-emitting diode (LED) (e.g., an organic LED (OLED), a resonant-cavity LED (RC-LED), a micro LED (mLED), a superluminescent LED (SLED)), an edge-emitting LED, and so on). Alternatively, the electromagnetic radiation source  202  may include multiple electromagnetic radiation emitters, which emitters may be grouped and oriented to effectively emit a single beam of electromagnetic radiation emitted along the axis  212 , or spaced radially about the axis  212  and oriented to emit different beams of electromagnetic radiation about or near the axis  212 . In some cases, a set of electromagnetic radiation emitters may be disposed in circular symmetry about the axis  212 . In some embodiments, the controller  208  may be configured to activate or deactivate different combinations of electromagnetic radiation emitters as an optical component  214  (e.g., a reflector or mirror) is rotated about the axis  212  to steer electromagnetic radiation non-symmetrically about the axis. As defined herein, electromagnetic radiation emitted along or about an axis is defined to be emitted on the axis, concentric with the axis, near and parallel to the axis, or near and converging or diverging within a small radius from the axis. In some cases, electromagnetic radiation may intersect the axis. 
     The electromagnetic radiation source  202  (e.g., a light source), electromagnetic radiation director  204  (e.g., a light directing module or set of optics), and electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206  (e.g., a light steering assembly) may be disposed along and about the axis  212 . As defined herein, components disposed along the axis  212  are disposed about or intersect the axis  212  at different overlapping or non-overlapping locations along the axis  212 , whereas components disposed about the axis  212  are positioned at least radially around the axis  212 , and may or may not intersect the axis  212 . The electromagnetic radiation director  204  may be positioned along the axis  212  between the electromagnetic radiation source  202  and electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206 . 
     The electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206  (e.g., a light steering assembly) may include an optical component  214 , such as a reflector, that is disposed about and/or intersects the axis  212  non-symmetrically, and is movable through different non-symmetric orientations with respect to the axis  212 . Alternatively, optical component  214  may include or be replaced by a set of one or multiple moving or non-moving reflective, refractive, and/or diffractive elements (e.g., an array of elements) that is disposed about and/or intersects the axis  212  symmetrically or asymmetrically. The electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206 , and in particular the optical component  214 , may be configured to steer received light non-symmetrically about the axis  212 . For example, the optical component  214  may include a reflector that is skewed with respect to the axis  212 , and the controller  208  may be configured to rotate the reflector about the axis  212  (or about an axis parallel to the axis  212 ) to reflect light non-symmetrically about the axis  212 . Alternatively, the optical component  214  or electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206  may include a single or multiple stages of non-moving optical steering components, including, for example, an optical phase array, an electro-optical modulator, an acoustic-optical modulator, an electrically-driven liquid, or a liquid crystal beam-shaping component. These alternative components may be disposed symmetrically or non-symmetrically about the axis  212 , and the controller  208  may drive these components to dynamically reflect, refract, and/or diffract electromagnetic radiation non-symmetrically about the axis  212 . 
     Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source  202  (e.g., a light source) may be directed toward the electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206  (e.g., a light steering assembly) by the electromagnetic radiation director  204  (e.g., a light directing module or set of optics). For example, a first or inner portion of a light directing module may direct light emitted by a light source toward a light steering assembly. Electromagnetic radiation received at the electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206 , from the electromagnetic radiation director  204 , may be steered toward a second portion of the electromagnetic radiation director  204  (e.g., toward a second or outer portion of a light directing module). In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation may be steered by rotating the optical component  214  about the axis  212 , or by the reflection, refraction, and/or diffraction of electromagnetic radiation by a set of actively driven but non-moving beam steering components. Electromagnetic radiation received from the electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206 , at the electromagnetic radiation director  204  (e.g., at the second or outer portion of a light directing module), may be directed into a panoramic field of view about the axis  212 . In some cases, electromagnetic radiation may be shaped (or reshaped) as it is directed or steered by the electromagnetic radiation director  204  and/or optical component  214 . 
     In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation director  204  (e.g., a light directing module) may include a monolithic dielectric through which electromagnetic radiation passes from the electromagnetic radiation source  202  to the electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206 , and from the electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206  to the panoramic field of view. The monolithic dielectric may have different portions for directing electromagnetic radiation in different ways, and in some cases may have reflective coatings or elements (or other types of coatings, elements, or features) thereon or abutted thereto. In some embodiments, the monolithic dielectric may include locally textured or patterned surfaces, or treated portions or surfaces for diffractive beam shaping. In some embodiments, the monolithic dielectric may be symmetric about the axis  212 . In other embodiments, the monolithic dielectric may be non-symmetric about the axis  212  (as described, for example, with reference to  FIG.  13   ). 
     The controller  208  may control, for example: when the electromagnetic radiation source  202  emits and does not emit electromagnetic radiation, an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source  202 , a modulation pattern used to encode information in the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source  202 , or a beam steering orientation of the optical component  214 . In some cases, the controller  208  may be configured to operate the electromagnetic radiation source  202  (e.g., activate and deactivate one or more emitters of the electromagnetic radiation source, or control the transmit power thereof) while controlling a beam steering orientation of the optical component  114  (e.g., while controlling the beam steering orientation (or rotation) of a reflector). In some embodiments, control signals may be provided to the electromagnetic radiation source  202  and electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206  via a bus  216  or other circuitry. 
     The controller  208  may communicate with one or more optical trackers or other devices via an optional communications interface  218  (e.g., an RF interface, such as a wireless or wired communications interface, and/or an optical communications interface). 
     The controller  208  may cause a timing reference of the panoramic optical scanner  200 , such as a timing reference that is synchronized with the beam steering orientation of the optical component  214 , to be broadcast from the panoramic optical scanner  200 . In some embodiments, the timing reference may be broadcast by means of a trigger module  220  operated by the controller  208  (or alternatively, by the electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206 ). The trigger module  220  may emit an omnidirectional or limited direction optical timing pulse. Additionally or alternatively, the time reference may be internally fed back to the controller&#39;s driver to stabilize the repetition rate of the optical component&#39;s periodic beam steering (e.g., to minimize the time jitter between or within a beam steering period of the optical component  214 ). Alternatively, the panoramic optical scanner  200  may broadcast a timing reference in other ways, as described, for example, with reference to  FIG.  13  or  14   . 
     In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation source  202  and electromagnetic radiation director  204  (e.g., a light source and light directing module or other optics) may be mounted in fixed stationary positions within the housing  210 . The electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  206  (e.g., a light steering assembly) may also be mounted within the housing  210 , but may include a motor, a solid-state device such as a MEMS, or another component (or components) configured to rotate or actuate the optical component  214  through different non-symmetric orientations with respect to the axis  212 . This may reduce the number or weight of parts that need to move within the housing  210 , and may reduce the cost and power consumption of the panoramic optical scanner  200 . 
       FIGS.  3 A &amp;  3 B  show example embodiments of the panoramic optical scanner described with reference to  FIG.  2   .  FIG.  3 A  shows a panoramic optical scanner  300  including an electromagnetic radiation source  302 , an electromagnetic radiation director (e.g., a set of optics  304 ), an electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  306  including a reflector  308 , and an optional controller  310 . In some embodiments, the components of the panoramic optical scanner  300  may be mounted on or within a housing, such as the housing described with reference to  FIG.  2   . 
     The electromagnetic radiation source  302  may have an axis  312  (e.g., an imaginary axis). The electromagnetic radiation source  302 , the set of optics  304 , and the reflector  308  may be disposed along and about the axis  312 . By way of example, the set of optics  304  and reflector  308  intersect the axis  312  (though they need not—e.g., one or both of these elements may have a central void therein). 
     The reflector  308  may be disposed about the axis non-symmetrically, and may be disposed to reflect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source  302 . The reflector  308  may be moved through different non-symmetric orientations with respect to the axis  312  (e.g., the reflector  308  may be rotated or wobbled about the axis  312 , or about an axis that is parallel to and offset from the axis  312 ). 
     The controller  310  may be configured to operate the electromagnetic radiation source  302  while controlling the beam steering orientation (e.g., the rotation or wobbling) of the reflector  308 . More specifically, the controller  310  may control, for example: when the electromagnetic radiation source  302  emits and does not emit electromagnetic radiation, an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source  302 , a modulation pattern used to encode information in the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source  302 , or a position or beam steering orientation of the reflector  308 . The controller  310  may be configured to operate the electromagnetic radiation source  302  (e.g., activate and deactivate one or more emitters of the electromagnetic radiation source, or control the transmit power thereof) while controlling the beam steering orientation of the reflector  308 . 
     The set of optics  304  may be disposed to shape electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source  302  and direct electromagnetic radiation received from the reflector  308  into a panoramic field of view about the axis  312 . In some embodiments, the set of optics  304  may receive and shape electromagnetic radiation as it passes from the electromagnetic radiation source  302  to the reflector  308 , or alternatively may have a central aperture that lets electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source  302  pass directly to the reflector  308 . Additionally or alternatively, the set of optics  304  may receive and shape electromagnetic radiation as it passes from the reflector  308  to the panoramic field of view. 
     In some examples, the set of optics  304  may receive a beam of electromagnetic radiation  314  emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source  302  and shape the beam of electromagnetic radiation  314  into a ring (i.e., a circle), oval, teardrop, or other closed form shape of electromagnetic radiation  316 . Alternatively, the shape may be open at the top or bottom or have a pixelated outline. Regardless of how the electromagnetic radiation is shaped, the electromagnetic radiation may be generally shaped to define a leading edge and a trailing edge, which edges may be detected by a photodetector of an optical tracker. 
     In some embodiments, a first element, portion, or subset of the set of optics  304  may direct electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source  302  toward the reflector  308 , and the reflector  308  may reflect electromagnetic radiation  318  toward a second element, portion, or subset of the set of optics  304 . The second element, portion, or subset of the set of optics  304  may direct electromagnetic radiation  320  into a panoramic field of view about the axis  312 . For example, the set of optics  304  may direct electromagnetic radiation  320  (e.g., ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation) to one side of the axis  312 . The electromagnetic radiation  320  may be swept about the axis  312  (e.g., to position  320   a  and other positions) as the reflector  308  rotates about the axis  312 . Given a direction of rotation  322 , the ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation has a leading edge  324   a  and a trailing edge  324   b.    
     In some embodiments, the set of optics  304  may include a monolithic dielectric through which electromagnetic radiation passes, from the electromagnetic radiation source  302  to the reflector  308 , and from the reflector  308  to the panoramic field of view. The monolithic dielectric may have different portions for directing electromagnetic radiation in different ways, and in some cases may have reflective coatings or elements (or other types of coatings, elements, or features) thereon. The monolithic dielectric may also include textured or patterned surfaces, or treated portions or surfaces. In some embodiments, the monolithic dielectric may be symmetric about the axis  312 . In other embodiments, the monolithic dielectric may be non-symmetric about the axis  312  (as described, for example, with reference to  FIG.  13   ). 
     The electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  306  may include a motor having a rotatable element (e.g., a shaft) coupled to the reflector  308 . Alternatively, the electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  306  may electrically or magnetically rotate the reflector  308 . In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation steering assembly  306  may include a MEMS, and the reflector  308  may include one or more movable surfaces of the MEMS. 
     As shown, the set of optics  304  directs the electromagnetic radiation it receives from the reflector  308  to one side of the axis  312 , and as the reflector  308  rotates, electromagnetic radiation  320  is swept around the axis  312 .  FIG.  3 B  shows a panoramic optical scanner  330  configured similarly to the panoramic optical scanner  300  described with reference to  FIG.  3 A , but with a different set of optics  332 . The set of optics  332  directs the electromagnetic radiation  318  it receives from the reflector  308  into a ring  334  about the axis  312 , and as the reflector  308  rotates, the ring  334  is caused to wobble about the axis  312  (e.g., to position  334   a  and other positions). Given a direction of rotation  336 , the ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation has a leading edge  338   a  and a trailing edge  338   b.    
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  show example portions or subsets of the optics  304  or  332  described with reference to  FIGS.  3 A &amp;  3 B , which portions or subsets may be used to shape the electromagnetic radiation emitted by an electromagnetic radiation source (e.g., a point electromagnetic radiation source or set of point electromagnetic radiation sources that, together, function as a point electromagnetic radiation source or otherwise produce a beam or beams of electromagnetic radiation). The beam of electromagnetic radiation to be shaped may be generally columnar, or may diverge in the same or different amounts in different directions. 
       FIG.  4 A  shows an axicon lens  400  that receives a beam of electromagnetic radiation  402  from an electromagnetic radiation source  404 . The beam of electromagnetic radiation  402  is received at an apex  406  of the axicon lens  400  and the axicon lens  400  bends the beam radially outward in all radial directions with respect to an axis  408  of the axicon lens  400 , thereby producing a null point  410  within the center of the beam of electromagnetic radiation  402 . 
     A convex surface  412  of the axicon lens  400 , opposite the apex  406 , may collimate rays  414  and converge the outwardly bent ring into a ring of electromagnetic radiation  416  having a predetermined diameter. Alternatively, the axicon lens  400  may have a convex surface (i.e., a surface with a positive optical power) as a first or incident surface (to collimate the input beam) and an axicon surface (which has an apex but no optical power) as a second or output surface. A convex surface and axicon surface may also be combined into a same surface, or duplicated to achieve a better beam quality and optimal beam size. 
       FIG.  4 B  shows the use of diffractive optics  420  to bend a beam of electromagnetic radiation  422  received from an electromagnetic radiation source  424 . Rays of the beam of electromagnetic radiation  422  are bent outward in all radial directions with respect to an axis  426  of the diffractive optics  420 , thereby producing a null point  428  within the center of the beam of electromagnetic radiation  422 . A lens  430  may be used to collimate rays  432  of the outwardly bent and diverging beam into a ring of electromagnetic radiation  434  having a predetermined diameter. Compared with the design of the axicon lens  400  described with reference to  FIG.  4 A , the diffractive optics  420  is lateral alignment-free. It is also possible to integrate the optical power of the lens  430  into the diffractive optics design and minimize the optical thickness of the device. The diffractive optics  420  may also be configured to shape the incoming beam of electromagnetic radiation  422  into irregular shapes, such as a flower shape, or in an asymmetric shape such as an oval, a teardrop, and so on. Such alternative shapes may provide advanced panoramic scanning functionalities. 
       FIG.  4 C  shows an electromagnetic radiation source  440  that may produce a beam of electromagnetic radiation  442  having a predetermined shape. The shape may be formed by an optical aperture over the electromagnetic radiation source  440 , or by a high-order donut transverse mode of the electromagnetic radiation source  440 . As shown, the beam of electromagnetic radiation  442  may have a donut shape (e.g., with a null center  444 ). Rays of the beam of electromagnetic radiation may diverge, such that the donut expands in diameter until received by a lens  446  that re-images the rays of the diverging beam into a ring of electromagnetic radiation  448  having a predetermined diameter. 
       FIG.  4 D  shows an electromagnetic radiation source  450  comprised of a set of electromagnetic radiation emitters  452  disposed in circular symmetry about an axis  454 . When all of the electromagnetic radiation emitters  452  are caused to emit electromagnetic radiation  456 , the electromagnetic radiation may form a ring of electromagnetic radiation that diverges radially outward as well as inward, thus increasing the thickness of the ring. The rays of the diverging ring may be received by a lens  458  that focuses the rays along a ring  460  having predetermined inner and outer diameters. When a controller activates or deactivates different combinations of the electromagnetic radiation emitters  452 , differently coded patterns of electromagnetic radiation may be produced. 
       FIG.  5    shows an example of the set of optics  304  described with reference to  FIG.  3 A . In  FIG.  5   , the set of optics  304  is provided by a monolithic dielectric  500 . The monolithic dielectric  500  may include, for example, a beam shaping surface  502 , a condenser  504  (i.e., another beam shaping surface), a field lens  506 , and/or a beam shaper and expander  508 . The monolithic dielectric  500  may have a circular symmetry about an axis  312 , with all of the dielectric&#39;s elements being axial or coaxial. 
     The beam shaping surface  502  may by disposed at the center of one side of the monolithic dielectric  500 , and the condenser  504  may be disposed at the center of an opposite side of the monolithic dielectric  500 . The beam shaping surface  502  may receive a beam of electromagnetic radiation  512  emitted by an electromagnetic radiation source  302 , reflect or absorb electromagnetic radiation at the center of the beam of electromagnetic radiation  512  (e.g., due to a mask), and pass electromagnetic radiation  514  shaped in a ring. The condenser  504  may receive the electromagnetic radiation  514  passed by the beam shaping surface  502  and collimate or converge it as it exits the monolithic dielectric  500  traveling toward the reflector  308 . Alternatively, and by way of example, the beam shaping surface  502  may be an axicon surface, as described with reference to  FIG.  4 A , or a diffractive optical element, as shown in  FIG.  4 B  (e.g., to create a ring-shaped optical field with low loss). 
     The field lens  506  may be disposed in a ring about the condenser  504 , on the same side of the monolithic dielectric  500  as the condenser  504 . Electromagnetic radiation  516  reflected by the reflector  308  may be received by one portion of the field lens  506 , and by different portions of the field lens  506  as the reflector  308  rotates about the axis  312 . A portion  508   a  of the beam shaper and expander  508  (e.g., a portion of the top surface of the monolithic dielectric  500 , on the same side of the monolithic dielectric  500  as the beam shaping surface  502 ) may receive the electromagnetic radiation  518  that passes through the field lens  506 , and may be curved, polished, or treated to ensure total internal reflection (TIR) of the electromagnetic radiation. Alternatively or additionally, a reflective coating or element may be deposited on the portion  508   a  of the top surface. The electromagnetic radiation  520  reflected from the top surface of the monolithic dielectric may exit the monolithic dielectric  500  through a peripheral portion  508   b  of the beam shaper and expander  508 , and may be directed into a panoramic field of view by the beam shaper and expander  508 . The electromagnetic radiation directed into the panoramic field of view may be ring-shaped. In some embodiments, the beam shaper and expander  508  may include a generally concave surface formed around the periphery or circumference of the monolithic dielectric  500  (e.g., to achieve a maximum vertical field of view). 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral portion  508   b  of the beam shaper and expander  508  may be non-symmetric from top to bottom, and may be generally concave. In these embodiments, the beam shaper and expander  508  may direct electromagnetic radiation that is teardrop-shaped into the panoramic field of view. 
       FIG.  6    shows an example of the set of optics  332  described with reference to  FIG.  3 B . In  FIG.  6   , the set of optics  332  is provided by a monolithic dielectric  600 . The monolithic dielectric  600  may include, for example, a first surface  602  and a second surface  604 , with the first surface being flat or generally so, the second surface  604  being curved, and the second surface  604  being generally opposite the first surface  602 . 
     Electromagnetic radiation  606  emitted by an electromagnetic radiation source  302  may enter the monolithic dielectric  600  through a central portion of the first surface  602  and be shaped into a ring as it enters a central diffractive optical element on surface  602 , or as it exits the monolithic dielectric  600  through or about a central rounded transmission apex of the second surface  604 . The ring shaped electromagnetic radiation may be directed toward the reflector  308 . The reflector  308  may be oriented to reflect electromagnetic radiation toward a curved reflective portion of the second surface  604 , concentric with and outside the central rounded apex of the second surface  604 . The curved portion of the second surface  604  may be curved, and in some cases polished or treated, such that it redirects (e.g., reflects) electromagnetic radiation received from the reflector  308  into a panoramic field of view. Because the reflector  308  is skewed with respect to an axis  312  of the monolithic dielectric  600  and the electromagnetic radiation source  302 , electromagnetic radiation reflected at different points about the central rounded apex may be received and reflected from the curved surface at different distances (i.e., different radii) from the central rounded apex, causing ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation  608  to be directed into the entire circumference of the panoramic field of view, and causing the ring-shaped electromagnetic radiation  608  to wobble about the axis  312  as the reflector  308  rotates. 
       FIGS.  7 A &amp;  7 B  show example embodiments of the optical component  214  or reflector  308  described with reference to  FIGS.  2 ,  3 A,  3 B,  5   , &amp;  6  when the optical component  214  or reflector  308  is a mechanically-rotated element. As shown in  FIG.  7 A , a reflector  700  may have a surface that shapes electromagnetic radiation  702  (in addition to steering the electromagnetic radiation). The surface may be generally flat with a 1-dimensional (1D) fan-out reflective grating  704  thereon. In some embodiments, the fan-out reflective grating  704  may have a gradually changing −1 order diffraction (with all other orders suppressed), and may receive and reflect electromagnetic radiation  702  emitted by an electromagnetic radiation source, with the electromagnetic radiation optionally being received through a set of optics (e.g., the set of optics  304  or  332  described with reference to  FIG.  3 A or  3 B . 
     As shown in  FIG.  7 B , a reflector  710  may have a surface that shapes electromagnetic radiation  712 . The surface may include a 2-dimensional (2D) multilevel reflective DOE that receives and reflects electromagnetic radiation  712  emitted by an electromagnetic radiation source, with the electromagnetic radiation  702  optionally being received at the surface through a set of optics. 
     Turning now to  FIG.  8   , there is shown an example block diagram of an optical tracker  800  capable of detecting the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a panoramic optical scanner. The optical tracker  800  may include a set of multiple photodetectors (PDs)  802  and a controller  804 . The photodetectors  802  may be distributed over various surfaces of a device (e.g., goggles, a game controller, or a smartphone) that includes the optical tracker, such that the device may detect the electromagnetic radiation edges emitted by a panoramic optical scanner with at least four photodetectors of the optical tracker, regardless of the device&#39;s posing. Each photodetector may have a fixed spatial and orientation relationship with respect to other photodetectors in the set of multiple photodetectors. 
     The controller  804  may operate the photodetectors  802  and receive signals from the photodetectors  802 . In some embodiments, the controller  804  may communicate with a panoramic optical scanner or other devices via a communications interface  806  (e.g., an RF interface, such as a wireless or wired communications interface, and/or an optical communications interface). 
     When electromagnetic radiation edges emitted by a panoramic optical scanner are sensed by at least two photodetectors of the optical tracker  800 , angular triangulation may be employed by the controller  804  or another device to determine a range of the optical tracker  800  from the panoramic optical scanner. When electromagnetic radiation edges emitted by a panoramic optical scanner are sensed by at least four photodetectors  802  of the optical tracker  800 , a posing of the optical tracker  800  in relation to a posing of the panoramic optical scanner may be determined by the controller  804  or another device without spatial ambiguity. The optical tracker  800  may include more than four photodetectors, and in some cases many more, so that regardless of how the optical tracker  800  is oriented, at least 2-4 of the photodetectors are always capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation emitted by a panoramic optical scanner. 
     In some embodiments of the optical tracker  800 , each photodetector in the set of multiple photodetectors  802  may be coupled to a respective transimpedance amplifier (TIA)  808  to convert photocurrent from photodetectors into amplified voltage, which in turn may be coupled to a respective comparator  810 . In some embodiments, the comparator  810  may be a non-inverting comparator with hysteresis. The comparator  810  may determine, from comparing the TIA output voltage with a predetermined or dynamically tuned voltage threshold, when an electromagnetic radiation edge has been sensed by a photodetector. In some embodiments, each photodetector  802  may sense two electromagnetic radiation edges associated with a pattern of electromagnetic radiation—a leading edge and a trailing edge per scanning period of a single panoramic optical scanner. 
     The controller  804  may determine (e.g., from outputs of the comparators  810 ) a timing of each electromagnetic radiation edge in relation to a timing reference received from the panoramic optical scanner. In some embodiments, the timing reference may be received in the form of an optical timing pulse (e.g., a flash) detected via the communications interface or a simpler optical trigger detector. The optical timing pulse may be an omnidirectional or limited direction pulse emitted by the panoramic optical scanner, and may have a predetermined, known relationship with respect to the electromagnetic radiation that is swept through a panoramic field of view by the panoramic optical scanner. Alternatively or additionally, a timing reference may be determined from a changing modulation of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a panoramic optical scanner, as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  14   . A timing reference may also or alternatively be determined from a varying width of an electromagnetic radiation edge, as described in more detail with reference to  FIG.  13   . In some embodiments, the controller  804  may initiate a counter  812  running at an integer fraction of the controller clock frequency upon receipt of the timing reference, and may determine a time delay between receipt of the timing reference and receipt of an electromagnetic radiation edge using a value of the counter  812 , adding latency compensation and thereby relating the timing of the electromagnetic radiation edge to the timing reference at the timing resolution of the counter clock. 
     The components of the optical tracker  800  may be mounted on or within a housing  814 . The housing  814  may be a monolithic structure or include multiple parts. 
       FIG.  9    shows an example controller  900  (e.g., a game controller, a gesture input device, etc.) that may incorporate an optical tracker including photodetectors distributed, in sets or individually, at various locations  902  (e.g., locations  902   a ,  902   b ,  902   c ,  902   d , and  902   e ) over various surfaces of the controller  900 . By way of example, the controller  900  is shown to be a wearable device, such as a watch, fitness monitor, or health monitor. Alternatively, the controller  900  may be configured, for example, as a bracelet, sleeve, or handheld device. Orienting the photodetectors with their surfaces perpendicular to three or more axes (and preferably, but not necessarily, orthogonal axes), can enable movement of the controller  900  or gestures made by its wearer, to be tracked with six degrees of freedom. 
     A set of goggles may also incorporate an optical tracker including photodetectors. In some embodiments, the controller  900  or goggles may include sets of four or more photodetectors at various locations  902   a ,  902   b ,  902   c ,  902   d ,  902   e . Photodetectors may be distributed over more or fewer surfaces of the controller  900  or goggles, or in a higher or lower density over one or more surfaces of the controller  900  or goggles. Alternatively, the controller  900  or goggles may include a panoramic optical scanner at one or more of the locations  902 , or at other locations. For example, a set of goggles may include a panoramic optical scanner at each of its temples. When a device such as a set of goggles has multiple panoramic optical scanners, the panoramic optical scanners may have overlapping panoramic fields of view (e.g., overlapping 270 degree fields of view). 
     When the controller  900  is a wearable device having a body  904  (e.g., a watch body) and a band  906  (e.g., a watch band), photodetectors may be disposed in the body  904  and/or in the band  906 . In some cases, photodetectors may be disposed at locations  902   a ,  902   b  around or under a display  908 , and/or at locations  902   c ,  902   d ,  902   e  within the band  906 . Photodetectors disposed within the band  906  may be communicatively coupled to a processor  910  housed within the body  904 , by electrical conductors routed through the band  906  and its connections to the body  904 , or may be coupled to a wireless communications interface within the band  906  that communicates with a wireless communications interface within the body  904  (which wireless communications interface within the body  904  is integrated with or coupled with the processor  910 ). In some embodiments, the wireless communications interfaces may be BLUETOOTH® Low Energy (BLE) wireless communications interfaces. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  900  may further include an inertial measurement unit (IMU)  912 , which may be connected to the processor  910  and used to provide additional measurements pertaining to movement of the controller  900  (e.g., as described with reference to  FIG.  16 C ). 
       FIG.  10    shows how the electromagnetic radiation  1002  emitted by a panoramic optical scanner  1000 , and in particular, edges  1004   a ,  1004   b  of the electromagnetic radiation  1002 , may sweep past the photodetectors  1008  (e.g., photodetectors  1008   a ,  1008   b ,  1008   c , and  1008   d ) of an optical tracker  1006 . 
       FIG.  11    shows an example set of electromagnetic radiation pulses  1100  that may be detected by an optical tracker. An optical timing pulse  1102  (a trigger) may be received at time T 1  (or may be determined, from other information, to have a timing of T 1 ). The optical timing pulse  1102  may be detected using an optical communications interface of the optical tracker, a simpler optical trigger detector, or a plurality of the photodetectors used by the optical tracker to detect edges of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a panoramic optical scanner. The optical timing pulse  1102  may be an omnidirectional or limited direction timing pulse. When photodetectors used by the optical tracker to detect edges of electromagnetic radiation are also used to detect the optical timing pulse, detection of the optical timing pulse may be distinguished from detection of an electromagnetic radiation edge as a result of a plurality of photodetectors detecting electromagnetic radiation at substantially the same time. In some embodiments, the optical timing pulse may be emitted by a panoramic optical scanner in accord with a periodic interval synchronized with a periodic revolution of the optical component  214  or reflector  308  described with reference to  FIG.  2 ,  3 A,  3 B,  5   , or  6 . Alternatively, the timing of the optical timing pulse  1102  may be determined from timing information encoded in the electromagnetic radiation edges received by the optical tracker. 
     A first set of pulses  1104  (e.g., pulses  1104   a  and  1104   b ) may indicate the timings of electromagnetic radiation edges sensed by a first photodetector of the optical tracker (e.g., the photodetector  1008   a  of the optical tracker  1006  described with reference to  FIG.  10   ). The first photodetector may detect a leading edge at time t 2 , and a trailing edge at time t 5 . Similarly, a second set of pulses  1106  (e.g., pulses  1106   a  and  1106   b ) may indicate the timings (t 4  and t 6 ) of electromagnetic radiation edges detected by a second photodetector (e.g., the photodetector  1008   b ), a third set of pulses  1108  (e.g., pulses  1108   a  and  1108   b ) may indicate the timings (t 1  and t 7 ) of electromagnetic radiation edges detected by a third photodetector (e.g., the photodetector  1008   c ), and a fourth set of pulses  1110  (e.g., pulses  1110   a  and  1110   b ) may indicate the timings (t 3  and t 8 ) of electromagnetic radiation edges detected by a fourth photodetector (e.g., the photodetector  1008   d ). 
     The optical tracker may relate the timings of the electromagnetic radiation edges (e.g., t 1 , t 2 , t 3 , t 4 , t 5 , t 6 , t 7 , and t 8 ) to an optical timing reference (e.g., T 1 ). The timing relationship between the pulses of a set of pulses (e.g., pulses  1104 ,  1106 ,  1108 , or  1110 ), the timing relationships between pulses in different sets of pulses (e.g., pulses  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 ,  1108 , and  1110 ), the known spatial and orientation relationships between the fixed locations of the photodetectors, or the known posing of the panoramic optical scanner at the time an optical timing pulse or electromagnetic radiation edge is emitted, may enable a controller of the optical tracker to determine a posing of the optical tracker with respect to the posing of the panoramic optical scanner. Alternatively or additionally, the panoramic optical scanner or another device may determine the posing of the optical tracker with respect to the posing of the panoramic optical scanner. Information known by one device and not the other may be shared with the other device via communications interfaces of the devices. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates an alternative way for a panoramic optical scanner to provide a timing reference to an optical tracker. In particular,  FIG.  12    shows a plan view of a set of optics  1200  having an axis  1202 . The set of optics  1200  may be non-symmetric about the axis  1202 , and in some cases may have a radius that increases with respect to an angle (a) defined in relation to a reference radius (R 1 ). 
     Electromagnetic radiation initially emitted by an electromagnetic radiation source may be reflected by a reflector into the set of optics  1200 . In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation source and reflector may be the electromagnetic radiation source and reflector described with reference to  FIG.  2 ,  3 A , or  3 B. The electromagnetic radiation reflected into the set of optics  1200  from the reflector may be directed outward from the axis (e.g., as electromagnetic radiation  1204   a ,  1204   b ,  1204   c , or  1204   d ), and the variable radius of the optics  1200  (and/or a possible varying height or shape or other aspects of the optics  1200  about its periphery) may vary the width (e.g., W 1 , W 2 , W 3 , or W 4 ) of electromagnetic radiation edges (e.g., a leading edge and a trailing edge) emitted from the optics  1200 . The varying widths of the electromagnetic radiation edges may enable an optical tracker to derive a timing reference of the panoramic optical scanner using detected widths of electromagnetic radiation edges. In an alternative configuration of the optics  1200 , the optics  1200  may be symmetric about the axis  1202  but have a gradually changing diffractive optical pattern about its periphery, which changing diffractive optical pattern may modulate the width of the electromagnetic radiation edges emitted from the optics  1200 . 
       FIG.  13    illustrates another alternative way for a panoramic optical scanner to provide a timing reference to an optical tracker. In particular,  FIG.  13    shows an axis  1302  of an electromagnetic radiation source and set of optics, and a portion  1300  of a panoramic field of view in which the panoramic optical scanner directs electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source. As a non-symmetric reflector rotates about the axis  1302 , a controller of the panoramic optical scanner may modulate the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the electromagnetic radiation source differently, in an angular dependent manner. Thus, at a first angle or orientation of a reflector that is non-symmetric about the axis  1302 , the electromagnetic radiation may be modulated in a first manner (e.g., in accordance with a modulation pattern  1304   a ), and at a second angle or orientation, the electromagnetic radiation may be modulated in a second manner (e.g., in accordance with a modulation pattern  1304   b ). In various embodiments, the modulation may include on-off-keying (OOK) modulation, phase modulation, and so on. Alternatively or additionally, the electromagnetic radiation may be modulated at a particular base frequency (e.g., 1 MegaHertz (MHz)) regardless of reflector orientation. Modulation of the electromagnetic radiation at a base frequency may enable an optical tracker to sense electromagnetic radiation at the same frequency, and thereby mitigate the likelihood of detecting ambient light instead of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a panoramic optical scanner. 
       FIG.  14    shows an example relationship between an optical center  1400  of a panoramic optical scanner and a 2D measurement  1402  of an optical tracker by the panoramic optical scanner. The timings of electromagnetic radiation edges detected by a set of multiple photodetectors in the optical tracker, and their relation to a timing reference of the panoramic optical scanner, may be used to construct a 2D constellation of coordinates  1404  in a spherical plane (e.g., in a plane defined by an elevation angle (theta) and an azimuth angle (phi)). For example, with a ring-shaped projection pattern, the median timing between leading and trailing edges determines phi, the spacing between the leading and trailing edges. It is possible to resolve the tracking ambiguity across the scanning horizon by shaping the ring-shaped projection pattern asymmetric to the horizon (e.g., in a teardrop shape with respect to theta) or with sensor fusion. The 2D constellation of coordinates  1404  may then be projected onto a virtual (or normalized) image plane  1406  to determine u-v coordinates  1408  in the virtual image plane  1406 . A perspective-n-point (PnP) algorithm may then be used to determine tracking coordinates for the six degrees of freedom of the posing  1402  of the optical tracker (e.g., x, y, and z coordinates, and rotation about each of the x, y, and z axes) with respect to the posing  1400  of the panoramic optical scanner. 
       FIGS.  15 A- 15 C  show another example of a panoramic optical scanner  1500 . The panoramic optical scanner  1500  may include a light source  1502  (or other electromagnetic radiation source), a set of optics  1504  (e.g., lenses  1504   a  and  1504   b ), and a light steering assembly including a reflector  1506 , as described, for example, with reference to  FIGS.  2  &amp;  3 A .  FIG.  15 A  shows the reflector  1506  positioned in a first orientation, and  FIG.  15 B  shows the reflector  1506  positioned in a second orientation, opposite the first orientation.  FIG.  15 C  shows an isometric view of the panoramic optical scanner  1500 . 
     The light source  1502  may include a set of light emitters  1508  arranged in circular symmetry about an axis  1510  of the light source  1502 . The set of optics  1504  and reflector  1506  may also be disposed about the axis  1510 , with the reflector  1506  being disposed about the axis  1510  non-symmetrically. 
     The light emitters  1508  may be addressed individually or in different combinations by a controller (not shown), with different light emitters  1508  or combinations thereof being activated or deactivated as the reflector  1506  is rotated about an axis  1510 . 
     Light emitted by the light source  1502  may be received and collimated, and directed toward the reflector  1506 , by the lens  1504   a , as described, for example, with reference to  FIG.  4 D . Light reflected by the reflector  1506  may be received by a panoramic projection lens  1504   b  and focused at a distance from the panoramic projection lens  1504   b.    
     When a light emitter  1508  is active (or ON) over an entire rotation of the reflector  1506 , the light emitter  1508  projects a cycloid curve  1512  of light into the panoramic field of view. The set of light emitters  1508  may include a sufficient density of light emitters such that all of the cycloid curves (e.g.,  1512   a ,  1512   b , and so on) projected by all of the light emitters (e.g.,  1502   a ,  1502   b , and so on) cover the entirety of the panoramic field of view (or cover the panoramic field of view at a sufficiently granular resolution, as needed for a particular application). 
     With the panoramic optical scanner  1500 , it is possible to address any 2D spatial position/orientation within a scanning period on demand. In some embodiments, the panoramic optical scanner  1500  may be used to provide private, point-to-point, optical communication links (having a bandwidth twice the optical scanning rate) with one or more devices that include an optical tracker or optical communications interface. In some embodiments, the panoramic optical scanner  1500  may be used as a panoramic display or structured light projector. 
     In some embodiments, the set of emitters  1508  may be replaced by a set of addressable photodetectors. In these embodiments, the apparatus shown in  FIGS.  15 A- 15 C  may be used as a panoramic camera. Alternatively, a set of addressable photodetectors may be provided in addition to the set of addressable light emitters  1508 . In these embodiments, the apparatus shown in  FIGS.  15 A- 15 C  may be used for object tracking or as a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. For example, the photodetectors may be used to measure times-of-flight of photons emitted by the light emitters  1508 . 
       FIGS.  16 A- 16 C  show various stages  1600 ,  1620 ,  1640  of a process that may be performed by a panoramic optical scanner, an optical tracker, or another device. In particular,  FIG.  16 A  shows a process  1600  that may be performed by a panoramic optical scanner. 
     At block  1602 , the process  1600  may include emitting electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation may be emitted by an electromagnetic radiation source, such as the electromagnetic radiation source described with reference to  FIG.  2 ,  3 A , or  3 B. 
     At block  1604 , the process  1600  may optionally include shaping the electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation may be shaped by a set of optics, such as the set of optics described with reference to  FIG.  2 ,  3 A,  3 B,  4 A,  4 B,  4 C,  4 D,  5   , or  6 . 
     At block  1606 , the process  1600  may include steering the electromagnetic radiation panoramically. The electromagnetic radiation may be steered by an optical component or reflector, such as the optical component or reflector described with reference to  FIG.  2 ,  3 A,  3 B,  7 A , or  7 B. 
     At block  1608 , the process  1600  may include directing the electromagnetic radiation reflected by the reflector into a panoramic field of view, and possibly shaping the electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation may be directed (and shaped) by a set of optics, such as the set of optics described with reference to  FIG.  2 ,  3 A,  3 B,  5   , or  6 . In some embodiments, the shaping performed at block  1604  and the directing performed at block  1608  may be performed using the same set of optics, which may be implemented as a monolithic dielectric as previously described. 
     At block  1610 , and in parallel with the operations performed at blocks  1602 - 1608 , the process  1600  may include providing a timing reference for optical trackers. The timing reference may be synchronized (e.g., phase locked) with the steering operation performed at block  1606 . The timing reference may be provided, for example, in any of the ways described with reference to  FIGS.  11 - 13   . 
     At block  1612 , the panoramic optical scanner may perform a data swap, in which it transmits information to or receives information from an optical tracker. 
       FIG.  16 B  shows a process  1620  that may be performed by an optical tracker. 
     At block  1622 , the process  1620  may include sensing electromagnetic radiation edges swept through a panoramic field of view by a panoramic optical scanner. The electromagnetic radiation edges may be detected by a set of multiple photodetectors, such as the set of multiple photodetectors described with reference to  FIG.  8   . 
     At block  1624 , the process  1620  may include amplifying and/or filtering charges or signals collected by the photodetectors to detect electromagnetic radiation edges. The amplifying and/or filtering may be performed by a TIA, comparator, and/or other elements of an optical tracker, such as the TIA and comparator described with reference to  FIG.  8   . 
     At block  1626 , the process  1620  may include determining the timings of the detected electromagnetic radiation edges. The timings may be determined based on the value of a counter, such as the counter described with reference to  FIG.  8   . The counter may be synchronized to a timing reference received from the panoramic optical scanner. 
     At block  1628 , and in parallel with the operations performed at blocks  1622 - 1626 , the process  1620  may include determining the timing reference of the panoramic optical scanner. In some embodiments, the timing reference may be determined by receiving an optical timing pulse from the panoramic optical scanner, and recording a time of receipt of the optical timing pulse as the timing reference (as described, for example, with reference to  FIG.  12   ). In some embodiments, the timing reference may be determined by 1) determining, from the electromagnetic radiation received from the panoramic optical scanner, a modulation pattern encoded in the electromagnetic radiation, and 2) determining the timing reference from the modulation pattern (as described, for example, with reference to  FIG.  12   ). In some embodiments, the timing reference may be determined by 1) determining, per photodetector and from the collected charges, a width of at least the first edge or the second edge, and 2) determining the timing reference from the width of the first edge or the width of the second edge (as described, for example, with reference to  FIG.  13   ). 
     At block  1630 , the optical tracker may perform a data swap, in which it transmits information to or receives information from the panoramic optical scanner. 
       FIG.  16 C  shows a process  1640  that may be performed by a panoramic optical scanner and/or an optical tracker. 
     At block  1642 , the process  1640  may include determining relationships between the timings of detected electromagnetic radiation edges. 
     At block  1644 , the process  1640  may include using the timings of electromagnetic radiation edges and their relationships to construct a 2D constellation of coordinates in a spherical plane (e.g., in a plane defined by an elevation angle (theta) and an azimuth angle (phi)). 
     At block  1646 , the process  1640  may include projecting the 2D constellation onto a virtual image plane to determine u-v coordinates in the virtual image plane. 
     At block  1648 , the process  1640  may include using a perspective-n-point algorithm to determine tracking coordinates for the six degrees of freedom of a posing of the optical tracker (e.g., x, y, and z coordinates, and rotation about each of the x, y, and z axes (e.g., pitch, yaw, and roll)) with respect to the panoramic optical scanner. 
     At block  1650 , the process  1640  may run sensor fusion and tracking applications. For sensor fusion, and in some embodiments, single or multiple time frames of six degree of freedom (DoF) tracking data and its measurement uncertainties/errors derived from previous blocks of the process described with reference to  FIGS.  16 A- 16 A  and/or obtained from a system memory buffer may be fed into a Kalman filter algorithm (e.g., an Extended Kalman filter, an Unscented Kalman filter, etc.) and fused with single or multiple frames of tracking data and uncertainty/error data from other tracking means, including an IMU, a visual tracking system, etc., to provide higher tracking fidelity, including higher refresh rate, lower latency, higher tracking accuracy, protection against possible tracker photodetector occlusion, etc. For tracking application, a scene to render in an AR, VR, or MR scene may be determined, or a representation of the optical tracker or a posing of the optical tracker in an AR, VR, or MR scene may be determined. Alternatively, the operation(s) at block  1650  may include tuning or transmitting/receiving optical communications between devices including the panoramic optical scanner and the optical tracker, or devices including different optical trackers. 
     The operations of the process  1640  may be performed by a controller, such as the controller described with reference to  FIG.  2  or  8   . 
       FIG.  17    shows a sample electrical block diagram of an electronic device  1700 , which electronic device may in some cases take the form of a panoramic optical scanner or optical tracker described herein. The electronic device  1700  may include a display  1702  (e.g., a light-emitting display), a processor  1704 , a power source  1706 , a memory  1708  or storage device, a sensor system  1710 , or an input/output (I/O) mechanism  1712  (e.g., an input/output device, input/output port, or haptic input/output interface). The processor  1704  may control some or all of the operations of the electronic device  1700 . The processor  1704  may communicate, either directly or indirectly, with some or all of the other components of the electronic device  1700 . For example, a system bus or other communication mechanism  1714  can provide communication between the display  1702 , the processor  1704 , the power source  1706 , the memory  1708 , the sensor system  1710 , and the I/O mechanism  1712 . 
     The processor  1704  may be implemented as any electronic device capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data or instructions, whether such data or instructions is in the form of software or firmware or otherwise encoded. For example, the processor  1704  may include a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, or a combination of such devices. As described herein, the term “processor” is meant to encompass a single processor or processing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, or other suitably configured computing element or elements. In some embodiments, the processor  1704  may function as the controller described with reference to  FIG.  2  or  8   . 
     It should be noted that the components of the electronic device  1700  can be controlled by multiple processors. For example, select components of the electronic device  1700  (e.g., the sensor system  1710 ) may be controlled by a first processor and other components of the electronic device  1700  (e.g., the display  1702 ) may be controlled by a second processor, where the first and second processors may or may not be in communication with each other. 
     The power source  1706  can be implemented with any device capable of providing energy to the electronic device  1700 . For example, the power source  1706  may include one or more batteries or rechargeable batteries. Additionally or alternatively, the power source  1706  may include a power connector or power cord that connects the electronic device  1700  to another power source, such as a wall outlet. 
     The memory  1708  may store electronic data that can be used by the electronic device  1700 . For example, the memory  1708  may store electrical data or content such as, for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, device settings and user preferences, timing signals, control signals, and data structures or databases. The memory  1708  may include any type of memory. By way of example only, the memory  1708  may include random access memory, read-only memory, Flash memory, removable memory, other types of storage elements, or combinations of such memory types. 
     The electronic device  1700  may also include one or more sensor systems  1710  positioned almost anywhere on the electronic device  1700 . The sensor system(s)  1710  may be configured to provide a panoramic optical scanner as described herein, or may sense one or more type of parameters, such as but not limited to, electromagnetic radiation edges; pressure on the display  1702 , a crown, a button, or a housing of the electronic device  1700 ; light; touch; heat; movement; relative motion; biometric data (e.g., biological parameters) of a user; and so on. For example, the sensor system(s)  1710  may include a panoramic optical scanner, an optical tracker, a watch crown sensor system, a heat sensor, a position sensor, a light or optical sensor, an accelerometer, a pressure transducer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a health monitoring sensor, and so on. Additionally, the one or more sensor systems  1710  may utilize any suitable sensing technology, including, but not limited to, capacitive, ultrasonic, resistive, optical, ultrasound, piezoelectric, and thermal sensing technology. 
     The I/O mechanism  1712  may transmit or receive data from a user or another electronic device. The I/O mechanism  1712  may include the display  1702 , a touch sensing input surface, a crown, one or more buttons (e.g., a graphical user interface “home” button), one or more cameras, 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  1712  may transmit electronic signals via a communications interface, such as a wireless, wired, and/or optical communications interface. Examples of wireless and wired communications interfaces include, but are not limited to, cellular and Wi-Fi communications interfaces. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art, after reading this description, that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, after reading this description, that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190812
Publication Date: 20230919
Grant Date: 20230919
Priority Date: 20180817
Inventors: CHEN, TONG
CAI, WENRUI
WINKLER, MARK T.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02B19/0071", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B26/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/42", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S5/16", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B19/0052", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B26/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S5/163", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S1/7032", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S7/4817", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B26/0816", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/42", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B19/0071", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B26/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B19/0052", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B26/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B19/0052", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B19/0071", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B26/0816", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B26/105", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S7/4817", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S17/42", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69523883