ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH PROXIMITY SENSING
First Claim
1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising:
- a housing;
a processor coupled to a memory and housed within the housing;
an infrared source coupled to the processor and configured to emit electromagnetic energy in the infrared frequency range (IR energy) for reflection against an object in proximity to the housing; and
an image sensor coupled to the processor and configured to;
detect images in the visible light spectrum;
detect the reflected IR energy; and
generate a signal for controlling a function of the electronic device based on the reflected IR energy detected.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus (20) and methods (600, 700, 800) for sensing proximity of an object (22) to an electronic device (10) are disclosed. The apparatus (20) may comprise an infrared source (30) configured to emit electromagnetic energy in the infrared frequency range (IR energy 24) for reflection by an object (22) in proximity to the electronic device (10). The apparatus (20) may also comprise an image sensor (32) configured to: capture digital images in the visible light spectrum; detect the reflected IR energy (26); and generate a signal useful in controlling a function of the electronic device (10), such as the activation of a touch-sensitive display (14), based on the reflected IR energy (26) detected.
30 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising:
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a housing; a processor coupled to a memory and housed within the housing; an infrared source coupled to the processor and configured to emit electromagnetic energy in the infrared frequency range (IR energy) for reflection against an object in proximity to the housing; and an image sensor coupled to the processor and configured to;
detect images in the visible light spectrum;
detect the reflected IR energy; and
generate a signal for controlling a function of the electronic device based on the reflected IR energy detected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for sensing proximity of an object to an electronic device, the apparatus comprising:
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an infrared source configured to emit electromagnetic energy in the infrared frequency range (IR energy) for reflection by the object in proximity to the electronic device; and an image sensor configured to;
capture digital images in the visible light spectrum;
detect the reflected IR energy; and
generate a signal useful in controlling a function of the electronic device based on the reflected IR energy detected. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method in an electronic device for sensing proximity of an object to the electronic device using electromagnetic energy in the infrared frequency range (IR energy) and an image sensor configured to receive images in the visible light spectrum, the method comprising:
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emitting IR energy for reflection against the object in proximity to the electronic device; and using the image sensor, detecting the reflected IR energy and generating a signal for controlling a function of the electronic device based on the reflected IR energy detected. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification