Integrated infrared receiver and emitter for multiple functionalities

• US 8,693,877 B2
• Filed: 10/12/2007
• Issued: 04/08/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Original Assignee: Apple Inc.
• Inventors: Tam, John, Tupman, David, Hotelling, Steve
• Primary Examiner(s): Jacob, Oommen
• Application Number:
  US11/871,725
• Publication Number:
  US 20080219672A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,370 Days
• Field of Search: 398/75, 398/76, 398118-131
• US Class Current: 398/130
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/9631 using a light source as part of the switch
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/1143 Bidirectional transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 using two-way short-range wireless interfaces

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods to detect and emit various infrared (IR) and ambient light signals using an integrated sensor and emitter device. Embodiments include a sensor to sense proximity, to sense IR data signals, and to sense ambient light; and an emitter of an IR proximity signal. The sensor detects the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity, detects IR data signals when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and detects ambient light when the apparatus sensing light. The IR data signals may include IR remote control (IR RC) and/or IR data association (IRDA) signals. The signals may be detected simultaneously and may be in different frequency bands. According to embodiments, such an emitter may also emit an IR data signals, such as IR RC and/or IRDA signals. These signals may be emitted simultaneously and may be in different frequency bands.

Claims

1. An apparatus to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the apparatus comprising:

an emitter of an IR proximity signal;

a sensor configured to detect the IR proximity signal, an IR data signal, and an ambient light signal, wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal are in a different frequency band;

a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor and configured to demodulate and pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller; and

a microprocessor coupled to the single time division multiplexing filter and configured to process the passed IR proximity signal, the passed IR data signal, and the passed ambient light signal to operate the apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the IR data signal includes an IR remote control (IRRC) signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the apparatus is sensing IRRC signals, and an IR data association (IRDA) signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the apparatus is sensing IRDA signals.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor is further configured to simultaneously detect the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the emitter is configured to emit the IR proximity signal when the apparatus is detecting proximity and to emit IR data signals when the apparatus is emitting IR data signals.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the emitted IR data signals include an IR remote control (IRRC) signal emission when the apparatus is emitting an IRRC signal emission and an IR data association (IRDA) signal emission when the apparatus is emitting an IRDA signal emission.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the emitter is further configured to simultaneously emit the IR proximity signal, IRRC signal emission, and IRDA signal emission.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IRRC signal emission, and the IRDA signal emission are emitted in a different frequency band.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detected IR data signal includes an IR remote control (IRRC) signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the apparatus is sensing IRRC signals, and an IR data association (IRDA) signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the apparatus is sensing IRDA signals.

22. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a decoder or demodulator to decode or demodulate the IR data signal, wherein the decoded IR data signal includes control commands that cause the apparatus to perform an act, and wherein the IR data signal includes audio, images, or video media and causes the apparatus to store, save, play, or display the media.

28. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ambient light signal is processed to determine a light level value that represents ambient light levels at wavelengths other than IR.

29. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ambient light signal is processed to determine a light level value for light at wavelengths within a visible frequency band or wavelengths less than a threshold visible light frequency.

30. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a cover over the emitter and the sensor; and

a non-IR transmissive fence between the emitter and the sensor, the fence being configured to prevent the cover from refracting the IR proximity signal directly between the emitter and the sensor.

9. A method of operating an integrated sensor and emitter device to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the method comprising:

emitting an IR proximity signal from an emitter;

detecting the IR proximity signal from the emitter with a sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing proximity;

detecting an IR data signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is detecting IR data and demodulating the detected IR data signal to extract data from the IR data signal, wherein the IR data signal comprises an IR remote control (IRRC) signal and an IR data association (IRDA) signal;

detecting an ambient light signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing ambient light;

passing the IR proximity signal, the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, and the ambient light signal through a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor to pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein passing the IR proximity signal, the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, and the ambient light signal through the single time division multiplexing filter further comprises;

selecting between a frequency band of the detected IR proximity signal, a frequency band of the IRRC signal, a frequency band of the IRDA signal, and a frequency band of the ambient light signal,

selecting between a period of time of the detected IR proximity signal, a period of time of the IRRC signal, a period of time of the IRDA signal, and a period of time of the ambient light signal, and

demodulating the period of time of the detected IR proximity signal, the period of time of the IRRC signal, the period of time of the IRDA signal, and the period of time of the ambient light signal; and

processing the IR proximity signal, the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, and the ambient light signal to operate the apparatus.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein detecting the IR data signals further comprises:

detecting the IRRC signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing IRRC signals;

detecting the IRDA signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing IRDA signals;

simultaneously detecting the IR proximity signal from the emitter, the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, and the ambient light signal with the sensor.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising:

emitting IR data signals from the same emitter when the integrated sensor and emitter device is emitting IR data signals, wherein emitting the IR data signals further comprises;

emitting an IR remote control (IRRC) signal emission from the same emitter when the integrated sensor and emitter device is emitting an IRRC signal;

emitting an IR data association (IRDA) signal emission from the same emitter when the integrated sensor and emitter device is emitting an IRDA signal; and

simultaneously emitting the IR proximity signal, IRRC signal emission, and IRDA signal emission from the same emitter.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein passing the detected IR data signal through the single time division multiplexing filter when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing IR data further comprises simultaneously passing the detected IR proximity signal, the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, and the ambient light signal.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

processing the passed IR proximity signal using a processor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing proximity;

processing the passed IR data signal using the processor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing IR data, wherein processing the passed IR data signal comprises;

processing the passed IRRC signal using the processor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing IRRC signals, and

processing the passed IRDA signal using the processor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing IRDA signals;

processing the passed ambient light signal using the processor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing ambient light;

simultaneously processing the passed IR proximity signal, the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, and the ambient light signal;

emitting an IR remote control (IRRC) signal emission from the same emitter when the integrated sensor and emitter device is emitting an IRRC signal; and

emitting an IR data association (IRDA) signal emission from the same emitter when the integrated sensor and emitter device is emitting an IRDA signal.

23. The method of claim 10, further comprising a decoder or demodulator to decode or demodulate the IRRC signal and the IRDA signal, wherein the decoded IRRC signal includes control commands that cause the integrated sensor and emitter device to perform an act, and wherein the IRDA signal includes audio, images, or video media and causes the integrated sensor and emitter device to store, save, play, or display the media.

14. A single integrated circuit (IC) chip of a mobile device to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the IC chip comprising:

an emitter of an IR proximity signal;

a sensor configured to detect IR light, the sensor configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the mobile device is sensing proximity, to detect an IR data signal when the mobile device is detecting IR data, and to detect an ambient light signal when the mobile device is sensing ambient light, wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal are in a different frequency band, wherein the detected IR data signal includes an IR remote control (IRRC) signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the mobile device is sensing IRRC signals, and an IR data association (IRDA) signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the mobile device is sensing IRDA signals, wherein the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, the IR proximity signal, and the ambient light signal are processed to operate the mobile device; and

a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor and configured to demodulate and pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller.

15. The IC chip of claim 14, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter is configured to:

pass the detected IR proximity signal when the mobile device is sensing proximity,

pass the detected IR data signal when the mobile device is sensing IR data, and

pass the detected ambient light signal when the mobile device is sensing ambient light.

16. A single integrated circuit (IC) chip of a mobile device to transmit an IR proximity signal and an IR data signal, the IC chip comprising:

an emitter of IR radiation configured to transmit an IR proximity signal and IR data signals; and

a sensor configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the IC chip is sensing proximity, to detect the IR data signals when the mobile device is detecting IR data, and to detect an ambient light signal when the IC chip is sensing ambient light, the detected ambient light signal being processed by a processor of the mobile device to operate the mobile device, wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal are in a different frequency band; and

a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor and configured to demodulate and pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller.

17. The IC chip of claim 16, wherein the IR data signal comprises an IR remote control (IRRC) signal and an IR data association (IRDA) signal.

18. A mobile phone comprising:

an integrated sensor; and

an integrated wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive RF data when the phone is communicating by telephony;

wherein the integrated sensor is configured to detect RC commands from a remote control (RC) signal to control remotely the phone, wherein the integrated sensor comprises an emitter of an IR proximity signal and a receiver to detect the IR proximity signal, wherein each of the RC signal and the IR proximity signal are in a different frequency band, and wherein the detected RC signals are demodulated by a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the integrated sensor to extract data from the RC signal, the extracted data being processed to control remotely the phone at the same time as the IR proximity signal is processed to operate the phone, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller.

19. The phone of claim 18, wherein the integrated sensor is configured to detect IR data association (IRDA) signals to provide data to the phone.

20. The phone of claim 18, wherein the phone includes personal digital assistant (PDA) capabilities.

21. The phone of claim 18, wherein the phone comprises at least one of a portable device and a hand held phone, wherein the transceiver comprises a wireless cellular transceiver.

24. A mobile apparatus to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the apparatus comprising:

an emitter of an IR proximity signal;

a sensor configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity, to detect an IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and to detect an ambient light signal when the apparatus is sensing ambient light, wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal are in a different frequency band;

a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor and configured to demodulate and pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller;

a processor coupled to the single time division multiplexing filter to process the IR data signal, the IR proximity signal, and the ambient light signal to operate the mobile apparatus, wherein the processor automatically alters a background brightness of a display in response to processing the detected ambient light signal.

25. A method of operating an integrated sensor and emitter device of a mobile device to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the method comprising the mobile device:

emitting an IR proximity signal from an emitter;

detecting the IR proximity signal from the emitter with a sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing proximity;

detecting an IR data signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is detecting IR data and demodulating the detected IR data signals to extract data from the IR data signal, the extracted data being processed to operate the apparatus;

filtering, by a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor, the IR data signal to pass the IR data signals for processing;

filtering, by the single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor, the IR proximity signal to pass the IR proximity signal for processing while filtering the IR data signal to pass the IR data signal; and

detecting an ambient light signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing ambient light, the mobile device automatically taking a device action in response to detecting the detected ambient light signal;

wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal are in a different frequency band, and

wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller.

26. A mobile apparatus to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the apparatus comprising:

an emitter of an IR proximity signal;

a sensor configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity, to detect an IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and to detect an ambient light signal when the apparatus is sensing ambient light, wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal are in a different frequency band;

a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor and configured to demodulate and pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller; and

a processor coupled to the single time division multiplexing filter to process the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal to operate the mobile apparatus, wherein the processor automatically alters a background brightness of a display in response to processing the detected ambient light signal.

27. A method of operating an integrated sensor and emitter device of a mobile device to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the method comprising the mobile device:

emitting an IR proximity signal from an emitter;

detecting the IR proximity signal from the emitter with a sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing proximity;

detecting an IR data signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is detecting IR data;

detecting an ambient light signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing ambient light;

passing the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal through a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor to pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein passing the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal through the single time division multiplexing filter further comprises;

selecting between a frequency band of the detected IR proximity signal, a frequency band of the IR data signal, and a frequency band of the ambient light signal,

selecting between a period of time of the detected IR proximity signal, a period of time of the IR data signal, and a period of time of the ambient light signal, and

demodulating the period of time of the detected IR proximity signal, the period of time of the IR data signal, and the period of time of the ambient light signal; and

processing the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal using a processor of the mobile device to operate the mobile device and to automatically alter a background brightness of a display in response to processing the detected ambient light signal.