Proximity sensor module with light reflector
First Claim
1. Apparatus, comprising:
- a light source and a light detector that form part of a light-based proximity sensor; and
optical structures for the light-based proximity sensor, wherein the optical structures include a lens that directs light from the light source along an axis onto an external object, and wherein the optical structures include a reflector that extends over a gap between the lens and the reflector and that reflects a portion of the light from the light source onto the external object at a non-zero angle relative to the axis.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A proximity sensor may be mounted below a display cover layer in an electronic device. The proximity sensor may have a light source that emits light and a detector configured to detect reflections of the emitted light from nearby external objects. The light emitted from the light source may pass through a lens along an axis towards external objects. The light source and the detector may be mounted in a proximity sensor housing having openings that are aligned with the light source and the detector. A reflector may be mounted to the proximity sensor in a configuration that bridges the opening over the light source. The reflector may be formed from a strip of metal or a strip of prism structures. Some of the light from the light source reflects from the reflector at a non-zero angle with respect to the axis and enhances proximity sensor performance.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. Apparatus, comprising:
-
a light source and a light detector that form part of a light-based proximity sensor; and optical structures for the light-based proximity sensor, wherein the optical structures include a lens that directs light from the light source along an axis onto an external object, and wherein the optical structures include a reflector that extends over a gap between the lens and the reflector and that reflects a portion of the light from the light source onto the external object at a non-zero angle relative to the axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. An electronic device, comprising:
-
an electronic device housing; a display in the electronic device housing; a display cover layer that covers the display; and a proximity sensor mounted under a portion of the display cover layer, wherein the proximity sensor has a light source that emits light, a light detector, a lens, and a reflector that bridges the lens, wherein a first portion of the light passes through the lens and travels along an axis perpendicular to the display cover layer, wherein a second portion of the light reflects off of the reflector and travels away from the axis at a non-zero angle, and wherein the first and second portions of the light are received at the light detector through the display cover layer. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A proximity sensor, comprising:
-
a light source; a light detector; a lens through which light from the light source travels along an axis; a housing in which the light source, light detector, and lens are mounted, wherein the housing has an opening that overlaps the lens; and a reflector that extends over the opening, wherein a first portion of the light exits the proximity sensor housing through the opening along the axis and wherein a second portion of the light is reflected by the reflector and exits the proximity sensor housing at an angle to the axis. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
-
Specification