Indoor/outdoor detection

Abstract

A light sensor is used to detect ambient light conditions. According to an example embodiment, a light sensor (112) detects color temperature and, in some instances, intensity characteristics of ambient light (120, 130, 140) in an environment and uses these detected characteristics (116) to determine the location of the sensor relative to natural and artificial light sources. This location determination is used to selectively operate circuits in a device such as a hand-held telephone, computer device or personal data assistant (PDA).

Description

technical field [0001] This patent document relates to portable devices, and more particularly to light-based control of electronic devices. Background technique [0002] In recent years, portable electronic devices have become increasingly popular. Due to rising popularity, there are demands on the features of these devices. For example, handheld devices such as PDAs, mobile phones, GPS devices or MP3 players have become equipped with an ever increasing number of features. Additionally, many portable devices are capable of using two or more communication schemes (e.g., involving wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) connections, Bluetooth connection, wireless phone connection, etc.) to communicate. [0003] Since all of these features require power to operate, the power requirements of these devices have increased with increased functionality. Correspondingly, as the power demands of these devices increase, the battery life of these devices tends to shorten. Battery life is an im...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Providing sufficient power to facilitate increased functionality in portable electronic devices while maintaining desired battery life has presented additional challenges

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