4718 results about "Proximity sensor" patented technology

Specific ambient and user behaviour sensing systems and methods are presented to improve friendliness and usability of electronic handheld devices, in particular cellular phones, PDAs, multimedia players and similar.The improvements and special functions include following components:a. The keypad is locked / unlocked (disabled / enabled) and / or the display activated based on the device inclination relative to its longitudinal and / or lateral axes.b. The keypad is locked if objects are detected above the display (for example the boundary of a bag or pursue).c. The keypad is locked / unlocked (disabled / enabled) and / or the display activated based on electric field displacement or bio-field sensing systems recognizing the user hand in any position behind the handheld device.d. The electric response signal generated by an electric field through the user hand in contact with a receiver plate is used to identify the user and in negative case lock the device.e. Connection with incoming calls is automatically opened as soon as a hand is detected behind the device and the device is put close to the ear (proximity sensor).f. The profile (ring-tone mode, volume and silent mode) can be changed just putting the device in a specific verse (upside up or upside down).g. Has a lateral curved touchpad with tactile markings over more surfaces to control a mouse pointer / cursor or selection with the thumb finger.

Peripherals and data processing systems are disclosed which can be configured to interact based upon sensor data. In one embodiment, a peripheral, which is configured to be used with a data processing system, includes an interface to couple the peripheral to the data processing system, and at least one sensor, such as a proximity sensor, to sense a user of the peripheral, and a processor coupled to the interface and to the at least one sensor, wherein the processor configures the peripheral in response to data from the at least one sensor. The peripheral may communicate sensor data from its sensors to the data processing system, which may be a wireless PDA, and the data processing system analyzes the sensor data from its sensors and from the peripheral's sensors to decide how to configure the peripheral and / or the data processing system based on the sensor.

A data collection device (DCD) is placed in a first low power mode after the DCD has been in a first predetermined position, and placed in a second low power mode after a first predetermined period of time. In another embodiment the DCD includes a wireless telephone, and a proximity sensor which detects when the DCD is close to a user's face, wherein the telephone is automatically put in a handset mode when the DCD is close to a user's face, and automatically put in a speakerphone mode when the DCD is not close to a user's face.

The use of one or more proximity sensors in combination with one or more touch sensors in a multi-touch panel to detect the presence of a finger, body part or other object and control or trigger one or more functions in accordance with an “image” of touch provided by the sensor outputs is disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more infrared (IR) proximity sensors can be driven with a specific stimulation frequency and emit IR light from one or more areas, which can in some embodiments correspond to one or more multi-touch sensor “pixel” locations. The reflected IR signal, if any, can be demodulated using synchronous demodulation. In some embodiments, both physical interfaces (touch and proximity sensors) can be connected to analog channels in the same electrical core.

Apparatuses and methods to sense proximity of an object and operate a proximity sensor of a portable device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an ambient light sensor (ALS) output, and altering, based on the ALS output, an effect of a proximity sensor output on control of a proximity determination. The ALS sensor and the proximity sensor may be located adjacent to an earpiece of a portable device. In some cases, the proximity determination may be a proximity of an object to the proximity sensor, and altering the effect may include changing the proximity of the object from a proximity greater than a first threshold to a proximity less than the first threshold. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.

A system and method displays information using a vehicle-mount computer. The system includes (i) a computer touch screen for inputting and displaying information; (ii) a motion detector for detecting vehicle motion; (iii) a proximity sensor for detecting proximity to an item; and (vi) a vehicle-mount computer in communication with the computer touch screen, the motion detector, and proximity sensor, the vehicle-mount computer including a central processing unit and memory. The vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to store information associated with user-selected information from the computer touch screen and to display a zoomed view of the user-selected information on the computer touch screen. Further, the vehicle-mount computer's central processing unit is configured to override screen-blanking when user-selected information is displayed.

Apparatuses and methods to sense proximity and to detect light. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation and a detector of electromagnetic radiation; the detector has a sensor to detect electromagnetic radiation from the emitter when sensing proximity, and to detect electromagnetic radiation from a source other than the emitter when sensing visible light. The emitter may be disabled at least temporarily to allow the detector to detect electromagnetic radiation from a source other than the emitter, such as ambient light. In one implementation, the ambient light is measured by measuring infrared wavelengths. Also, a fence having a non-IR transmissive material disposed between the emitter and the detector to remove electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.

A multi-layer cover for an electronic device having one or more of a sensor panel, a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, and a display device can include an outer hardcoat, a structural layer, an IR transmissive ink layer, a mask layer, and a backside hardcoat. The backside hardcoat can reduce cover warpage, enable full surface lamination of the cover to the sensor panel, prevent bubbles from forming in transparent windows in the cover, enable a wider range of functional inks to be applied in various layering orders to allow certain types of light to pass through while blocking others, and hide the sensors to provide a seamless, uncluttered visual appearance.

Systems and methods are described for performing contactless gesture recognition for a computing device, such as a mobile computing device. An example technique for managing a gesture-based input mechanism for a computing device described herein includes identifying parameters of the computing device relating to accuracy of gesture classification performed by the gesture-based input mechanism and managing a power consumption level of at least an infrared (IR) light emitting diode (LED) or an IR proximity sensor of the gesture-based input mechanism based on the parameters of the computing device.

Apparatuses and methods to sense proximity of an object and operate a proximity sensor of a portable device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an ambient light sensor (ALS) output, and altering, based on the ALS output, an effect of a proximity sensor output on control of a proximity determination. The ALS sensor and the proximity sensor may be located adjacent to an earpiece of a portable device. In some cases, the proximity determination may be a proximity of an object to the proximity sensor, and altering the effect may include changing the proximity of the object from a proximity greater than a first threshold to a proximity less than the first threshold. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.

A pump system for an infusion system includes a linear drive (36, 36′) which minimizes the space occupied by the pump components in a portable housing (10, 10′). A motor (34) and a motor drive shaft (42) are arranged in parallel with, and adjacent to a syringe (14, 14′) and lead screw (94, 94′). A gear box (54) connects the drive shaft and lead screw to transfer rotational movements between them. A piston driving member, such as a cone (116) or drive nut (116′) converts the rotational movement of the lead screw into linear motion of a syringe piston (24). Sensors (150, 152) detect when the piston or cone is in a “home” position and in an “end” position, respectively. Optionally, a proximity sensor (170) is used to ensure that the cone and the piston (24) are abutting during dispensing. Alternatively, a clamping member (350) selectively clamps the lead screw (94′) against linear motion in at least a dispensing direction.

An HVAC system comprises a programmable wireless thermostat and a remote receiver unit. The thermostat includes a user interface having one or more displays, user input devices, such as buttons, sliders, or a touch screen, and a backlight. The thermostat may include a proximity sensor, wherein the user interface is controlled based on a user's presence near the thermostat. A thermostat controller enters into a reduced energy consumption mode and switches the user interface to an idle state when the proximity sensor indicates a lack of user proximity for a predetermined duration. When the proximity sensor indicates user proximity, the controller exits the reduced energy consumption mode and switches the user interface to an active state. During the reduced energy consumption mode, the user interface may be concealed when the user interface is in a housing which is transparent when backlit but is opaque otherwise.

The invention is an audio-video communication and answering system that synergistically improves communication between an exterior and an interior of a business or residence and a remote location, enables messages to be stored and accessed from both locally and remotely, and enables viewing, listening, and recording from a remote location. The system's properties make it particularly suitable as a sophisticated door answering-messaging system. The system has a DVMS module on the exterior. The DVMS module has a proximity sensor, a video camera, a microphone, a speaker, an RF transmitter, and an RF receiver. The system also has a computerized controller with a graphic user interface DVMS database application. The computerized controller is in communication with a public switching telephone network, and an RF switching device. The RF switching device enables communication between the DVMS module and the computerized controller. The RF switching device can be in communication with other RF devices, such as a cell phone, PDA, or computer.

A proximity sensor system includes a sensor matrix array having a characteristic capacitance on horizontal and vertical conductors connected to sensor pads. The capacitance changes as a function of the proximity of an object or objects to the sensor matrix. The change in capacitance of each node in both the X and Y directions of the matrix due to the approach of an object is converted to a set of voltages in the X and Y directions. These voltages are processed by digital circuitry to develop electrical signals representative of the centroid of the profile of the object, i.e, its position in the X and Y dimensions. Noise reduction and background level setting techniques inherently available in the architecture are employed.

A method for receiving a person at an entrance comprises the steps of detecting the presence of a person at the entrance with a proximity sensor located proximate the entrance, transmitting video of the person at the entrance recorded using a camera located proximate the entrance to a computerized controller running a software application, and providing a graphic user interface to a remote peripheral device by which a user of the remote peripheral device may view the video of the person at the entrance.

A wireless headset for use with a separate communications device, such as a cellular telephone, includes automatic on / off capabilities to maximize battery life. By detecting a user's interaction, such as picking up the headset or placing it upon the user's body, the wireless headset automatically transitions from an inactive state to an active state. Techniques for automatic headset enabling include but are not limited to motion sensors, attitude or position sensors, proximity sensors, and contact sensors. These techniques may be used individually or in any combination. An internal timer allows the wireless headset to return to its inactive state a defined interval after cessation of movement or removal of the wireless headset. Including an optional sleep state further optimizes battery life. In the sleep state, only a portion of the wireless headset circuitry is enabled. Rather than transitioning from inactive to active, the headset transitions from inactive to sleep. In sleep, the headset periodically monitors for a signal from the separate communications device. Upon detection of such a signal, the wireless headset transitions to its active state, thereby providing full functionality to the user.

A biometric method and system for personal authentication using sequences of partial fingerprint signatures provides a high security capability to various processes requiring positive identification of individuals. This approach is further enhanced by employing a frequency domain technique for calculating a Similarity Index of the partial fingerprint signatures. In a baseline usage, the sequential partial fingerprint sequence techniques augments sentinel systems for gaining access to restricted areas, and when used in combination with financial cards, offer a unique and greatly simplified means for authenticating or identifying individuals. A highly automated technique initially obtains a reference set of linear partial fingerprint signatures which serve as reference data against which later proffered candidate data in the form of at least two linear partial fingerprint signatures are compared for authentication. The particular two candidate signatures used and the sequence in which they are submitted are selected with the user's consent and serve as a PIN-like unique personal code. In an advanced embodiment, a pair of proximity sensors located along each of the linear tracks used for developing the linear partial signatures produce finger sensing signals which compensate for finger movement speeds and hence significantly improves the calculated Similarity Index values. The use of only partial fingerprint data greatly allays the concerns of widespread fingerprint dissemination by many individuals.

Apparatuses and methods to sense proximity and to detect light. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation and a detector of electromagnetic radiation; the detector is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation from the emitter when the apparatus is configured to sense proximity, and the emitter is disabled at least temporarily to allow the detector to detect electromagnetic radiation from a source other than the emitter, such as ambient light. In one implementation of this embodiment, the ambient light is measured by measuring infrared wavelengths. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for determining the magnitude of linear and rotational acceleration of an impact to a body part. The apparatus can be used with protective sports equipment, such as a sports helmet, wherein the apparatus includes a battery, a number of accelerometers positioned proximate to the outer surface of the head, and an electronic device with a processor and a transmitter to transmit data received from the accelerometers. To maximize the battery life and minimize power consumption by the electronic device, the apparatus includes a power management system with a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly sends a first signal to the electronic device to initiate operation when the sensor assembly detects the presence of an object within the helmet, and a second signal to the electronic device to cease operation when the sensor assembly detects the absence of the object. The sensor assembly may be a proximity sensor, more specifically an inductive, capacitive, or ultrasonic sensor.

The present application allows wake-up and unlock operations to occur using a single event, such as a single keystroke. Additionally, a check is made to ensure that activation was caused by human touch, not an object. In one embodiment, an area of a mobile device is designated as a wake-up area, which is separate from the touch screen. A user can touch the wake-up area to both activate the mobile device from a sleep mode and unlock the mobile device. In another embodiment, the wake-up area can be integrated into the touch screen, so that there is not an appearance of a separate button. Fingerprint checking and / or proximity sensors can also be integrated into the mobile device.

An apparatus and method of proximity switch / sensor based generally on a balanceable magnetic pole array. The magnetic pole array contains at least four poles with optional ferromagnetic shunt(s). The proximity of a shunt to a magnetic pole array determines whether the array is balanced or unbalanced. A balanced array is one with a zone where the vector sum of magnetic fields emanating from the array's poles can be made to approach zero. A sensor such as a reed switch is placed in the balanced zone. When the balance of the array is disturbed by the application of one or multiple shunts, the resulting finite magnetic field vector along with the resulting magnetic flux, activates the sensor. This approach can be implemented in a variety of array structures that offer implementation of a variety of logical functions. Multiple shunts and their proximity to the array are used as the logical function's inputs and the sensor's state as the logical function's output.

A capacitive touch-controlled automatic faucet comprises: a spout, a magnetically latching valve, a proximity sensor, a handle, a capacitive touch-control, and a logical control. The proximity sensor is sensitive to motion of objects within a detection zone of the proximity sensor. The handle determines a water flow rate and temperature. The capacitive touch-control is positioned in the spout and generates an output signal while the touch-control is in contact with a user. The logical control receives the output signal, and toggles the magnetically latching valve when the output signal begins and ends within a period of time less than a predetermined threshold, but does not toggle the magnetically latching valve when the output signal persists for a period longer than the predetermined threshold. The faucet has a manual mode, wherein the proximity sensor is inactive, and a hands-free mode, wherein water flow is toggled in response to the proximity sensor.

A method for calibrating an optical reflectance proximity sensor and then measuring proximity in a repeating cycle or on demand, the sensor including one or more wavelength transmitting diodes, one or more wavelength receiving diodes, an ambient correction circuit, and a comparator circuit, and further teaching steps for powering on the sensor, canceling the ambient signal during a calibration period, transmitting wavelengths to and receiving reflectance from an object in the path of the transmitted wavelengths, and measuring a reflectance pulse width and comparing the value to a preset value to determine proximity.

A digital system that may be used by children two years old and older. The digital system is contained in a child-proof case and has an upward-facing display with a touch-sensitive screen that is within easy reach of a child. Other I / O devices include proximity and motion sensors and a microphone, and there is also a loudspeaker. When a proximity sensor senses someone in the neighborhood of the system, it displays images on the display. A child may manipulate the images by touching them on the touch screen. Manipulations include selecting an image by touching it, “dragging” the selected image by moving the finger touching the image across the screen and “dropping” the image by lifting a finger from it, moving a selected image by touching another location on the screen and thereby causing the selected image to move to the touched location, removing an image from the screen by “throwing” it, i.e., moving it above a threshold speed, and modifying the image by tapping it twice and then moving the finger in a horizontal or vertical direction on the screen. The direction in which an image is thrown may further determine what the thrown image is replaced with. The manipulations are used to in activities such as shape matching, puzzle assembly, assembly of a face out of parts, and hide-and-go-seek.

A proximity sensor for controlling a component that may be installed on a window, on an interior or exterior pillar of a vehicle, on a control panel or any suitable location on a vehicle or any other structure. The sensor includes a substrate and a conductive layer disposed on the substrate. The conductive layer is formed from a conductive ink composition with the conductive layer defining at least one circuit for controlling the component when a user is in proximity to the conductive layer. A protective layer is disposed over the conductive layer. At least one of the conductive layer and the protective layer defines a graphic formed through the layer for visual identification to the user.

A system for treatment of ischemic stroke provides a stroke treatment workflow plan defining series of diagnostic actions and therapeutic actions to be performed at locations within a health care facility identified by beacons detectable by proximity sensors that travel with the patient. A first communications device having wireless communications capabilities receives a signal from a proximity sensor and typically transmits data to a second communications device having a visible timer and configured to receive data from and send data to other wireless communications devices. When the a patient undergoes diagnosis and treatment via the workflow plan, the system tracks the location of the patient within the workflow plan and the time at which the patient is at each location, and records the location of the patient and the time of the location within the workflow plan.

This invention introduces lift-clicking, a gentle method of clicking that utilizes light touch home sensors on the mouse and other computer input devices. It can be used either to replace the prior art depression-type mouse button with a home touch surface and a light touch or proximity sensor, or to add a touch / proximity sensor to an existing mouse button, providing three or more additional functions for each finger. It is a very ergonomic method that uses less force than the weight of the relaxed resting finger. It employs a finger lift, or a finger lift followed by a gentle drop, and utilizes unique combinations of windows, timing, hand presence reference, and logic sequences carefully designed to automatically prevent the production of unwanted clicks when the finger first arrives on or leaves the home sensor as the hand arrives or departs the input device. The initial condition is a finger resting on a touch switch / proximity sensor surface at a home resting position. A function is triggered either by lifting (or sliding) the finger away from its home touch surface (lift-delay-reference mode) or by dropping the finger back to the surface soon after the lift (lift-drop mode). Unwanted clicks do not occur because the function is triggered either by a lift after a very short delay with a requirement for hand presence reference, or by a drop within a time window opened by the previous lift. The gentle lift of the finger followed by a passive drop eliminates the push-down muscle twitch of prior art depression clicking, without any sacrifice of speed. Optionally included are click-inhibiting means so that unwanted clicks are not produced when a finger leaves a home sensor to actuate a non-home switch or scroll device. Momentary lifted modes can be used to enable scrolling with mouse motion, a fine cursor control feature, or to ignore all XY data so that the mouse can be repositioned without lifting it off the desktop and without moving the cursor (disengage clutch feature). Dragging can be accomplished with either the finger held lifted or with the finger resting at home. A single lift-click sensor can be used to trigger two different functions, the function chosen depending on the amount of time between the lift and the drop. The lift-click sensor can be piggybacked together with a prior art mouse button to provide lift-clicking while still allowing depression clicking, greatly increasing the number of triggerable functions. A lift-click sensor can be of a fixed type with no moving parts, (a zero button mouse) allowing the manufacture of pointing devices that are completely solid state, low in cost and sealed from the environment. The lift-click method makes it possible to replace the click buttons on a horizontal mouse with a programmable multi-point XY(Z) multi-functional touchpad which can be used to provide not only lift-clicks, but by toggling to new function sets, can also offer arrow / nudge key functions, page navigation, fine cursor control, and gesturing. Lift-clicking can greatly improve versatility and ease of use in most types of pointing devices.

A robot cleaner system for detecting an external recharging apparatus which is positioned in a non-detectable area by an upper camera thereof, and a docking method for docking the robot cleaner system with the external recharging apparatus. The robot cleaner system includes an external recharging apparatus with a power terminal connected to a utility power supply, a recharging apparatus recognition mark formed on the external recharging apparatus, and a robot cleaner, having a recognition mark sensor that detects the recharging apparatus recognition mark, and a rechargeable battery. The robot cleaner automatically docks to the power terminal to recharge the rechargeable battery. The recharging apparatus recognition mark is made of retroreflective material or a metal tape, and the recognition mark sensor may be a photosensor or a proximity sensor.

When an array of proximity sensors is used as a keyboard, it can provide an ambiguous output if a user's finger overlaps several keys or if liquid is spilled on the keyboard. This ambiguity is reduced by an iterative method that repeatedly measures a detected signal strength associated with each key, compares all the measured signal strengths to find a maximum, determines that the key having the maximum signal strength is the unique user-selected key and then suppresses or ignores signals from all other keys as long as the signal from the selected key remains above some nominal threshold value.