Proximity sensors and methods for sensing proximity

Details Proximity sensors and methods for sensing proximity Proximity sensors and methods for sensing proximity

2011-03-15

2011-03-15

Nguyen, Phung (Department: 2612)

Communications: electrical

Condition responsive indicating system

Specific condition

Reexamination Certificate

active

07907061

ABSTRACT:
In an embodiment, a proximity sensor includes a driver, a photo-diode (PD) and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The proximity sensor can also include a controller to control the driver. The driver selectively drives a light source, e.g., an infrared (IR) light emitting diode (LED). The PD, which produces a current signal indicative of the intensity of light detected by the PD, is capable of detecting both ambient light and light produced by the light source that is reflected off an object. The ADC receives one or more portion of the current signal produced by the PD. The ADC produces one or more digital output that can be used to estimate the proximity of an object to the PD in a manner that compensates for ambient light detected by the PD and transient changes to the detected ambient light.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4128760 (1978-12-01), Del Signore, II
patent: 4879461 (1989-11-01), Philipp
patent: 5103085 (1992-04-01), Zimmerman
patent: 5991040 (1999-11-01), Doemens et al.
patent: 6392755 (2002-05-01), Levecq et al.
patent: 6956518 (2005-10-01), Piasecki et al.
patent: 7728316 (2010-06-01), Fadell et al.
patent: 2007/0099574 (2007-05-01), Wang
patent: 2009/0224952 (2009-09-01), Funabashi
patent: 2009/0244014 (2009-10-01), Hotelling et al.
patent: 2007071564 (2007-03-01), None
International Search Report and Written Opinion in connection with PCT/US2008/080985 dated Apr. 29, 2009, 10 pages.
“Infrared beam barrier/proximity sensor,” http://www.uashem.com/pageid-57.html, © UaShem.com (Source: www.electronic-circuits-diagrams.com, published Feb. 1, 2005).
“Proximity Sensor,” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proximity—sensor (accessed Apr. 16, 2008).
“Infrared IP Proximity Detector/IR Beam Barrier Circuit Diagram,” http://www.electronics-circuits-diagrams.com/alarmsimages/alarmsckt19.shtml, © www.electronic-circuits-diagrams.com 2006.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Proximity sensors and methods for sensing proximity does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Proximity sensors and methods for sensing proximity, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Proximity sensors and methods for sensing proximity will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2661563