610 results about "Proximity sensing" patented technology

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger and palm contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing. compliant, and flexible multi-touch surface. The surface consists of compressible cushion, dielectric, electrode, and circuitry layers. A simple proximity transduction circuit is placed under each electrode to maximize signal-to-noise ratio and to reduce wiring complexity. Such distributed transduction circuitry is economical for large surfaces when implemented with thin-film transistor techniques. Scanning and signal offset removal on an electrode array produces low-noise proximity images. Segmentation processing of each proximity image constructs a group of electrodes corresponding to each distinguishable contact and extracts shape, position and surface proximity features for each group. Groups in successive images which correspond to the same hand contact are linked by a persistent path tracker which also detects individual contact touchdown and liftoff. Combinatorial optimization modules associate each contact's path with a particular fingertip, thumb, or palm of either hand on the basis of biomechanical constraints and contact features. Classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.

This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for tuning a transmit coil for operation in a plurality of frequency bands. In one aspect, a method of wireless power transmission is provided. The method includes exciting a first part of a wireless power transmission system, via a wireless power transmitter. The method further includes detecting, in the presence of a non-charging object, a first change in a first parameter. The first parameter is indicative of a coupling between the non-charging object and the first part. The method further includes varying a characteristic of the wireless power transmission based on said first change.

The invention is an audio-video communication and answering system, where system's properties make it particularly suitable as a Digital Video Messaging System for, amongst other things, answering the door. The elements of the system are a DVMS outside module that is a wireless pocket PC with a proximity sensing, a video camera, a microphone, a speaker, a digital transmitter, a digital receiver, and a keypad; a computerized controller that is a personal computer with components for plaving and recording video and audio media; a DVMS inside module having a screen, a microphone, a speaker, a digital transmitter, a digital receiver, and a keypad; a wireless mode; and a DVMS database application with a graphic user interface. The computerized controller is in communication with a public switching telephone network enabling communication with remote peripheral devices, such as a cell phone, PDA, or computer. The system is based on the Microsoft Windows® Mobile 802.11b to coordinate communication between elements. The database application coordinates responses to prompts and events. The proximity sensor activates the system when the sensor detects the visitor's presence. This then starts a series of prompts and interaction prescribed by the application. The system includes an electrically actuated lock that can be actuated through a code entry or remotely. The system enables a visitor to communicate with an occupant either offsite or onsite, where the visitor never knows the occupant's location, unless the occupant discloses his location.

An apparatus and a method are provided for 3-D proximity sensing, imaging and scanning using a 2-D planar VCSEL array source using reflected radiation from an object being detected. An important aspect of the apparatus is a compact high power optical source and in particular, an optical source comprising a plurality of VCSELs to illuminate the object. VCSELs in the optical source are configured in different 2-D planar arrangements, such that the optical source may be used in many different modes to adapt to different sensing, imaging and scanning requirement suited for different environments including one where shape, size and illumination mode require to be altered dynamically. When used in different modes of operation the apparatus provides a comprehensive set of measured distance and intensity profile of the object to compute a 3-D image.

An anti-collision safety system for a vehicle includes a microprocessor which receives one or more inputs and controls an output of at least one indicator or signaling device in response to the inputs. The microprocessor may be continuously powered or energized when the vehicle is in use, such that the indicator may be modulated in situations when the brake pedal of the vehicle is not applied. Preferably, a proximity sensing device may be provided to detect objects exteriorly of the vehicle. Preferably, an accelerometer may also be included to provide a deceleration signal to the microprocessor. The microprocessor may modulate the indicator independent of actuation of the brake pedal by a driver of the vehicle.

A method of generating haptic effects on a device includes detecting the presence of an object near an input area of the device and generating a haptic effect on the device in response to the presence detection.

A touch and proximity sensitive display panel, a display device, and a touch and proximity sensing method using the same are disclosed. The display panel includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form, a pixel substrate having a pixel electrode arranged in an image output direction, a common substrate having a common electrode arranged at a position facing the pixels, and a panel controller that identifies touch and proximity positions of a touch object by sensing electrostatic capacitances of the pixel electrodes through the data lines in a touch-sensing mode. The display panel can sense the touch and proximity of the touch object without an additional touch screen.

A method and apparatus for operating an input device having an array of capacitive sensor electrodes and a proximity sensor electrode are disclosed herein. The input device includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the array of capacitive sensor electrodes and the proximity sensor electrode and configured to operate in an input mode and a proximity mode. When operating in the input mode, the processing system scans the array of capacitive sensor electrodes to detect input from an object in an active region of the input device. When operating in the proximity mode, the processing system drives a sensing signal on at least one sensor electrode of the array of capacitive sensor electrodes and receives a resulting signal from the proximity sensor electrode. Based on the resulting signal, the processing system generates an indication of an object presence in a second sensing region from the resulting signal.

Integrated cross-platform perimeter access control system with a RFID-to-Bluetooth selective adapter configured with a RFID lock, a wireless communication conversion unit configured for operating under a first wireless communication platform and a second wireless communication platform, and a smartphone is disclosed. RFID-to-Bluetooth selective adapter is installed above sensor area of RFID lock to facilitate RFID lock to interrogate the RFID-to-Bluetooth selective adapter. RFID-to-Bluetooth selective adapter equipped with photo sensor unit can be turned on in a contactless manner using smartphone with camera light source. Methods adapted for short-range or long range space/room management automation, transportation vehicle rental management, and automated vehicle parking lot management are included. Low-power infrared proximity sensing circuit of infrared type having an infrared transmitter and receiver unit or of capacitive type having a metal plate can be added to the RFID-to-Bluetooth selective adapter so that the RFID reader can be actuated to perform RFID signal reading.

A readable and rewriteable card blank for use with a hand-held electronics device having a card reading and writing interface for aggregation of and management of personal electronic data sets is provided including a readable and rewriteable media disposed on a credit card form factor, a first touch enabled display, internal micro-circuitry such as an embedded smart chip, a proximity sensing capability characterized in that the personal electronic data sets are read into the card form factor selectively or collectively via a personal electronics device enabled as a smart phone for use in electronic transacting or fulfillment of electronic identification queries.

A mobile device has a proximity sensor and a user interface based on a user's gesture detected using the proximity sensor. The gesture-based user interface method includes enabling proximity sensing through the proximity sensor, detecting a specific gesture through the proximity sensing, analyzing a pattern of the specific gesture, and executing a particular function assigned to the pattern.

Proximity of a user body part can be detected by measuring the effects such proximity has on antenna impedance mismatches. The amount of mismatch affects the amount of RF signal energy reflected back into a transmission line connecting the antenna to a RF signal source. A directional coupler has a main line electrically connected to the transmission line, as well as a coupled line. The directional coupler produces a signal on its coupled line in relation to the magnitude of reflected energy on the transmission line; the amount of reflected energy varies in response to how well the antenna impedance matches the transmission line impedance. A signal detector is electrically connected to the coupled line, and responds to signals produced in the coupled line by the main line. The signal detector output is then used to determine whether a body part is in proximity. Other aspects the invention include an adaptive algorithm to adjust a threshold for proximity determination.

A miniature touchpad disposed underneath the surface of a single key cap that is disposed in a keyboard, wherein the key cap touchpad provides proximity sensing through the material of the key cap to the key cap surface, wherein a user moves a finger across the key cap surface in order to manipulate a cursor on a display screen, scroll through items in a list, navigate through web pages, or other functions typically associated with a full-function touchpad.

A portable electronic device that automatically detects its mode of use and alters a characteristic of its user interface to match the mode of use. A mobile telephone is described as an example of a portable electronic device. The telephone is equipped with a proximity sensor that may indicate whether the telephone is held close or far from the user's face. Based on the proximity to the user's face, gains in the audio interface are adjusted. The gain is reduced when the device is held close to a user's face and increased when the device is moved away from the user's face. This approach is well suited for use in connection with portable devices that use voice command interfaces.

A system for sensing proximity using EHF signals may include a communication circuit configured to transmit via a transducer an EM signal at an EHF frequency, and a proximity sensing circuit configured to sense a nearby transducer field-modifying object by detecting characteristics of a signal within the communication circuit. A system for determining distance using EHF signals may include a detecting circuit coupled to a transmitting communication circuit and a receiving communication circuit, both communication circuits being mounted on a first surface. The transmitting communication circuit may transmit a signal toward a second surface, and the receiving communication circuit may receive a signal relayed from the second surface. The detecting circuit may determine distance between the first surface and a second surface based on propagation characteristics of the signals.

An electronic proximity sensing apparatus has at least one signal pad. The signal pads are each connected to receive an electric voltage signal. At least two sensing conductors are routed in proximity to the signal pads, and a sensor is operable to detect the difference in voltage between two of the at least two sensing conductors. Differential sensing is further applied to other capacitive proximity sensing circuits to reduce common-mode interference.

An inductive proximity sensor is disclosed. The proximity sensor includes a resonator with a bifurcated inductance coupled to a plurality of transimpedance amplifiers. A portion of the resonator is configured to generate eddy currents in a target containing metal. In various embodiments, the transimpedance amplifiers provide signals associated with eddy currents to a synchronous detector. Apparatus and methods for operating the inductive proximity sensor are disclosed.

A proximity-sensing panel and a proximity-sensing is provided. The proximity-sensing panel includes a substrate panel, one or more proximity-sensing unit and one or more sensing circuit. The proximity-sensing unit is formed on one or more perimeter of the substrate panel. The proximity-sensing unit senses an approaching operation of an object to generate a proximity-sensing signal. The sensing circuit receives the proximity-sensing signal and generates a control signal to initiate a proximity touch control.