Dual-Emitter Proximity Sensing for Cover and Hand Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical proximity sensors (OPS) often falsely detect a human hand as a cover, leading to unintended shutdown of electronic devices, as they cannot accurately differentiate between a solid cover and a human body.
Innovation Solution
A proximity sensing apparatus with two light-emitting units and a sensing unit, where the first light-emitting unit emits signals through one transparent area and the second through another, allowing the sensing unit to distinguish between reflections from solid covers and human bodies by differentiating light penetration, thereby preventing false triggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional OPS apparatus uses one light emitting unit and one proximity sensor to detect cover closure, then the device can automatically turn off the display for power saving, but it cannot differentiate between a solid cover and a human body, leading to false shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting unit is divided into two separate units (first and second light emitting units) positioned at different locations. Each unit emits light through different transparent areas of the panel, creating distinct light paths that reflect differently from solid covers versus human bodies, enabling accurate differentiation
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent areas of the panel serve as intermediaries that guide light from the light emitting units to the sensing unit. The panel's transparent areas are strategically positioned to allow light to pass through and reflect off objects, with the reflection patterns differing between solid covers and human bodies
2Ease of operation
If the sensing unit detects reflected light signals to determine proximity, then the display can be turned off automatically, but hand holding is falsely detected as cover closure
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the panel are assigned different functions: some areas are transparent for light passage, while the sensing unit is positioned at a specific location to receive reflected light. The local optical properties and positioning create unique light reflection signatures for different object types
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds spatial dimensionality by using two light emitting units at different positions rather than a single unit. This creates multiple light paths and reflection angles, adding dimensional information that enables differentiation between object types
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents false triggers, ensuring accurate detection of cover closure and maintaining device functionality by correctly distinguishing between solid covers and human presence, thus avoiding unintended shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
senses the reflected first light signals or the reflected second light signals reflected by an object
Implementation Method 2
emits a plurality of first light signals through one of the plurality of transparent areas
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a proximity sensing apparatus and a method thereof. The proximity sensing apparatus comprises a panel, a first light-emitting unit, a second light-emitting unit and a sensing unit. The panel comprises a plurality of transparent areas. The first light-emitting unit is located at one side of the panel and emits a plurality of first light signals through one of the transparent areas. The second light-emitting unit is located at the same side as the first light-emitting unit of the panel and emits a plurality of second light signals through one of the transparent areas. The sensing unit is located at the same side as the first light-emitting unit of the panel and senses the reflected first light signals or the reflected second light signals reflected by an object. Wherein, the sensing unit is closer to the first light-emitting unit than to the second light-emitting unit.