Infrared Sensor Merging Proximity and Temperature Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in accurately discriminating between different operating scenarios due to space constraints and performance issues with complex and bulky sensor components, necessitating improved sensor configurations that can efficiently monitor proximity and temperature.
Innovation Solution
The use of a shared sensor structure that combines proximity and temperature sensing capabilities using light sources emitting wavelengths longer than 3 microns, such as semiconductor or microelectromechanical systems devices, allowing for simultaneous proximity and temperature measurements to differentiate between inanimate and human objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate temperature sensor and proximity sensor detector structures are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines temperature sensing and proximity sensing functions into a single sensor structure. The sensor includes a light source that emits infrared light and a detector that detects reflected light, allowing both temperature measurement and proximity detection to be performed by one component rather than requiring separate sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can detect both the presence of nearby objects (proximity sensing) and temperature information (thermal sensing) using the same hardware components. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each measurement type.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor components are used to monitor proximity and temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of separate temperature and proximity sensors into a single integrated sensor unit. By combining the light source and detector into one structure that can perform both thermal and proximity sensing, the patent significantly reduces the area occupied compared to having separate dedicated sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed as a universal component that handles multiple sensing tasks - detecting both proximity of objects and temperature information - thereby occupying less space than would be required for separate specialized sensors for each measurement type.
3Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for both proximity and temperature sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor structure is segmented into distinct functional elements - a light source for emitting infrared radiation and a detector for receiving reflected light. This segmentation allows the single sensor to perform both proximity sensing (using reflected light intensity) and temperature sensing (using thermal radiation characteristics), maintaining measurement precision while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor employs local quality differentiation by using the same infrared detection capability to sense different physical properties - the reflected light component for proximity detection and the thermal radiation component for temperature measurement. This allows one sensor to distinguish between nearby inanimate objects and human bodies based on their different thermal characteristics.
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
This approach enables accurate discrimination between human presence and inanimate objects, enabling appropriate control actions, such as disabling touch screens near the user's head, while conserving space and reducing component count by utilizing a single sensor for multiple functions.
Implementation Method 1
Light sources for emitting light at the longer wavelengths that are associated with heat measurements such as wavelengths longer than 3 microns
Implementation Method 2
the electronic device may monitor nearby objects for emitted blackbody light indicative of whether or not the external object is a heat-emitting object
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may be provided with proximity sensor capabilities for monitoring for the presence of nearby external objects. The electronic device may make temperature measurements such as measurements involving the monitoring of nearby objects for emitted blackbody light indicative of whether or not the external object is a heat-emitting object such as a human body part. The same sensor that is used in gathering temperature readings may be used in gathering proximity sensor data or separate temperature sensor and proximity sensor detector structures may be used. Motion sensor capabilities may be provided using sensor structures having an array of heat sensing elements. Signals from the array of heat sensing elements may be used in making temperature measurements and in gathering proximity sensor readings. Sensor structures may operate at wavelengths longer than 3 microns such as wavelengths from 3-5 microns or 10-15 microns.