Apple inc. (20240102852). Optical Proximity Sensor simplified abstract
Optical Proximity Sensor
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Brandon J. Hui of San Francisco CA (US)
Yaser Shanjani of Fremont CA (US)
Mark T. Winkler of Menlo Park CA (US)
Michael K. Mccord of San Francisco CA (US)
Runyu Liu of Sunnyvale CA (US)
Aaron Krahn of Mountain View CA (US)
Optical Proximity Sensor - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240102852 titled 'Optical Proximity Sensor
Simplified Explanation
An optical proximity sensor includes a housing, an optical emitter, and an optical detector. A first light guide disposed in a first chimney of the housing is configured to direct light from the optical emitter through the first chimney towards a target location. A second light guide disposed in a second chimney of the housing is configured to direct a returned portion of the light emitted from the optical emitter through the second chimney towards the optical detector.
- Optical proximity sensor with housing, optical emitter, and optical detector
- First light guide directs light from emitter towards target location
- Second light guide directs returned light towards detector
Potential Applications
The technology can be used in various applications such as:
- Object detection in automated systems
- Proximity sensing in robotics
- Touchless switches in consumer electronics
Problems Solved
The technology helps in:
- Accurate detection of objects
- Improving safety in machinery
- Enhancing user experience in touchless devices
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include:
- Increased efficiency in automation
- Enhanced precision in object detection
- Improved reliability in proximity sensing
Potential Commercial Applications
The technology can be applied in commercial sectors like:
- Manufacturing for quality control
- Automotive for collision avoidance systems
- Consumer electronics for touchless interfaces
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of optical sensors in proximity detection systems in industrial automation.
What are the specific components of the optical proximity sensor mentioned in the abstract?
The specific components mentioned in the abstract are a housing, an optical emitter, a first light guide, a second light guide, and an optical detector.
How does the optical proximity sensor function in detecting objects?
The optical proximity sensor functions by emitting light towards a target location using the optical emitter, and then detecting the returned light using the optical detector through the second light guide. This allows for accurate object detection based on the reflected light.
Original Abstract Submitted
an optical proximity sensor includes a housing, an optical emitter, and an optical detector. a first light guide disposed in a first chimney of the housing is configured to direct light from the optical emitter through the first chimney towards a target location. a second light guide disposed in a second chimney of the housing is configured to direct a returned portion of the light emitted from the optical emitter through the second chimney towards the optical detector.