Hidden sensors in an electronic device
US8324578B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49002
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electronic device having one or more sensors is provided. The sensors may include any suitable type of sensor, including for example a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor that emits or receives radiation (e.g., light waves) from the environment. The electronic device may include openings through which radiation may reach the sensors while keeping the sensors hidden from view. In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed underneath an opening used for an audio receiver such that radiation is piped to the sensors using a light path or a chamfered surface along the opening. In some embodiments, the sensors may be embedded in a screen such that the radiation emitted by the sensors exits the screen instead of being reflected on the screen (e.g., to provide content displays). In some embodiments, the sensors may be placed along the periphery of the display, such that access to the sensors is provided via discontinuities in a gasket used to couple the display to the electronic device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.