Proximity sensor, in particular microphone for reception of sound signals in the human audible sound range, with ultrasonic proximity estimation
US8401513B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04R2400/01
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Proximity sensor, particularly for usage in an electronic mobile device, comprising at least one acoustic transducer adapted for receiving acoustic signals at least in parts of the frequency range of human audible sound and emitting and/or receiving ultrasonic signals for proximity estimation. The acoustic transducer preferably is a Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) microphone. Further, a method in an electronic device comprising an acoustic transducer is provided comprising the steps of generating at least one electric signal in the frequency range of ultrasonic sound, emitting at least one ultrasonic signal by means of the acoustic transducer; receiving at least one ultrasonic signal by means of the acoustic transducer; deducing from the at least one emitted ultrasonic signal and the at least one received ultrasonic signal at least the delay between emission of the emitted ultrasonic signal and reception of the corresponding ultrasonic signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.