Proximity sensor-based interactions
US9652044B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 16, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K17/955
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An application programming interface is provided that allows applications to request and receive distance measurements from multiple proximity sensors arranged on a computing device such as a smart phone or tablet. Users can input ranges of values to the applications by moving objects such as hands and fingers towards and away one or more of the multiple proximity sensors. Applications can use the ranges of values provided by the proximity sensors to allow for more nuanced and precise user interfaces than what is typically available using the binary output associated with a capacitive display. The values provided by the proximity sensors can be combined with values from one or more other sensors such as accelerometers to provide additional user interface options.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.