Google Inc.

Motorola Mobility LLC

Motorola Corporation

Patrick J Cauwels

Rachid M Alameh

Paul R Steuer

Kenneth Allen Paitl

David G Fliszar

Steve C Emmert

Jun Jiang

Richard John Dombrowski

Daniel P Rodgers

Ryszard J Gordecki

Jarrett K Simerson

Phillip D Rasky

Timothy Dickinson

David P Winkler

Amit Kumar Agrawal

Thomas E Gitzinger

Timothy J Sutherland

Louis Jerome Lundell

Mark A Barabolak

Steven M Herbst

Iqbal Arshad

David Roller

Peter Wyatt

Rachid M Alamech

A method in an electronic device, the method includes projecting infrared ('IR') light from a plurality of light emitting diodes ('LEDs') disposed proximate to the perimeter of the electronic device, detecting, by a sensor, IR light originating from at least two of the plurality of LEDs reflected from off of a person, and carrying out a function based on the relative strength of the detected IR light from the LEDs.

Electronic device with gesture detection system and methods for using the gesture detection system

A method and apparatus for selecting between multiple gesture recognition systems includes an electronic device determining a context of operation for the electronic device that affects a gesture recognition function performed by the electronic device. The electronic device also selects, based on the context of operation, one of a plurality of gesture recognition systems in the electronic device as an active gesture recognition system for receiving gesturing input to perform the gesture recognition function, wherein the plurality of gesture recognition systems comprises an image-based gesture recognition system and a non-image-based gesture recognition system.

Method and apparatus for selecting between multiple gesture recognition systems

A method in an electronic device includes determining, with at least one proximity sensor component proximately located with a fingerprint sensor, that an object is proximately located with the fingerprint sensor. In response to this, the method includes transitioning the fingerprint sensor from a low-power or sleep mode to an active mode of operation. The method then detects, with the fingerprint sensor, the object touching the fingerprint sensor. The method also detects, with the fingerprint sensor, an action of the object along the fingerprint sensor. The method then performs a control operation as a function of the action.

Fingerprint sensor with proximity detection, and corresponding devices, systems, and methods

An electronic device includes a housing and one or more processors. At least one proximity sensor component is operable with the one or more processors and can include an infrared signal receiver to receive an infrared emission from an object external to the housing. The one or more processors can operate the at least one proximity sensor component at a first sensitivity until the infrared signal receiver receives the infrared emission from the object, and then operate the at least one proximity sensor component at a second sensitivity after the infrared signal receiver receives the infrared emission from the object. A motion detector can be actuated when the infrared signal receiver receives the infrared emission from the object at the first distance.

Portable electronic device with dual, diagonal proximity sensors and mode switching functionality

An electronic device includes a housing and a user interface. One or more processors are operable with the user interface. The user interface includes a touch sensor that includes a fingerprint sensor and at least one proximity sensor component. The proximity sensor component can be collocated with a thermally conductive band circumscribing the fingerprint sensor, or can be concentrically located with the fingerprint sensor. The proximity sensor component can actuate the fingerprint sensor upon receiving an infrared emission from an object external to the housing. The fingerprint sensor or proximity sensor component can then be optionally used to control the electronic device.

A display system includes a display and a control circuit operable with the display. The display is configured to provide visual output having a presentation orientation. When user input is received, the control circuit can alter the presentation orientation from an initial orientation in response to user input. When non-user events or device events are detected, the control circuit can revert the presentation orientation to the initial orientation in response to the non-user event or device event. Where the presentation orientation has a user input configuration associated therewith, the user input configuration can either be altered with the presentation orientation or retained in an initial disposition.

Display device, corresponding systems, and methods therefor

An electronic device includes a housing, a user interface, and one or more processors operable with the user interface. At least one proximity sensor component is operable with the one or more processors and can include an infrared signal receiver to receive an infrared emission from an object external to the housing. The one or more processors can be operable to actuate one or more user interface devices when the infrared signal receiver receives the infrared emission from an object external to the housing. The actuation can be a function of distance, in accordance with a prioritization, or combinations thereof.

Apparatus and methods for detecting presence and motion by an electronic device are disclosed. In an example device, the device includes a housing defining an opening, an infrared ('IR') sensor located within the housing and generating an indication signal when the IR sensor detects an IR signal. The example device may further include a mirror disposed within the housing and having an unobstructed path and line of sight to outside of the electronic device via the opening and oriented to direct the first IR signal towards the IR sensor.

Electronic device and method for detecting presence and motion

An electronic device includes a housing and one or more processors. At least one proximity sensor component is operable with the one or more processors and includes an infrared signal receiver to receive an infrared emission from an object external to the housing. At least one proximity detector component is also operable with the one or more processors and includes a signal emitter and corresponding signal receiver. The one or more processors can actuate the at least one proximity detector component when the at least one proximity sensor component receives the infrared emission from the object.

Growing community of inventors

South Beloit, IL, United States of America

Patrick J Cauwels