Compact multi-direction proximity sensor device and method

What is this patent about?

’537 is related to the field of optical proximity sensing and, more specifically, to integrated sensor modules capable of multi-directional detection. Traditional sensors often require separate units for different axes of monitoring, leading to increased costs and complex alignment requirements during assembly. This invention addresses the need for a miniaturized, self-contained device that can monitor multiple spatial planes simultaneously without the bulk of discrete components.

The underlying idea behind ’537 is the integration of two independent optical transceiver pairs onto a single, sub-centimeter substrate to achieve orthogonal sensing paths. By orienting one pair to monitor a horizontal axis and a second pair to monitor a vertical axis, the device creates a three-dimensional detection field from a single point of origin. This spatial arrangement allows the system to distinguish between different types of motion or presence, such as determining the rotation direction of a motor or detecting a user approaching from various angles.

The claims of ’537 focus on a compact proximity sensor assembly featuring a substrate with a footprint smaller than 10mm by 5mm, housing two distinct transmitting and receiving pairs. The independent claims specifically require that the second transmission signal is oriented perpendicular and non-intersecting relative to the first transmission signal. Furthermore, the claims cover the integration of control logic on the same substrate, which manages the signal timing and detection processing for both sensing channels.

In practice, the invention utilizes modular LEDs and photodiodes, each equipped with its own molded lens to focus or capture light for specific range requirements. A central integrated circuit manages the pulse width and frequency of the emitters while providing signal conditioning to filter out ambient light interference. To maintain the integrity of the signals in such a small form factor, a metal shield or device cover is employed to act as an optical barrier, effectively eliminating crosstalk between the adjacent transmitters and receivers.

This approach differs from prior solutions by consolidating multi-axis sensing into a single, surface-mountable package rather than relying on the manual alignment of multiple discrete sensors. By fixing the geometry of the emitters and detectors on a single PCB, the invention ensures fixed-axis precision that is inherent to the manufacturing process. This allows for sophisticated applications like human presence detection for ATMs or power-saving modes in mobile electronics to be implemented with significantly reduced design effort and physical space.