Abstract: The present invention relates to a proximity detection system and method for a computer or similar device. The computer includes at least two transducer units being capable of transmitting acoustic signals identifying the transducer within a predetermined frequency range. The transducer units are positioned at a distance from each other in said device, and at least one receiving transducer is capable of receiving acoustic signals within said frequency range and recognizing the transducer identification. The system is configured to measure the distance between each transducer unit and a reflecting object based on the transmitted and received signals based on the measured propagation time. The system is further configured to activate each of the transducer units and comparing the measured distance from each transducer unit thus calculating the direction of a reflecting object, and at the detecting of an object within a predetermined range of direction providing an activation signal to the device.

Abstract: Present teachings relate to a method for proximity detection on an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of: performing a first measurement using a first sensor; calculating, using a processing unit, a first distance value from the first measurement; the first distance value being indicative of the distance between a user and the electronic device; in response to the first distance value, through the processing unit, adapting an energy level on the electronic device, said energy level being related to the Specific Absorption Rate (“SAR”), such that predefined SAR requirements due to exposure of emitted energy from the electronic device are met. The present teaching further relate to an electronic device comprising a measurement system configured to control an energy level on the electronic device, said energy level being related to the Specific Absorption Rate (“SAR”). The present teachings also relate to a computer software product for implementing any method steps disclosed herein.

Abstract: Present teachings relate to a method for proximity detection on an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of: performing a first measurement using a first sensor; calculating, using a processing unit, a first distance value from the first measurement; the first distance value being indicative of the distance between a user and the electronic device; in response to the first distance value, through the processing unit, adapting an energy level on the electronic device, said energy level being related to the Specific Absorption Rate (“SAR”), such that predefined SAR requirements due to exposure of emitted energy from the electronic device are met. The present teaching further relate to an electronic device comprising a measurement system configured to control an energy level on the electronic device, said energy level being related to the Specific Absorption Rate (“SAR”). The present teachings also relate to a computer software product for implementing any method steps disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for controlling content on a display of an electronic device includes emitting from an ultrasound transducer located in the electronic device, a first ultrasound signal at least some portion of which is directed towards the user. The method also includes receiving a second ultrasound signal at a receiver transducer located in the electronic device. The second ultrasound signal includes a portion constituted by a the first ultrasound signal being reflected from the user face. The method also includes computing a distance between the user and the electronic device using acoustic measurements involving at least one acoustic transducer. The electronic device includes a memory storing at least two sets of predetermined display features. The electronic device is set to display a first set when the distance between the electronic device and the user is above at least one chosen threshold and the second set of display features when the distance is less than the threshold.

Abstract: A method for controlling content on a display of an electronic device includes emitting from an ultrasound transducer located in the electronic device, a first ultrasound signal at least some portion of which is directed towards the user. The method also includes receiving a second ultrasound signal at a receiver transducer located in the electronic device. The second ultrasound signal includes a portion constituted by a the first ultrasound signal being reflected from the user face. The method also includes computing a distance between the user and the electronic device using acoustic measurements involving at least one acoustic transducer. The electronic device includes a memory storing at least two sets of predetermined display features. The electronic device is set to display a first set when the distance between the electronic device and the user is above at least one chosen threshold and the second set of display features when the distance is less than the threshold.

Abstract: In a method of operating at least first and second electronic devices, the devices are each arranged to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals, e.g. to operate a touchless user interface. Both devices, or at least two of the devices, are synchronised to transmit said signals at substantially the same time. The devices may, for example, listen to each other's ultrasonic signals or use a WiFi network access point for synchronization.

Abstract: A user input to a system is processed by receiving reflections of signals from a moving input object. Information relating to the direction of movement of the input object and information relating to the speed of the input object are determined from the reflections. Continual sensory feedback is provided to the user, controlled by a parameter that is repeatedly updated based on the direction and speed of the input object. When no new determination of information relating to the speed or direction of the input object has been made since a previous update, a time-dependent change is made to the parameter.

Abstract: A reverse vending machine, including: a chamber adapted to receive an object returned to the reverse vending machine; a plurality of cameras arranged around the perimeter of the chamber for viewing said object; a transparent or translucent plate arranged such that the cameras in use view the object obliquely through the transparent or translucent plate; and means adapted to couple light into the plate such that the light undergoes total internal reflection in the plate. Also, a method of detecting dirt in a reverse vending machine.

Abstract: The motion of an object is characterized by transmitting acoustic signals over first and second transmitter-receiver channels. Information relating to signals received over the first channel is compared with information relating to signals received over the second channel, to identify a similar pattern in both channels arising from reflections from the object. A relative timing difference between the channels, associated with the similar pattern, is used to characterize the motion of the object.

Abstract: A reverse vending machine, including: a chamber adapted to receive an object returned to the reverse vending machine; a plurality of cameras arranged around the perimeter of the chamber for viewing said object; a transparent or translucent plate arranged such that the cameras in use view the object obliquely through the transparent or translucent plate; and means adapted to couple light into the plate such that the light undergoes total internal reflection in the plate. Also, a method of detecting dirt in a reverse vending machine.

Abstract: In a method of operating at least first and second electronic devices, the devices are each arranged to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals, e.g. to operate a touchless user interface. Both devices, or at least two of the devices, are synchronised to transmit said signals at substantially the same time. The devices may, for example, listen to each other's ultrasonic signals or use a WiFi network access point for synchronisation.

Abstract: The motion of an object is characterised by transmitting acoustic signals over first and second transmitter-receiver channels. Information relating to signals received over the first channel is compared with information relating to signals received over the second channel, to identify a similar pattern in both channels arising from reflections from the object. A relative timing difference between the channels, associated with the similar pattern, is used to characterise the motion of the object.