Abstract: An apparatus, e.g. a proximity sensor module (10), for optical distance sensing includes a target surface (25) having a non-uniform design including a high-reflectivity region and a low-reflectivity region for light of a particular wavelength. The position of the target surface (25) is displaceable within the apparatus. The apparatus includes a light source (12) operable to emit light at the particular wavelength toward the target surface (25), and a photodetector (14) operable to sense at least some of the light emitted by the light source and subsequently reflected by the target surface (25). A processor is operable to correlate an output from the photodetector (14) with a distance to the target surface (25). A wall (22) may separate the light source (12) and photodetector (14) from one another, which can help reduce internal optical crosstalk.

Abstract: A method for computing a depth map of a scene in a structured light imaging system including a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor and a projector is provided that includes capturing a plurality of high frequency phase-shifted structured light images of the scene using a camera in the structured light imaging system, generating, concurrently with the capturing of the plurality of high frequency phase-shifted structured light images, a time-of-flight (TOF) depth image of the scene using the TOF sensor, and computing the depth map from the plurality of high frequency phase-shifted structured light images wherein the TOF depth image is used for phase unwrapping.

Abstract: A range finding device includes a plurality of light sources, each configured to emit irradiation light to an object; a plurality of light reception units configured to receive reflection light coming from the object when the irradiation light hits and reflects from the object, the number of plurality of light reception units being the same number of the plurality of light sources; and circuitry configured to shift light emission timing of at least one or more light sources among the plurality of light sources; and calculate a distance to the object based on information output from each of the plurality of light reception units.

Abstract: A time-of-flight (ToF) optical beam splitter includes a main body having a first reflectivity and comprising a main surface configured to receive a receive light beam from an environment that corresponds to a transmit light beam transmitted into the environment, where the main surface includes a first region and a second region; and a reflective coating disposed on the main surface at the first region and excluded from the main surface at the second region, where the reflective coating has second reflectivity that is greater than the first reflectivity. The ToF optical beam splitter has a time variable splitting ratio with respect to the receive light beam that is dependent on a ToF of a round trip light beam comprising of the transmit light beam and the receive light beam.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for determining a direction to a geodetic target from a geodetic instrument. The method includes emitting an optical pulse from the geodetic target, capturing a first image and a second image of the geodetic target using a camera arranged at the geodetic instrument, obtaining a difference image between the first image and the second image, and determining a direction to the geodetic target from the geodetic instrument based on the position of the optical pulse in the difference image. The method further includes synchronizing the geodetic instrument and the geodetic target for emitting the optical pulse concurrently with the capturing of the first image and nonconcurrently with the capturing of the second image. The present disclosure also provides a geodetic instrument, a geodetic target and a geodetic surveying system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assessing device (13) for assessing the suitability of a shape of an instrument like a guidewire for a registration of a position and shape determination device (10) like an optical shape sensing device with an imaging device (2). Curvature values being indicative of the curvature at several positions along the instrument are determined, which are used for determining shape feature values. These shape feature values are then used for determining a suitability value being indicative of the suitability of the shape of the instrument for the registration procedure, wherein an output is provided to a user based on the determined suitability value. The user can therefore modify the shape until the output indicates that the shape of the instrument is suitable for the registration, without requiring any image. This can reduce a radiation dose if the image is, for instance, an x-ray image.

Abstract: The present invention provides system and method for tracking and analyzing golf shot, the method comprising: turning on a light source; a capturing a pair of images of the golf shot using a pair of stereo cameras having a same focal length and triggered by single signal; a analyzing a disparity between the pair of images; a producing a disparity map, a three dimension simulation, and a first motion analysis data; a capturing an image of the golf shot from before to after contact between a golf club and a golf ball using a single camera; a analyzing image sequences captured by the single camera; a producing a second motion analysis data including at least one of ball spinning, club face angle, and swing, and displaying the three dimension simulation, the image sequence, and the first and the second motion analysis data.

Abstract: A lens drive device includes a position detecting unit that outputs a detection signal indicating a position of a detected lens and includes a plurality of operation modes allowing operation with different power consumptions, a selecting unit that select an operation mode in which the position detecting unit operates from the plurality of operation modes, a position signal generation unit that generates, a lens position signal based on either one of detection signals depending on the selected operation mode, a calculation unit that calculates a drive amount of the lens based on a target position signal indicating a target position of the lens and the lens position signal; and a drive unit that drives the lens based on the drive amount.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises: a detection unit configured to detect movement of a person; and a control unit configured to, in a case where the detection unit detects a first movement of the person, control an operation unit such that the operation unit is changed from a first state to a second state and maintains the second state for a first predetermined period, wherein, in a case where the detection unit detects a second movement of the person in a predetermined detection period spanning from before an end time of the first predetermined period until after the end time, the control unit controls the operation unit such that the operation unit maintains the second state until an end of a second predetermined period changed from the first predetermined period according to an aspect of the second movement.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and removing jitter from an optical sensor includes a jitter stabilization system and at least one focal plane array. The jitter stabilization system is positioned at a shared focus of the focal plane array, which can be generated by an optical imager. A jitter signal of the jitter stabilization system makes a double pass through the system, contacting every reflective surface along the optical path within the system, before returning to a position sensing detector (PSD).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas. The apparatus comprises a communication interface for receiving a control signal. The apparatus is configured to form a first radio frequency beam in accordance with a predetermined test case independent from the control signal using the antenna array. The apparatus is configured to form a second radio frequency beam that is different from the predetermined test case responsive to instructions contained in the control signal.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an optical switch keyboard and an optical switch keyboard using the adjusting method are provided. The optical switch keyboard has a number of key units. The method includes the following steps. A scan signal is applied to one of a number of scan lines by a control unit at a first scan time point. A light is emitted by a light source according to the scan signal. A light emitted by the light source is detected by a detecting element to generate a detecting electric signal. The detecting electric signal is read by the control unit to obtain a first read signal voltage. When the first read signal voltage is outside the voltage range of the pressed state of the key unit, the period of the scan signal is increased by a first predetermined amount by the control unit to obtain an adjusted scan signal.

Abstract: An optomechanical pressure-measurement system measures pressure in the range of 10?6 Pa-10?2 Pa by measuring various properties of a vibrational mode of an ultra-thin membrane member. With independent measurements of the thickness and density of the membrane, in addition to the measured vibration mode properties, the system can operate as a primary pressure sensor. The membrane member is mounted on a vibration-isolated mount and is excited by a drive force. A laser beam impinges on the excited membrane, and an optical phase detector detects the amplitude of the oscillations, as well as parameters of the laser beam affected by the membrane vibration. In one embodiment, a mechanical damping is computed based on the amplitude or frequency shift (depending on the pressure range), and the pressure based on the ring-down time of the membrane vibration mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to devices and methods for simultaneously sensing irradiance with multiple photo sensors having different orientations, and determining direct and scattered components of the irradiance. One such device includes an aerial vehicle and an irradiance sensing device. The irradiance sensing device includes a base structure mounted to the aerial vehicle, and the base structure including a plurality of surfaces. A plurality of photo sensors are arranged on respective surfaces of the base structure, with each photo sensor having a different orientation.

Abstract: A sports detection and reporting system that locates the players and the ball to determined if certain play criteria have been met. The system also displays on the field detected locations relevant to the players and the play in real time.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a detector structure. The detector structure includes an integrated circuit on a substrate, and a photo detector on an upper surface of the integrated circuit that is opposite the substrate, where the substrate is non-native to the photo detector. A System-on-Chip apparatus includes at least one laser emitter on a non-native substrate, at least one photo detector on the non-native substrate, and an input/output circuit. The at least one photo detector of the second plurality of photo detectors is disposed on an integrated circuit between the at least one photo detector and the non-native substrate to form a detector structure.

Abstract: An optical transmitter includes a beam steering system configured to direct an optical beam through a first optical element towards a second optical element. The beam steering system includes an adjustable optical element. The second optical element is susceptible to thermal and vibrational loads that disrupt an alignment between the first and second optical elements. The second optical element includes a main portion configured to direct the optical beam down a propagation path including a communications target. The second optical element also includes a reflective portion configured to direct an alignment portion of the optical beam back to the beam steering system through the first optical element. A detector is configured to receive the alignment portion and generate an alignment signal. A controller is configured to adjust the adjustable optical element based on the alignment signal to counteract the loads.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a line-shaped intensity distribution of laser radiation comprises first and second beam transformation devices spaced apart from one another and at least one focusing element to focus laser radiation that has passed through the first and second beam transformation devices into a line-shaped intensity distribution. The apparatus is configured to change the line width of the line-shaped intensity distribution in a line transverse direction by changing a distance between the first and second beam transformation devices.

Abstract: Example systems and methods allow for use of a graphical interface to cause one or more robotic devices to construct an output product. One example method includes causing a graphical interface to be displayed on a display device, receiving input data corresponding to one or more interactions with the graphical interface indicating at least one motion path and at least one sequence of tool actions to execute at one or more points within the at least one motion path for use in construction of an output product, generating a plurality of digital nodes including at least one robot node, at least one motion command node, and at least one tool command node, and providing instructions for the at least one robot actor to move according to the sequence of robot motion commands determined by the at least one motion command node and execute the sequence of tool commands determined by the at least one tool command node to construct the output product.

Abstract: A photo-detecting apparatus is provided. The photo-detecting apparatus includes: a substrate made by a first material or a first material-composite; an absorption layer made by a second material or a second material-composite, the absorption layer being supported by the substrate and the absorption layer including: a first surface; a second surface arranged between the first surface and the substrate; and a channel region having a dopant profile with a peak dopant concentration equal to or more than 1×1015 cm?3, wherein a distance between the first surface and a location of the channel region having the peak dopant concentration is less than a distance between the second surface and the location of the channel region having the peak dopant concentration, and wherein the distance between the first surface and the location of the channel region having the peak dopant concentration is not less than 30 nm.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided, including a housing, a front cover, a display panel module, a conductive structure, a circuit board, and an IC element, wherein the front cover is disposed on a front side of the electronic device and coupled to the housing. The conductive structure is disposed on the front cover and located outside an active display region of the display panel module. The IC element is disposed on the circuit board and electrically coupled to the conductive structure. When a human body is approaching to the front cover, the conductive structure generates an electrical signal to the IC element.

Abstract: A particulate detection sensor that detects concentration of a particulate in a fluid includes a light emitting element, a SPAD array light detecting unit, and a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit calculates the concentration of the particulate based on a first pulse count value in a lighting period and a second pulse count value in a lighting-off period.

Abstract: A distance sensing assembly and a mobile terminal including the same are provided. The distance sensing assembly includes: an emitter array, a receiver array and a reflective mirror. The emitter array, the receiver array, and the reflective mirror are located below a cover plate of the mobile terminal. An orthographic projection of the reflective mirror on a plane of the cover plate covers at least a portion of a gap between the cover plate and an earpiece of the mobile terminal. Infrared light emitted by the emitter array passes, after being reflected by the reflective mirror, through the gap to be emitted out. The receiver array receives returned infrared light which is reflected, after passing through the gap, by the reflective mirror.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to generate intrinsic images without barrier filters and dichroic mirrors is provided. The method involves acquisition of an image of a focused field of view and a diffused image of the same field of view. The diffused image is obtained by placing a translucent material in the path between a camera and the field of view. The translucent material permits transmission of the illumination energy while diffusing the spatial details of the field of view, thus producing a featureless image of illumination intensities. The focused and diffused images are then processed pixel-by-pixel by to generate intrinsic images free of irrelevant illumination.

Abstract: An agricultural implement controller configured to receive a first signal indicative of at least one image of a field and to determine a crop residue mass map of the field based on the at least one image. In addition, the agricultural implement controller is configured to receive a second signal indicative of a position of an agricultural tillage implement within the field and to determine a target penetration depth, a target downforce, a target speed, or a combination thereof, of at least one ground engaging tool based on the crop residue mass map of the field and the position of the agricultural tillage implement. Furthermore, the agricultural implement controller is configured to output a third signal indicative of instructions to control at least one actuator coupled to the at least one ground engaging tool based on the target penetration depth, the target downforce, the target speed, the combination thereof.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an arrangement for switching on a two-way switch of a converter module. A power generation device for providing electric power for switching on the two-way switch is provided that is suitable for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical power. There is also described a converter module for a modular multi-level converter having the arrangement and a method for producing operational standby for a converter module having a two-way switch.

Abstract: The described embodiments are directed to a system and methods of calibrating a fluorescence microscope and/or light detection device using a calibrating apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a main body housing, a sensor head, and a microcontroller assembly disposed within the housing. The housing may include an adapter to mechanically couple the housing to a microscope. The sensor head may comprise (i) an optical power sensor to produce a power signal representative of an optical power magnitude of light applied to the optical power sensor, (ii) an optical wavelength sensor configured to produce wavelength information associated with the light applied to the optical wavelength sensor, and (iii) a light source configured to direct light toward a detection device associated with the microscope. The microcontroller assembly may be configured to generate an optical power magnitude value based on the power signal and adjusted according to the wavelength information.

Abstract: A stage assembly for positioning a device along a first axis, the stage assembly comprising: a base; a stage that retains the device and moves above the base; a mover assembly that moves the stage along the first axis relative to the base; a first sensor system that monitors the movement of the stage along the first axis, the first sensor system generating a first signal, the first sensor system having a first sensor accuracy; a second sensor system that monitors the movement of the stage along the first axis, the second sensor system having a second sensor accuracy that is different from the first sensor accuracy of the first sensor system, the second sensor generating a second signal; and a control system that controls the mover assembly using at least one of the first sensor and the second signal.

Abstract: A computer input apparatus is used for making a host computer execute a start event according to an instruction of a mobile device. The computer input apparatus includes a mouse pad and an input device. The mouse pad includes a transmission section and an indication section. When the transmission section receives an indication signal from the mobile device, the indication section outputs a sensory signal sensible for humans. The input device has an actuation section. When the input device receives the actuation signal corresponding to the indication signal, the actuation section outputs a start signal to the host computer. Thereby, the host computer executes a start event according to the start signal.

Abstract: A scanning optical range finder in a mobile robot includes an optical emitter circuit, a non-imaging optical element, an optical detector circuit, and a ranging circuit. The non-imaging optical element is arranged to receive optical signals at an entrance aperture thereof responsive to operation of the optical emitter circuit, and to direct the optical signals to an output aperture thereof. The optical detector circuit is configured to receive the optical signals from the output aperture of the non-imaging optical element, and to generate detection signals based on respective phase differences of the optical signals relative to corresponding outputs of the optical emitter circuit. The ranging circuit is configured to calculate a range of a target from the phase differences indicated by the detection signals. Related devices and methods of operation are also discussed.

Abstract: A vehicle detector assembly for detecting solar radiation may include a housing, a fixed plate fixed to an upper surface of the housing in a flat form, a plurality of photo detectors bonded to a surface of the fixed plate, each being connected to a lead having a uniform one-directional inclination structure, and a detector cap fastened to the housing and transmitting sunlight.

Abstract: A proximity sensor includes a circuit board; a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element on the circuit board; a light barrier; molding portions; and a transparent board disposed on the molding portions and configured to form an air gap with the light-receiving element. The light-receiving element includes: a substrate having a light sensing area and a temperature sensing area; a first input electrode and a first output electrode which are aligned in the light sensing area and apart from each other with a first delay gap therebetween; a sensing film covering at least some portions of the first input electrode and the first output electrode; and a second input electrode and a second output electrode which are aligned in the temperature sensing area and apart from each other with a second delay gap therebetween. The second delay gap is exposed to air.

Abstract: A tactile force feedback touch panel is provided, which comprises a plurality of detection components for detecting a touch signal and a protection layer located on a surface of the detection components. Each of the detection components includes a signal transmitting module for transmitting a detection signal and a signal receiving module for receiving the detection signal. The protection layer covers the surface of the detection components and covers a touch region. The signal transmitting module and the signal receiving module are located at at least two adjacent sides of the touch region respectively. A tactile force feedback system is also provided. After the user presses the protection layer, the detection component may detect the condition of deformation of the protection layer according to the detection signal received by the detection component to implement regular touch function and the touch control function with different tactile feeling.

Abstract: Laser spot detecting device including a plurality of elementary optoelectronic detectors that are each connected to an elementary pulse detecting circuit, each elementary pulse detecting circuit including a comparator and a memory module that is connected to one output of the comparator, the memory modules being connected to a multiplexing circuit having an output forming a digital spatial output of the laser spot detecting device. The laser spot detecting device further more includes a global OR circuit having inputs connected to the outputs of the comparators and having an output forming a real-time digital temporal output of the laser spot detecting device. Method for detecting a laser spot implemented by such a detecting device.

Abstract: A method includes applying, to a sample exhibiting optical scattering and having a emission particles distributed therein that exhibit spin-dependent fluorescence, a magnetic field to shift a resonance frequency of each emission particle in a position-dependent manner. The method also includes exciting the sample with an excitation beam that causes at least one emission particle to emit spin-dependent fluorescence and detecting the emitted spin-dependent fluorescence. The method also includes estimating a position of the emission particle(s) within the sample based on the spin-dependent fluorescence, the resonance frequency, and the magnetic field. The method also includes estimating optical transmission information for the sample based on a wavefront of the excitation beam and the estimated position. The optical transmission information including a measure of an optical field at each position of an emission particle.

Abstract: A surveying system comprising a surveying instrument and a target having a pole and a prism which is provided on an axis of the pole, wherein the surveying instrument is configured to scan the distance measuring light with an optical center of the prism as a center by a circular scanning in a state where the prism is tracked, to calculate point cloud data of two points at which the pole intersects with the circular scanning, the axis of the pole and a tilt angle of the axis of the pole, a straight line on the pole which intersects with the circular scanning at two points, three-dimensional coordinates of two intersection points of the straight line and the circular scanning, and three-dimensional coordinates of the optical center of the prism, and to calculate three-dimensional coordinates of a measuring point based on the calculation result.

Abstract: A calibration method for a camera which monitors a target board is disclosed, comprising steps: using the camera to capture a target image corresponding to the target board; using rotation and translation to align the target image to a reference standard and acquire the corresponding relationship of the target image and the target board; defining a region of interest above the target image; using at least one positioning marker in at least two positions of the target board, whose actual space coordinates are known, and using the camera to acquire at least two image coordinates of the positioning markers in the region of interest; and using the known actual space coordinates and the acquired image coordinates to work out the exact position of the camera. Thereby, the positions of the cameras can be used to correctly determine the positions of darts.

Abstract: A first pattern associated with a performer may be recognized based upon visual information. A sensor carried by an unmanned aerial vehicle may be configured to generate output signals conveying the visual information. A first distance may be determined between the first pattern and the unmanned aerial vehicle. A second pattern associated with a performee may be recognized based upon the visual information. A second distance may be determined between the second pattern and the unmanned aerial vehicle. Flight control may be adjusted based upon the first distance and the second distance. A flight control subsystem may be configured to provide the flight control for the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods obtain respective spherical coordinates of points on an object, obtain respective spherical-coordinate representations of surface normals at the points on the object, and generate reconstructed surface coordinates based on the respective spherical coordinates and on the respective spherical-coordinate representations of the surface normals.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and method for motion tracking of a subject in medical brain imaging. The method comprises providing a light projector and a first camera; projecting a first pattern sequence (S1) onto a surface region of the subject with the light projector, wherein the subject is positioned in a scanner borehole of a medical scanner, the first pattern sequence comprising a first primary pattern (P1,1) and/or a first secondary pattern (P1,2); detecting the projected first pattern sequence (S1?) with the first camera; determining a second pattern sequence (S2) comprising a second primary pattern (P2,1) based on the detected first pattern sequence (S1?); projecting the second pattern sequence (S2) onto a surface region of the subject with the light projector; detecting the projected second pattern sequence (S2?) with the first camera; and determining motion tracking parameters based on the detected second pattern sequence (S2?).

Abstract: A photographic apparatus that includes a processor and a memory storing one or more commands that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations, the operations including: obtaining a communication signal from a subject; identifying photographing reference information from the communication signal; and based on the photographing reference information, controlling at least one of a focus value and a shutter speed to capture a photo that includes the subject is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for malware and anomaly detection via activity recognition based on sensor is disclosed. The system may analyze sensor data collected during a selected time period from one or more sensors that are associated with a device. Once the sensor data is analyzed, the system may determine a context of the device when the device is in a connected state. The system may determine the context of the device based on the sensor data collected during the selected time period. The system may also determine if traffic received or transmitted by the device during the connected state is in a white list. Furthermore, the system may transmit an alert if the traffic is determined to not be in the white list or if the context determined for the device indicates that the context does not correlate with the traffic.

Abstract: Provided is a lens drive device that, using drive force from a voice coil motor, automatically carries out focusing by moving an autofocus movable unit with respect to an autofocus fixed unit in the direction of an optical axis. The lens drive unit is provided with a position detection unit that is disposed with an intervening space on the image formation side of the autofocus movable unit in the direction of the optical axis and that is for emitting light toward the autofocus movable unit, receiving reflected light that has been reflected by the autofocus movable unit, and detecting the position of the autofocus movable unit in the direction of the optical axis on the basis of the received light intensity. Part of the member displaced along with the autofocus movable unit functions as a reflective plate for reflecting light emitted from the position detection unit.

Abstract: Technology for facilitating position determination is disclosed. A satellite with a known location can activate a light source on the satellite operable to emit light. The satellite can emit the light for a defined period of time to enable a receiver to detect the light and determine a geographical location using the light emitted from the satellite.

Abstract: A method of operating a sensor system having at least one proximity sensor, with regard to generating a trigger signal indicative of an occurrence of an operator-intended event in the presence of noise. The method includes repetitive steps of: acquiring the sensor signal at specified sampling times, comparing a value obtained as a presently sampled sensor signal with a presently valid first threshold value, generating a trigger signal if the value obtained as the presently sampled sensor signal is as large as or exceeds the presently valid first threshold value, omitting to generate a trigger signal if the value obtained as the presently sampled sensor signal is less than or equal to the presently valid first threshold value, forming a subset out of the sampled sensor signals, determining an update value for the first threshold value, and replacing the presently valid first threshold value by the update value.

Abstract: The invention provides a commissioning device for commissioning building technology devices, in particular operating devices for lighting means, the commissioning device comprising at least one optical sensor, in particular a 3D camera, configured to obtain images containing spatial information of three dimensions and to receive optical communication signals emitted from a building technology device, at least one processing unit configured to process received optical communication signals and to process the spatial images.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a solar cell and configured to inspect a peeling state of a three-dimensional pattern of the solar cell includes obliquely illuminating the three-dimensional pattern of the solar cell using a light beam. An image of the solar cell is normally captured. An intensity of the light beam is increased to increase a contrast between the three-dimensional pattern and a shadow of the three-dimensional pattern in the image and increase a contrast between an ink pattern of the solar cell and the shadow in the image to overexpose the ink pattern in the image. Determine if the three-dimensional pattern is peeling according to the shadow of the three-dimensional pattern in the image.

Abstract: An apparatus including a semiconductor substrate; an absorption layer coupled to the semiconductor substrate, the absorption layer including a photodiode region configured to absorb photons and to generate photo-carriers from the absorbed photons; one or more first switches controlled by a first control signal, the one or more first switches configured to collect at least a portion of the photo-carriers based on the first control signal; and one or more second switches controlled by a second control signal, the one or more second switches configured to collect at least a portion of the photo-carriers based on the second control signal, where the second control signal is different from the first control signal.

Abstract: This present invention discloses an optical mouse and a parameter calibration method thereof. The optical mouse includes: a light source, an image capturing unit, a memory unit and a processing unit, and the parameter calibration method of the optical mouse includes: capturing images formed by the reflective light projected from the mouse pad when the optical mouse is placed upon the mouse pad and has a relative displacement between the mouse pad, and then producing image frames according to the images; determining if any pattern information is found in the image frames; further, setting parameters of the optical mouse when at least one of the pattern information is found in the frames, in which, the pattern information is composed of a pattern of the mouse pad.

Abstract: A control device (1) for a washroom facility that includes an actuator (2); a sensor (4) configured to detect the presence of a user in the proximity of the sensor (4); and a control circuit (6) receiving, as input, signals from the sensor (4) and configured to control the actuator (2). The sensor (4) includes an emitter (10) configured to emit an infrared signal; and a receiver (8) configured to detect the infrared signal emitted by the emitter (10). The invention also provides a washroom facility, a substance dispenser, and a hair dryer or hand dryer, including such a control device (1).