Apple patents optical sensor that detects objects at different distances
Apple describes an optical sensor module with two separate compartments and apertures to detect light reflected from nearby and distant objects. It uses specific emitters and detectors arranged to handle different angles of incoming light, allowing the system to distinguish between near and far field targets.
In the filing’s own words
An optical sensor module includes a module housing defining a first compartment having a first aperture and a second compartment having a second aperture, with the second aperture spaced apart from the first aperture. A set of optical emitters is disposed in the first compartment and configured to emit light through the first aperture. A first set of optical detectors is disposed in the first compartment and configured to receive a first redirected portion of the emitted light through the first aperture. A set of optical elements is disposed in the first compartment and configured to direct at least a portion of the emitted light or the first redirected portion of the emitted light. A second set of optical detectors is disposed in the second compartment and configured to receive a second redirected portion of the emitted light through the second aperture.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. An optical sensor module, comprising: a module housing defining, a first compartment having a first aperture; and a second compartment having a second aperture, the second aperture spaced apart from the first aperture; a set of one or more optical emitters disposed in the first compartment and configured to emit light through the first aperture, the set of one or more optical emitters including: a first optical emitter configured to emit a first light; and a second optical emitter configured to emit a second light; a first set of one or more optical detectors disposed in the first compartment and configured to receive a first redirected portion of the emitted light through the first aperture; a set of one or more optical elements disposed in the first compartment and configured to direct at least a portion of the emitted light or the first redirected portion of the emitted light; and a second set of one or more optical detectors disposed in the second compartment and configured to receive a second redirected portion of the emitted light through the second aperture, wherein: a first axis of the emitted light impinges on the set of one or more optical elements at a first range of incident angles; and a second axis of the emitted light impinges on the set of one or more optical elements at a second range of incident angles different from the first range of incident angles.
Facts
- Company
- Apple (Apple Inc.)
- Official title
- Active optical sensor providing near and far field target detection
- Patent number
- US12754292B2
- Application number
- 18195867
- Filed
- May 10, 2023
- Granted
- Oct 6, 2026
- Inventors
- 7
- Claims
- 17
Classified under
G01S 7/4813 Physics & computingG01S 7/4815 Physics & computingG01S 7/4816 Physics & computingG01S 17/08 Physics & computingMore from Apple in Chips & hardware
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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.