PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8693877-B2
Application Number: US-87172507-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Integrated infrared receiver and emitter for multiple functionalities

Abstract:
Apparatuses and methods to detect and emit various infrared (IR) and ambient light signals using an integrated sensor and emitter device. Embodiments include a sensor to sense proximity, to sense IR data signals, and to sense ambient light; and an emitter of an IR proximity signal. The sensor detects the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity, detects IR data signals when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and detects ambient light when the apparatus sensing light. The IR data signals may include IR remote control (IR RC) and/or IR data association (IRDA) signals. The signals may be detected simultaneously and may be in different frequency bands. According to embodiments, such an emitter may also emit an IR data signals, such as IR RC and/or IRDA signals. These signals may be emitted simultaneously and may be in different frequency bands.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the apparatus comprising:
 an emitter of an IR proximity signal; 
 a sensor configured to detect the IR proximity signal, an IR data signal, and an ambient light signal, wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal are in a different frequency band; 
 a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor and configured to demodulate and pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller; and 
 a microprocessor coupled to the single time division multiplexing filter and configured to process the passed IR proximity signal, the passed IR data signal, and the passed ambient light signal to operate the apparatus. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the IR data signal includes an IR remote control (IRRC) signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the apparatus is sensing IRRC signals, and an IR data association (IRDA) signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the apparatus is sensing IRDA signals. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is further configured to simultaneously detect the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the emitter is configured to emit the IR proximity signal when the apparatus is detecting proximity and to emit IR data signals when the apparatus is emitting IR data signals. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the emitted IR data signals include an IR remote control (IRRC) signal emission when the apparatus is emitting an IRRC signal emission and an IR data association (IRDA) signal emission when the apparatus is emitting an IRDA signal emission. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the emitter is further configured to simultaneously emit the IR proximity signal, IRRC signal emission, and IRDA signal emission. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IRRC signal emission, and the IRDA signal emission are emitted in a different frequency band. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the detected IR data signal includes an IR remote control (IRRC) signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the apparatus is sensing IRRC signals, and an IR data association (IRDA) signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the apparatus is sensing IRDA signals. 
     
     
       9. A method of operating an integrated sensor and emitter device to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the method comprising:
 emitting an IR proximity signal from an emitter; 
 detecting the IR proximity signal from the emitter with a sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing proximity; 
 detecting an IR data signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is detecting IR data and demodulating the detected IR data signal to extract data from the IR data signal, wherein the IR data signal comprises an IR remote control (IRRC) signal and an IR data association (IRDA) signal; 
 detecting an ambient light signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing ambient light; 
 passing the IR proximity signal, the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, and the ambient light signal through a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor to pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein passing the IR proximity signal, the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, and the ambient light signal through the single time division multiplexing filter further comprises:
 selecting between a frequency band of the detected IR proximity signal, a frequency band of the IRRC signal, a frequency band of the IRDA signal, and a frequency band of the ambient light signal, 
 selecting between a period of time of the detected IR proximity signal, a period of time of the IRRC signal, a period of time of the IRDA signal, and a period of time of the ambient light signal, and 
 demodulating the period of time of the detected IR proximity signal, the period of time of the IRRC signal, the period of time of the IRDA signal, and the period of time of the ambient light signal; and 
 
 processing the IR proximity signal, the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, and the ambient light signal to operate the apparatus. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , wherein detecting the IR data signals further comprises:
 detecting the IRRC signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing IRRC signals; 
 detecting the IRDA signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing IRDA signals; 
 simultaneously detecting the IR proximity signal from the emitter, the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, and the ambient light signal with the sensor. 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 9  further comprising:
 emitting IR data signals from the same emitter when the integrated sensor and emitter device is emitting IR data signals, wherein emitting the IR data signals further comprises: 
 emitting an IR remote control (IRRC) signal emission from the same emitter when the integrated sensor and emitter device is emitting an IRRC signal; 
 emitting an IR data association (IRDA) signal emission from the same emitter when the integrated sensor and emitter device is emitting an IRDA signal; and 
 simultaneously emitting the IR proximity signal, IRRC signal emission, and IRDA signal emission from the same emitter. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 9 , wherein passing the detected IR data signal through the single time division multiplexing filter when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing IR data further comprises simultaneously passing the detected IR proximity signal, the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, and the ambient light signal. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 processing the passed IR proximity signal using a processor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing proximity; 
 processing the passed IR data signal using the processor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing IR data, wherein processing the passed IR data signal comprises:
 processing the passed IRRC signal using the processor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing IRRC signals, and 
 processing the passed IRDA signal using the processor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing IRDA signals; 
 
 processing the passed ambient light signal using the processor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing ambient light; 
 simultaneously processing the passed IR proximity signal, the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, and the ambient light signal; 
 emitting an IR remote control (IRRC) signal emission from the same emitter when the integrated sensor and emitter device is emitting an IRRC signal; and 
 emitting an IR data association (IRDA) signal emission from the same emitter when the integrated sensor and emitter device is emitting an IRDA signal. 
 
     
     
       14. A single integrated circuit (IC) chip of a mobile device to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the IC chip comprising:
 an emitter of an IR proximity signal; 
 a sensor configured to detect IR light, the sensor configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the mobile device is sensing proximity, to detect an IR data signal when the mobile device is detecting IR data, and to detect an ambient light signal when the mobile device is sensing ambient light, wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal are in a different frequency band, wherein the detected IR data signal includes an IR remote control (IRRC) signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the mobile device is sensing IRRC signals, and an IR data association (IRDA) signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the mobile device is sensing IRDA signals, wherein the IRRC signal, the IRDA signal, the IR proximity signal, and the ambient light signal are processed to operate the mobile device; and 
 a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor and configured to demodulate and pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller. 
 
     
     
       15. The IC chip of  claim 14 , wherein the single time division multiplexing filter is configured to:
 pass the detected IR proximity signal when the mobile device is sensing proximity, 
 pass the detected IR data signal when the mobile device is sensing IR data, and 
 pass the detected ambient light signal when the mobile device is sensing ambient light. 
 
     
     
       16. A single integrated circuit (IC) chip of a mobile device to transmit an IR proximity signal and an IR data signal, the IC chip comprising:
 an emitter of IR radiation configured to transmit an IR proximity signal and IR data signals; and 
 a sensor configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the IC chip is sensing proximity, to detect the IR data signals when the mobile device is detecting IR data, and to detect an ambient light signal when the IC chip is sensing ambient light, the detected ambient light signal being processed by a processor of the mobile device to operate the mobile device, wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal are in a different frequency band; and 
 a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor and configured to demodulate and pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller. 
 
     
     
       17. The IC chip of  claim 16 , wherein the IR data signal comprises an IR remote control (IRRC) signal and an IR data association (IRDA) signal. 
     
     
       18. A mobile phone comprising:
 an integrated sensor; and 
 an integrated wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive RF data when the phone is communicating by telephony; 
 wherein the integrated sensor is configured to detect RC commands from a remote control (RC) signal to control remotely the phone, wherein the integrated sensor comprises an emitter of an IR proximity signal and a receiver to detect the IR proximity signal, wherein each of the RC signal and the IR proximity signal are in a different frequency band, and wherein the detected RC signals are demodulated by a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the integrated sensor to extract data from the RC signal, the extracted data being processed to control remotely the phone at the same time as the IR proximity signal is processed to operate the phone, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller. 
 
     
     
       19. The phone of  claim 18 , wherein the integrated sensor is configured to detect IR data association (IRDA) signals to provide data to the phone. 
     
     
       20. The phone of  claim 18 , wherein the phone includes personal digital assistant (PDA) capabilities. 
     
     
       21. The phone of  claim 18 , wherein the phone comprises at least one of a portable device and a hand held phone, wherein the transceiver comprises a wireless cellular transceiver. 
     
     
       22. The apparatus of  claim 3 , further comprising a decoder or demodulator to decode or demodulate the IR data signal, wherein the decoded IR data signal includes control commands that cause the apparatus to perform an act, and wherein the IR data signal includes audio, images, or video media and causes the apparatus to store, save, play, or display the media. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 10 , further comprising a decoder or demodulator to decode or demodulate the IRRC signal and the IRDA signal, wherein the decoded IRRC signal includes control commands that cause the integrated sensor and emitter device to perform an act, and wherein the IRDA signal includes audio, images, or video media and causes the integrated sensor and emitter device to store, save, play, or display the media. 
     
     
       24. A mobile apparatus to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the apparatus comprising:
 an emitter of an IR proximity signal; 
 a sensor configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity, to detect an IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and to detect an ambient light signal when the apparatus is sensing ambient light, wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal are in a different frequency band; 
 a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor and configured to demodulate and pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller; 
 a processor coupled to the single time division multiplexing filter to process the IR data signal, the IR proximity signal, and the ambient light signal to operate the mobile apparatus, wherein the processor automatically alters a background brightness of a display in response to processing the detected ambient light signal. 
 
     
     
       25. A method of operating an integrated sensor and emitter device of a mobile device to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the method comprising the mobile device:
 emitting an IR proximity signal from an emitter; 
 detecting the IR proximity signal from the emitter with a sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing proximity; 
 detecting an IR data signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is detecting IR data and demodulating the detected IR data signals to extract data from the IR data signal, the extracted data being processed to operate the apparatus; 
 filtering, by a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor, the IR data signal to pass the IR data signals for processing; 
 filtering, by the single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor, the IR proximity signal to pass the IR proximity signal for processing while filtering the IR data signal to pass the IR data signal; and 
 detecting an ambient light signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing ambient light, the mobile device automatically taking a device action in response to detecting the detected ambient light signal; 
 wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal are in a different frequency band, and 
 wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller. 
 
     
     
       26. A mobile apparatus to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the apparatus comprising:
 an emitter of an IR proximity signal; 
 a sensor configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity, to detect an IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and to detect an ambient light signal when the apparatus is sensing ambient light, wherein each of the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal are in a different frequency band; 
 a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor and configured to demodulate and pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein the single time division multiplexing filter comprises a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, a timing sequence controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller; and 
 a processor coupled to the single time division multiplexing filter to process the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal to operate the mobile apparatus, wherein the processor automatically alters a background brightness of a display in response to processing the detected ambient light signal. 
 
     
     
       27. A method of operating an integrated sensor and emitter device of a mobile device to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, the method comprising the mobile device:
 emitting an IR proximity signal from an emitter; 
 detecting the IR proximity signal from the emitter with a sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing proximity; 
 detecting an IR data signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is detecting IR data; 
 detecting an ambient light signal with the sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing ambient light; 
 passing the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal through a single time division multiplexing filter coupled to the sensor to pass the detected IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, the detected IR data signal when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and the detected ambient light signal when the apparatus is detecting ambient light, wherein passing the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal through the single time division multiplexing filter further comprises:
 selecting between a frequency band of the detected IR proximity signal, a frequency band of the IR data signal, and a frequency band of the ambient light signal, 
 selecting between a period of time of the detected IR proximity signal, a period of time of the IR data signal, and a period of time of the ambient light signal, and 
 demodulating the period of time of the detected IR proximity signal, the period of time of the IR data signal, and the period of time of the ambient light signal; and 
 
 processing the IR proximity signal, the IR data signal, and the ambient light signal using a processor of the mobile device to operate the mobile device and to automatically alter a background brightness of a display in response to processing the detected ambient light signal. 
 
     
     
       28. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ambient light signal is processed to determine a light level value that represents ambient light levels at wavelengths other than IR. 
     
     
       29. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ambient light signal is processed to determine a light level value for light at wavelengths within a visible frequency band or wavelengths less than a threshold visible light frequency. 
     
     
       30. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a cover over the emitter and the sensor; and 
 a non-IR transmissive fence between the emitter and the sensor, the fence being configured to prevent the cover from refracting the IR proximity signal directly between the emitter and the sensor.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a utility application of Provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/906,124, filed Mar. 9, 2007. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the filed of sensors and emitters, such as, for example, infrared sensors and emitters. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Electronic devices such as computers, televisions, portable media players, telephones, cell phones, and other portable devices are becoming increasingly common. These devices grow more complex over time, incorporating many features including, for example, automatic dimming or control of display backlights, automatic deactivation or control of user input sensors, video player capabilities, MP3 player capabilities, other audio player capabilities, web browsing capabilities, remote control controller and/or reception capabilities, infrared (IR) data association transmission and reception capabilities, capabilities of personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like. 
     Some of these electronic devices may include multiple sensors which are used to detect the environment or context associated with these portable devices, to detect remote control (RC) signals, or to detect data communication signals such as infrared light (IR) data association (DA) signals (IRDA signals). Moreover, some of these electronic devices may include multiple emitters or transmitters, which are used to emit or transmit signals such as a proximity signal for detecting proximity, an RC signal, or an IRDA signal. 
     For example, U.S. patent application publication no. 92005/0219228 describes a device which includes many sensors, including a proximity sensor and a light sensor. The outputs from the sensors are processed to determine a device context. The light sensor detects ambient light levels and the proximity sensor detects a proximity to an object, such as a user&#39;s ear or face. In this case, there are two separate sensors which require two openings in the housing of the device. This is shown in  FIG. 1 , which shows a device  10 . The device  10  includes a proximity sensor  12  mounted on a surface of the device  10  and an ambient light sensor  14  also mounted on the surface of the device  10 . Each of these sensors is distinct from the other, and separate openings in the surface are needed for each sensor. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION 
     The various apparatus and methods described herein relate to an integrated sensor and emitter device having one or more sensors (e.g., a photodiode sensor able to detect visible and infrared (IR) light) and/or IR light emitters for sensing and emitting IR signals. At least certain embodiments of the present inventions include a device to sense proximity, to sense IR data signals, and to sense light, using an emitter of an IR proximity signal, and a sensor. The sensor may be configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity, to detect IR data signals when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and to detect ambient light when the apparatus sensing light. The IR data signals may include IR remote control (RC) and/or IRDA signals. The signals may be detected simultaneously and/or may be in different frequency bands. According to some embodiments of the inventions, in addition to the IR proximity signal, such an emitter may also emit an IR data signal, such as IR RC and/or IRDA signals. Any or all of these signals may be emitted simultaneously and/or may be in different frequency bands. An integrated device with an emitter is configured to emit an IR proximity signal as well as an IR data signal may have a sensor configured to only sense a proximity signal (e.g., and optionally an IR data signal and/or an ambient light signal). 
     Such an integrated device may further include a filter coupled to the emitter and/or to the sensor, configured to filter out or pass the detected signals, such as using multiple frequency division multiplexing filters (e.g., according to different frequency bands); or using a single time division multiplexing filter, as described herein. The single time division multiplexing filter may include a programmable filter coupled to the sensor, a programmable demodulator/amplitude detector coupled to the programmable filter, and timing sequenced controller coupled to the programmable demodulator/amplitude detector, and a microcontroller coupled to the timing sequenced controller. Alternatively, frequency division multiplexing filters may be used that include a band pass filter coupled to the sensor and configured to pass the detected IR proximity signal, a band pass filter coupled to the sensor and configured to pass the detected IR data signals (e.g., filter the detected IRRC signal when the apparatus is sensing IRRC signals, and/or filter the detected IRDA signal when the apparatus is sensing IRDA signals), and a low pass filter coupled to the sensor and configured to pass the detected ambient light. 
     Such an integrated device may also further include a processor coupled to the filter(s), configured to process the filtered signals, such as to demodulate data carried or modulated with or onto IR modulation signals. The processor may be one or more processors configured to process the passed IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, process the passed IR data signals when the apparatus is sensing IR data (e.g., process the filtered IRRC signal when the apparatus is sensing IRRC signals, and/or process the filtered IRDA signal when the apparatus is sensing IRDA signals), and process the passed ambient light when the apparatus is sensing ambient light. A microcontroller may be coupled between a host controller and the processor to communicate between the processors and a host controller. The microcontroller may also be coupled to the emitter to control emitting of the IR proximity signal and of the IR data signal. 
     According to embodiments, a non-IR transmissive fence may be disposed between the emitter and the sensor to remove IR radiation emitted by the emitter from reaching the sensor. In cases where there is a covering over the emitter and detector, the fence may be disposed between the emitter and the sensor to prohibit electromagnetic radiation from the emitter that is refracted by the covering from entering the sensor. 
     At least certain embodiments of the present inventions include a single integrated circuit (IC) chip to perform functions of detecting, filtering, processing, de-multiplexing, demodulating, modulating, and emitting IR signals described above for apparatus. 
     At least certain embodiments of the present inventions include a method of operating an integrated sensor and emitter device to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, by emitting an IR proximity signal from an emitter; detecting the IR proximity signal from the emitter with a sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing proximity; detecting IR data signals with a sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is detecting IR data; and detecting ambient light with a sensor when the integrated sensor and emitter device is sensing ambient light. 
     At least certain embodiments of the present inventions also include a machine readable media containing executable program instructions which when executed cause a method of operating a data processing system as described above. 
     Methods and executable program instructions for detecting, filtering, processing, de-multiplexing, demodulating, modulating, and emitting visible and/or IR signals may include those described above being performed by apparatus. 
     At least certain embodiments of the present inventions also include an apparatus or device to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, where the apparatus includes a data processor, a memory electronically coupled to the data processor, an emitter of an IR proximity signal electronically coupled to the data processor, and three sensors. The first sensor may be electronically coupled to the data processor and configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity. The second sensor may be electronically coupled to the data processor and configured to detect IR data signals when the apparatus is detecting IR data. The third sensor may be electronically coupled to the data processor and configured to detect ambient light when the apparatus is sensing ambient light. 
     Other apparatuses, data processing systems, methods and machine readable media are also described. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  shows an example of a prior art device which includes two separate sensors; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a portable device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portable device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portable device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a portable device in a first configuration (e.g. in an open configuration) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the portable device of  FIG. 5A  in a second configuration (e.g. a closed configuration) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a system in which embodiments of the present invention can be implemented; 
         FIG. 7A  is a schematic side view of a proximity sensor in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is a schematic side view of an alternative proximity sensor in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7C  is a flow chart which shows a method of operating a proximity sensor which is capable of detecting light from a source other than the emitter of the proximity sensor; 
         FIG. 7D  shows an example of a proximity sensor with associated logic; 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of inputs and outputs for logic, such as artificial intelligence logic, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows a schematic of an integrated sensor and emitter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows a schematic of an integrated sensor and emitter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a graph showing light intensity versus frequency for light signals in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a block diagram of an integrated sensor and emitter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a digital processing system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments and aspects of the inventions will be described with reference to details discussed below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the various embodiments. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Numerous specific details are described to provide a through understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise discussion of embodiments of the present inventions. 
     Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented in terms of algorithms which include operations on data stored within a computer memory. An algorithm is generally a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to a desired result. The operations typically require or involve physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. 
     It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, can refer to the action and processes of a data processing system, or similar electronic device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the system&#39;s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the system&#39;s memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. 
     The present invention can relate to an apparatus for performing one or more of the operations described herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise a general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a machine (e.g. computer) readable storage medium, such as, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), erasable programmable ROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable ROMs (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each coupled to a bus. 
     A machine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a machine-readable medium includes read only memory (“ROM”); random access memory (“RAM”); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.); etc. 
     At least certain embodiments of the present inventions include an integrated sensor and emitter device having one or more light sensors (e.g., a photodiode sensor able to detect visible and infrared (IR) light) and/or IR light emitters for sensing and emitting IR signals. At least certain embodiments of the present inventions include a device to sense proximity, to sense IR data signals, and to sense light, using an emitter of an IR proximity signal, and a sensor. The sensor may be configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity, to detect IR data signals when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and to detect ambient light (e.g., visible and IR ambient light) when the apparatus sensing light. 
     At least certain embodiments of the inventions may be part of a digital media player, such as a portable music and/or video media player, which may include a media processing system to present the media, a storage device to store the media and may further include a radio frequency (RF) transceiver (e.g., an RF transceiver for a cellular telephone) coupled with an antenna system and the media processing system. In certain embodiments, media stored on a remote storage device may be transmitted to the media player through the RF transceiver. The media may be, for example, one or more of music or other audio, still pictures, or motion pictures. 
     The portable media player may include a media selection device, such as a click wheel input device on an iPod® or iPod Nano® media player from Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., a touch screen input device, pushbutton device, movable pointing input device or other input device. The media selection device may be used to select the media stored on the storage device and/or the remote storage device. The portable media player may, in at least certain embodiments, include a display device which is coupled to the media processing system to display titles or other indicators of media being selected through the input device and being presented, either through a speaker or earphone(s), or on the display device, or on both display device and a speaker or earphone(s). Examples of a portable media player are described in published U.S. patent application numbers 92003/0095096 and 92004/0224638, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Embodiments of the inventions described herein may be part of other types of data processing systems, such as, for example, entertainment systems or personal digital assistants (PDAs), or general purpose computer systems, or special purpose computer systems, or an embedded device within another device, or cellular telephones which do not include media players, or devices which combine aspects or functions of these devices (e.g., a media player, such as an iPod®, combined with a PDA, an entertainment system, and a cellular telephone in one portable device). 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a portable device  30  according to one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2  shows a wireless device in a telephone configuration having a “candy-bar” style. In  FIG. 2 , the wireless device  30  may include a housing  32 , a display device  34 , an input device  36  which may be an alphanumeric keypad, a speaker  38 , a microphone  40  and an antenna  42 . The wireless device  30  also may include a proximity sensor  44  and an accelerometer  46 . It will be appreciated that the embodiment of  FIG. 2  may use more or fewer sensors and may have a different form factor from the form factor shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The display device  34  is shown positioned at an upper portion of the housing  32 , and the input device  36  is shown positioned at a lower portion of the housing  32 . The antenna  42  is shown extending from the housing  32  at an upper portion of the housing  32 . The speaker  38  is also shown at an upper portion of the housing  32  above the display device  34 . The microphone  40  is shown at a lower portion of the housing  32 , below the input device  36 . It will be appreciated that the speaker  38  and microphone  40  can be positioned at any location on the housing, but are typically positioned in accordance with a user&#39;s ear and mouth, respectively. The proximity sensor  44  is shown at or near the speaker  38  and at least partially within the housing  32 . The accelerometer  46  is shown at a lower portion of the housing  32  and within the housing  32 . It will be appreciated that the particular locations of the above-described features may vary in alternative embodiments. 
     The display device  34  may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) which does not include the ability to accept inputs or a touch input screen which also includes an LCD. The input device  36  may include, for example, buttons, switches, dials, sliders, keys or keypad, navigation pad, touch pad, touch screen, and the like. 
     Any well-known speaker, microphone and antenna can be used for speaker  38 , microphone  40  and antenna  42 , respectively. 
     The proximity sensor  44  may detect location (e.g. at least one of X, Y, Z), direction of motion, speed, etc. of objects relative to the wireless device  30 . A location of an object relative to the wireless device can be represented as a distance in at least certain embodiments. The proximity sensor may generate location or movement data or both, which may be used to determine the location of objects relative to the portable device  30  and/or proximity sensor  44 . An example of a proximity sensor is shown in  FIG. 7A . 
     In addition, a processing device (not shown) is coupled to the proximity sensor(s)  44 . The processing device may be used to determine the location of objects relative to the portable device  30  or proximity sensor  44  or both based on the location and/or movement data provided by the proximity sensor  44 . The proximity sensor may continuously or periodically monitor the object location. The proximity sensor may also be able to determine the type of object it is detecting. 
     Additional information about proximity sensors can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/241,839, titled “PROXIMITY DETECTOR IN HANDHELD DEVICE,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/240,788, titled “PROXIMITY DETECTOR IN HANDHELD DEVICE;” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/165,958, titled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY DETECTING PRESENCE,” filed Jun. 23, 2005; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,583,676, titled “PROXIMITY/TOUCH DETECTOR AND CALIBRATION CIRCUIT,” issued Jun. 24, 2003, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     According to one embodiment, the accelerometer  46  is able to detect a movement including an acceleration or de-acceleration of the wireless device. The accelerometer  46  may generate movement data for multiple dimensions, which may be used to determine a direction of movement of the wireless device. For example, the accelerometer  46  may generate X, Y and Z axis acceleration information when the accelerometer  46  detects that the portable device is moved. In one embodiment, the accelerometer  46  may be implemented as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, the accelerometer  46  may be a KGFOL accelerometer from Kionix or an ADXL311 accelerometer from Analog Devices or other accelerometers which are known in the art. 
     In addition, a processing device (not shown) is coupled to the accelerometer(s)  46 . The processing device may be used to calculate a direction of movement, also referred to as a movement vector of the wireless device  30 . The movement vector may be determined according to one or more predetermined formulas based on the movement data (e.g., movement in X, Y and Z) provided by accelerometer  46 . The processing device may be integrated with the accelerometer  46  or integrated with other components, such as, for example, a chipset of a microprocessor, of the portable device. 
     The accelerometer  46  may continuously or periodically monitor the movement of the portable device. As a result, an orientation of the portable device prior to the movement and after the movement may be determined based on the movement data provided by the accelerometer attached to the portable device. 
     Additional information about accelerometers can be found in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/986,730, filed Nov. 12, 2004, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The data acquired from the proximity sensor  44  and the accelerometer  46  can be combined together, or used alone, to gather information about the user&#39;s activities. The data from the proximity sensor  44 , the accelerometer  46  or both can be used, for example, to activate/deactivate a display backlight, initiate commands, make selections, control scrolling or other movement in a display, control input device settings, or to make other changes to one or more settings of the device. 
       FIG. 3  shows an alternative portable device  30   a , which is similar to the portable device  30  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The portable device  30   a  shown in  FIG. 3  can differ from the portable device  30  shown in  FIG. 2  in that the proximity sensor  44   a  ( FIG. 3 ) is located at or near the microphone  40 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a portable device  50  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The portable device  50  may include a housing  52 , a display/input device  54 , a speaker  56 , a microphone  58  and an optional antenna  60  (which may be visible on the exterior of the housing or may be concealed within the housing). The portable device  50  also may include a proximity sensor  62  and an accelerometer  64 . The portable device  50  may be a cellular telephone or a device which is an integrated PDA and a cellular telephone or a device which is an integrated media player and a cellular telephone or a device which is both an entertainment system (e.g. for playing games) and a cellular telephone, or the portable device  50  may be other types of devices described herein. In one particular embodiment, the portable device  50  may include a cellular telephone and a media player and a PDA, all contained within the housing  52 . The portable device  50  may have a form factor which is small enough that it fits within the hand of a normal adult and is light enough that it can be carried in one hand by an adult. It will be appreciated that the term “portable” means the device can be easily held in an adult user&#39;s hands (one or both); for example, a laptop computer and an iPod are portable devices. 
     In one embodiment, the display/input device  54  may include a multi-point touch input screen in addition to being a display, such as an LCD. In one embodiment, the multi-point touch screen is a capacitive sensing medium configured to detect multiple touches (e.g., blobs on the display from a user&#39;s face or multiple fingers concurrently touching or nearly touching the display) or near touches (e.g., blobs on the display) that occur at the same time and at distinct locations in the plane of the touch panel and to produce distinct signals representative of the location of the touches on the plane of the touch panel for each of the multiple touches. Additional information about multi-point input touch screens can be found in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/840,862, filed May 6, 2004 (see published U.S. patent application 20060097991), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A multi-point input touch screen may also be referred to as a multi-touch input panel. 
     A processing device (not shown) may be coupled to the display/input device  54 . The processing device may be used to calculate touches on the touch panel. The display/input device  54  can use the detected touch (e.g., blob or blobs from a user&#39;s face) data to, for example, identify the location of certain objects and to also identify the type of object touching (or nearly touching) the display/input device  54 . 
     The data acquired from the proximity sensor  62  and the display/input device  54  can be combined to gather information about the user&#39;s activities as described herein. The data from the proximity sensor  62  and the display/input device  54  can be used to change one or more settings of the portable device  50 , such as, for example, change an illumination setting of the display/input device  54 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the display/input device  54  occupies a large portion of one surface (e.g. the top surface) of the housing  52  of the portable device  50 . In one embodiment, the display/input device  54  consumes substantially the entire front surface of the portable device  50 . In another embodiment, the display/input device  54  consumes, for example, at least 75% of a front surface of the housing  52  of the portable device  50 . In alternative embodiments, the portable device  50  may include a display which does not have input capabilities, but the display still occupies a large portion of one surface of the portable device  50 . In this case, the portable device  50  may include other types of input devices such as a QWERTY keyboard or other types of keyboard which slide out or swing out from a portion of the portable device  50 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a portable device  70  according to one embodiment of the invention. The portable device  70  may be a cellular telephone which includes a hinge  87  that couples a display housing  89  to a keypad housing  91 . The hinge  87  allows a user to open and close the cellular telephone so that it can be placed in at least one of two different configurations shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . In one particular embodiment, the hinge  87  may rotatably couple the display housing to the keypad housing. In particular, a user can open the cellular telephone to place it in the open configuration shown in  FIG. 5A  and can close the cellular telephone to place it in the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 5B . The keypad housing  91  may include a keypad  95  which receives inputs (e.g. telephone number inputs or other alphanumeric inputs) from a user and a microphone  97  which receives voice input from the user. The display housing  89  may include, on its interior surface, a display  93  (e.g. an LCD) and a speaker  98  and a proximity sensor  84 ; on its exterior surface, the display housing  89  may include a speaker  96 , a temperature sensor  94 , a display  88  (e.g. another LCD), an ambient light sensor  92 , and a proximity sensor  84 A. Hence, in this embodiment, the display housing  89  may include a first proximity sensor on its interior surface and a second proximity sensor on its exterior surface. The first proximity sensor may be used to detect a user&#39;s head or ear being within a certain distance of the first proximity sensor and to cause an illumination setting of displays  93  and  88  to be changed automatically in response to this detecting (e.g. the illumination for both displays are turned off or otherwise set in a reduced power state). Data from the second proximity sensor, along with data from the ambient light sensor  92  and data from the temperature sensor  94 , may be used to detect that the cellular telephone has been placed into the user&#39;s pocket. 
     In at least certain embodiments, the portable device  70  may contain components which provide one or more of the functions of a wireless communication device such as a cellular telephone, a media player, an entertainment system, a PDA, or other types of devices described herein. In one implementation of an embodiment, the portable device  70  may be a cellular telephone integrated with a media player which plays MP3 files, such as MP3 music files. 
     Each of the devices shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 A and  5 B may be a wireless communication device, such as a cellular telephone, and may include a plurality of components which provide a capability for wireless communication.  FIG. 6  shows an embodiment of a wireless device  100  which includes the capability for wireless communication. The wireless device  100  may be included in any one of the devices shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 A and  5 B, although alternative embodiments of those devices of  FIGS. 2-5B  may include more or fewer components than the wireless device  100 . 
     Wireless device  100  may include an antenna system  101 . Wireless device  100  may also include a digital and/or analog radio frequency (RF) transceiver  102 , coupled to the antenna system  101 , to transmit and/or receive voice, digital data and/or media signals through antenna system  101 . 
     Wireless device  100  may also include a digital processing system  103  to control the digital RF transceiver and to manage the voice, digital data and/or media signals. Digital processing system  103  may be a general purpose processing device, such as a microprocessor or controller for example. Digital processing system  103  may also be a special purpose processing device, such as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or DSP (digital signal processor). Digital processing system  103  may also include other devices, as are known in the art, to interface with other components of wireless device  100 . For example, digital processing system  103  may include analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters to interface with other components of wireless device  100 . Digital processing system  103  may include a media processing system  109 , which may also include a general purpose or special purpose processing device to manage media, such as files of audio data. 
     Wireless device  100  may also include a storage device  104 , coupled to the digital processing system, to store data and/or operating programs for the wireless device  100 . Storage device  104  may be, for example, any type of solid-state or magnetic memory device. 
     Wireless device  100  may also include one or more input devices  105 , coupled to the digital processing system  103 , to accept user inputs (e.g., telephone numbers, names, addresses, media selections, etc.) Input device  105  may be, for example, one or more of a keypad, a touchpad, a touch screen, a pointing device in combination with a display device or similar input device. 
     Wireless device  100  may also include at least one display device  106 , coupled to the digital processing system  103 , to display information such as messages, telephone call information, contact information, pictures, movies and/or titles or other indicators of media being selected via the input device  105 . Display device  106  may be, for example, an LCD display device. In one embodiment, display device  106  and input device  105  may be integrated together in the same device (e.g., a touch screen LCD such as a multi-touch input panel which is integrated with a display device, such as an LCD display device). Examples of a touch input panel and a display integrated together are shown in U.S. published application No. 20060097991. The display device  106  may include a backlight  106   a  to illuminate the display device  106  under certain circumstances. It will be appreciated that the wireless device  100  may include multiple displays. 
     Wireless device  100  may also include a battery  107  to supply operating power to components of the system including digital RF transceiver  102 , digital processing system  103 , storage device  104 , input device  105 , microphone  105 A, audio transducer  108 , media processing system  109 , sensor(s)  110 , and display device  106 . Battery  107  may be, for example, a rechargeable or non-rechargeable lithium or nickel metal hydride battery. Wireless device  100  may also include audio transducers  108 , which may include one or more speakers, and at least one microphone  105 A. 
     Wireless device  100  may also include one or more sensors  110  coupled to the digital processing system  103 . The sensor(s)  110  may include, for example, one or more of a proximity sensor, accelerometer, touch input panel, ambient light sensor, ambient noise sensor, temperature sensor, gyroscope, a hinge detector, a position determination device, an orientation determination device, a motion sensor, a sound sensor, a radio frequency electromagnetic wave sensor, and other types of sensors and combinations thereof. Based on the data acquired by the sensor(s)  110 , various responses may be performed automatically by the digital processing system, such as, for example, activating or deactivating the backlight  106   a , changing a setting of the input device  105  (e.g. switching between processing or not processing, as an intentional user input, any input data from an input device), and other responses and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, digital RF transceiver  102 , digital processing system  103  and/or storage device  104  may include one or more integrated circuits disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB). 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate exemplary proximity sensors in accordance with embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, other types of proximity sensors, such as capacitive sensors or sonar-like sensors, may be used rather than the proximity sensors shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . In  FIG. 7A , the proximity sensor  120  includes an emitter  122 , a detector  124 , and a window  126 . The emitter  122  generates light in the infrared (IR) bands, and may be, for example, a Light Emitting Diode (LED). The detector  124  is configured to detect changes in light intensity and may be, for example, a phototransistor. The window  126  may be formed from translucent or semi-translucent material. In one embodiment, the window  126  is an acoustic mesh, such as, for example, a mesh typically found with a microphone or speaker of the portable device. In other embodiments, the window  126  may be MicroPerf, IR transparent strands wound in a mesh, or a cold mirror. 
     During operation, the light from the emitter  122  hits an object and scatters when the object is present above the window  126 . The light from the emitter may be emitted in square wave pulses which have a known frequency, thereby allowing the detector  124  to distinguish between ambient light and light from emitter  122  which is reflected by an object, such as the user&#39;s head or ear or a material in a user&#39;s pocket, back to the detector  124 . At least a portion of the scattered light is reflected towards the detector  124 . The increase in light intensity is detected by the detector  124 , and this is interpreted by a processing system (not shown in  FIG. 7A ) to mean an object is present within a short distance of the detector  124 . If no object is present or the object is beyond a certain distance from the detector  124 , an insufficient or smaller amount of the emitted light is reflected back towards the detector  124 , and this is interpreted by the processing system (not shown in  FIG. 7A ) to mean that an object is not present or is at a relatively large distance. In each case, the proximity sensor is measuring the intensity of reflected light which is related to the distance between the object which reflects the light and detector  124 . In one embodiment, the emitter  122  and detector  124  are disposed within the housing of a portable device, as described above with reference to  FIGS. 2-5B . 
     In  FIG. 7B , the emitter  122  and detector  124  of the proximity sensor are angled inward towards one another to improve detection of the reflected light, but the proximity sensor of  FIG. 7B  otherwise operates in a manner similar to the proximity sensor of  FIG. 7A . 
     A proximity sensor in one embodiment of the inventions includes the ability to both sense proximity and detect electromagnetic radiation, such as light, from a source other than the emitter of the proximity sensor. One implementation of this embodiment may use an emitter of IR light and a detector of IR light to both sense proximity (when detecting IR light from the emitter) and to detect IR light from sources other than the emitter. The use of IR light for both the emitter and the detector of the proximity sensor may be advantageous because IR light is substantially present in most sources of ambient light (such as sunshine, incandescent lamps, LED light sources, candles, and to some extent, even fluorescent lamps). Thus, the detector can detect ambient IR light (which also may be described as “IR ambient light” or “ambient IR light”), which will generally represent, in most environments, ambient light levels at wavelengths other than IR, and use the ambient IR light level to effectively and reasonably accurately represent ambient light levels at wavelengths other than IR. 
     A method of operating a proximity sensor which includes the ability to both sense proximity and detect light is shown in  FIG. 7C  and an example, in block diagram form, of such a proximity sensor is shown in  FIG. 7D . The method of  FIG. 7C  may use the proximity sensor shown in  FIG. 7D  or other proximity sensors. The method includes operation  135  in which electromagnetic radiation (e.g. IR light) is emitted from the emitter of the proximity sensor. The emitter may emit the radiation in a known, predetermined pattern (e.g. a train of square wave pulses of known, predetermined pulse width and frequency) which allows a detector to distinguish between ambient radiation and radiation from the emitter. In operation  137 , the detector of the proximity sensor detects and measures light from the emitter when the detector is operating in proximity sensing mode. A processor coupled to the detector may process the signal from the detector to identify the known predetermined pattern of radiation from the emitter and to measure the amount of radiation from the emitter. In operation  139 , the detector is used in a mode to sense radiation (e.g. ambient IR light) from a source other than the emitter; this operation may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, the emitted light from the emitter may be disabled by a shutter (either a mechanical or electrical shutter) placed over the emitter or the emitter&#39;s power source may be turned off (thereby stopping the emission of radiation from the emitter). Alternatively, known signal processing techniques may be used to remove the effect of the emitter&#39;s emitted light which is received at the detector in order to extract out the light from sources other than the emitter. These signal processing techniques may be employed in cases where it is not desirable to turn on and off the emitter and where it is not desirable to use a shutter. It will be appreciated that operations  135 ,  137  and  139  may be performed in a sequence which is different than the sequence shown in  FIG. 7C ; for example, operation  139  may occur before operations  135  and  137 . 
       FIG. 7D  shows an embodiment of a range sensing IR proximity sensor  145  which can include the ability to sense and measure proximity and to detect and measure ambient light levels. The proximity sensor  145  can include an IR emitter  147  (e.g. an IR LED) and an IR detector  149 . An optional shutter (e.g. an LCD electronic shutter) may be disposed over the emitter  147 . The IR emitter  147  and the IR detector  149  may be coupled to a microcontroller  151  which may control switching between proximity sensing mode and ambient light sensing mode by either closing and opening an optional shutter or by turning on and off the power to the IR emitter  147 . The output from the IR detector  149  may be provided from the microcontroller  151  to the microprocessor  153  which determines, from data from the proximity sensor  145 , at least one proximity value and determines at least one ambient light level value. In an alternative embodiment, the microprocessor may be coupled to the IR emitter  147  and to the IR detector  149  without an intervening microcontroller, and the microprocessor may perform the functions of the microcontroller (e.g. the microprocessor may control switching between proximity sensing mode and ambient light sensing mode). The microprocessor  153  may be coupled to other components  155 , such as input (e.g. keypad) or output (e.g. display) devices or memory devices or other sensors or a wireless transceiver system, etc. For example, the microprocessor  153  may be the main processor of the wireless device  100  shown in  FIG. 6 . In those embodiments in which a shutter over the IR emitter is not used and IR emissions from the IR emitter  147  are received at the IR detector  149  while the IR detector  149  is measuring ambient light levels, the microprocessor  153  (or the microcontroller  151 ) may filter out the known predetermined pattern of IR light from the IR emitter  147  in order to extract a signal from the IR detector  149  representing the IR light level from sources other than the IR emitter  147 . 
     According to embodiments, an integrated sensor and emitter (e.g., a device, chip, data processing device, apparatus, method, medium, instructions and/or components thereof) may be used in place of any of the sensors described above for  FIGS. 1-7 , or below for  FIGS. 8 and 13 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a schematic of an integrated sensor and emitter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9  shows integrated sensor and emitter device  901  (e.g., “an integrated device” or “device  901 ”), such as a sensor and emitter to sense proximity, to sense IR data signals, and to sense light.  FIG. 9  shows device  901  including sensor S 1  coupled across the inputs of operation amplifier (OA)  1  (e.g., a pre-amp), ground signals (GND), resistor R 1 , emitter E 1 , and multiplexers (MUX)  1 . 
       FIG. 9  shows resistor R 1  is can be used to provide feedback from OA 1  so that OA 1  may function as a preamplifier for the signal generated by sensor S 1 . Thus, signals received at node N 1  may be amplified (e.g., with respect to signal level or amplitude) at node N 2 , but have other frequency and waveform characteristics (e.g., waveform over time) equal at nodes N 1  and N 2 . Moreover, sensor S 1  may be a sensor, such as a sensor that is able to convert received and detected visible and IR light (e.g., light signals, photons, modulated data and the like) into an electronic signal at node N 1 . According to embodiments, sensor S 1  may be a photodiode (e.g., a phototransistor) sensor (e.g., a receiver) able to detect visible light (including ambient visible light) and IR light (including ambient IR light). Such light may include ambient light generated by the sun, incandescent light bulbs or sources, and/or fluorescent light bulbs or sources. For example,  FIG. 9  shows sensor S 1  receiving and detecting IRDA signal  976 , IR remote control (RC) signal  974 , ambient light signal  972  (e.g., including both visible and IR ambient light), and reflected IR proximity signal  970 . Note that remote control (RC) filters, processors, signals, etc. described herein may or may not include resistor (R) capacitor (C) type filters, processors, signals, etc. 
     Sensor S 1  may detect IR proximity signal  970  from the emitter when the device  901  is sensing proximity, detect IR data signals  974  and  976  when device  901  is detecting IR data, and detect ambient light signal  972  when device  901  is sensing light. Signal  970  may be a signal reflected by object  990 , such as a reflection of signal  950  by the surface or material of object  990 , and received and detected by sensor S 1 . Signal  972  may be or include visible as well as IR ambient light, and sensor S 1  may detect the visible and IR bandwidth or portion (e.g., the visible and IR frequency or bandwidth spectrum) of the ambient light. Optionally, sensor S 1  may only detect the IR bandwidth or portion (e.g., the IR frequency or bandwidth spectrum) of the ambient light, such as where sensor S 1  is an IR light only sensor and/or has a non-visible light transmissive cover (e.g., does not transmit visible light but may transmit IR light and other frequency light) over it. As noted above for  FIG. 7 , an ambient light level (e.g., of visible ambient light or non-IR ambient light) may be determined from the IR ambient light detected. In some cases, sensor S 1  may detect IR RC signal  974  when device  901  is sensing IRRC signals and detect IRDA signal  976  when device  901  is sensing IRDA signals. 
     Sensor S 1  may convert or light signals  970 ,  972 ,  974  and/or  976  into electronic signals. Specifically, sensor S 1  may convert signal  970  into detected proximity signal  980 , may convert signal  972  into detected ambient light signal  982 , may convert signal  974  into detected RC signal  984 , and may convert signal  976  into detected IRDA signal  986 . Signals  980 ,  982 ,  984  and  986  may be received at node N 1  and amplified by OA 1  to also be received at node N 2  (e.g., being amplified signals, such as by having amplified level or amplitude at node N 2 ). Similarly, sensor S 1  may receive and detect signal  970 ,  972 ,  974  and  976  simultaneously, such as to output or create signal  980 ,  982 ,  984  and/or  986  simultaneously. 
     MUX  1  may select between input signals IRDA signal  946 , RC transmit signal  944 , and proximity transmit signal  940 . Selection by MUX  1  may be controlled by microcontroller  960 . Thus, signal  940 ,  944  and/or  946  may be received at emitter E 1 . Emitter E 1  may be an infrared emitter capable of converting electrical signals received by the emitter into infrared light signals and/or data. For example,  FIG. 9  shows emitter E 1  emitting (e.g., transmitting) emitted IR proximity signal  950 , emitted IR RC signal  954 , and emitted IRDA signal  956 . For example emitter E 1  may emit signal  950  when device  901  is detecting proximity, or emitting a proximity signal. Also, emitter E 1  may emit signal  954  and/or  956  when device  901  is emitting IR data signals. Also, emitter E 1  may emit signal  954  when device  901  is emitting an IRRC signal and emit IRDA signal  956  when device  901  is emitting an IRDA signal. Specifically, emitter E 1  may be a light source able to emit IR light, such as an IR LED (e.g., photodiode or phototransistor). 
       FIG. 9  shows sensor S 1 , which can be coupled to proximity filter  910 , ambient light sensor (ALS) filter  912 , IR remote control filter  914 , and IRDA filter  916  (such as by being coupled through node N 2 ). Filters  910 ,  912 ,  914  and  916  may filter the signal received by sensor S 1 , such as by passing different frequencies, frequency bandwidths, of signals output by sensor S 1 , signal  980 , signal  984  and/or signal  986 . 
     For example, proximity filter  910  may be a band pass filter to pass signals (e.g., as passed or filtered proximity signal  911 ) having a frequency of between 100 kHz and 300 kHz or a frequency of between 70 kHz and 350 kHz to proximity processor  920 . Also, ALS filter  912  may be a low pass filter, such as a filter to pass signals (e.g., as passed or filtered ALS signal  913 ) having a frequency less than 100 Hz to ALS processor  922 . Also, IR remote control filter  914  may be a band pass filter, such as a filter to pass signals (e.g., as passed or filtered RC signal  915 ) having a frequency of between 30 kHz and 50 kHz to IR remote control processor  924 . Also, IRDA filter  916  may be a pass band filter or a center frequency filter, such as to pass signals (e.g., as passed or filtered IRDA signal  917 ) having a frequency as known in the art for an IRDA signal to IRDA processor  926 . For example, filter  916  may be a pass band filter or a center frequency filter, such as to pass signals having a frequency of between 500 kHz and 10 MHz, or a filter having a center frequency at 1 MHz, to IRDA processor  926 . In addition, emitted signals  950 ,  954  and/or  956  may have frequencies or be in frequency bands similar to those described above for signals  911 ,  915  and/or  917 , respectively. Also, it is considered that signals  950 ,  954 ,  956 ,  911 ,  915  and/or  917  may be one or more signals in different “channels” of the bands, such as by being at one of various different peak frequencies (e.g., modulated by different frequency carriers) within the band. 
       FIG. 11  is a graph showing light intensity versus frequency  1101  for light signals in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 11  shows light signal intensity  1102  (e.g., visible and/or IR light) of signals  1110 ,  1112 ,  1114 , and  1116  versus frequency (kHz)  1104 . Signal  1112  may represent an ambient light signal (or signals, such as including visible and IR ambient light) having amplitude between Amp 1  and Amp 2  at a frequency (or frequencies) within frequency band B 1 , and/or less than frequency F 1 . In some cases, signal  1112  may represent signal  972 ,  982  and/or may include an amplitude for the ambient light at and near direct current (DC) frequency zero. Signal  1114  may represent an IR RC signal (or signals) having amplitude between Amp 1  and Amp 3  at a frequency (or frequencies) within frequency band B 2 , and/or between frequency F 2  and F 3 . In some cases, signal  1114  may represent signal  954 ,  974  and/or  984 . Signal  1110  may represent an IR proximity signal (or signals) having amplitude between Amp 1  and Amp 3  at a frequency (or frequencies) within frequency band B 3 , and/or between frequency F 4  and F 5 . In some cases, signal  1110  may represent signal  950 ,  970  and/or  980 . Signal  1116  may represent an IRDA signal (or signals) having amplitude between Amp 1  and Amp 3  at a frequency (or frequencies) within frequency band B 4 , and/or between frequency F 6  and F 7 . In some cases, signal  1116  may represent signal  956 ,  976  and/or  986 . 
     Signals  1110 ,  1114 , and  1116  may be modulated signals (e.g., data or other signals modulated with or using an IR signal within each band). It is considered that signals  1110 ,  1114 , and  1116  may be demodulated using a frequency and/or time demodulation filter, demodulator, and/or technique. Also, it can be appreciated that each of signals  1110 ,  1112 ,  1114 , and  1116  may be in a larger or smaller frequency bandwidth and/or amplitude that that shown in the  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 9  shows proximity processor  920 , which can be coupled to the output of proximity filter  910 , so that signals filtered or passed by filter  910  may be received by processor  920 . ALS processor  922  is also shown, which can be coupled to the output of ALS filter  912 , so that signals filtered or passed by filter  912  may be received by processor  922 . Likewise, IR remote control processor  924  is shown, which can be coupled to the output of IR remote control filter  914 , so that signals filtered or passed by filter  914  may be received by processor  924 . Finally, IRDA processor  926  is also shown, which can be coupled to the output of IRDA filter  916 , so that signals filtered or passed by filter  916  may be received by processor  926 . Proximity processor  920  is shown outputting signal  930 , such as a digital signal determining or identifying a proximity, such as the proximity of object  990  to sensor S 1 , emitter E 1 , and/or chip  903 . Also, processor  920  is shown outputting proximity transmit signal  940 , such as an analog signal that when received by emitter E 1  causes emitter E 1  to transmit emitted IR proximity signal  950 . Similarly, ALS processor  922  is shown outputting signal  932 , such as a digital signal determining, identifying, or representing an ambient light component or portion. Also, IR remote control processor  924  is shown outputting signal  934 , such as a digital signal including data, such as remote control commands, received from or in IR RC signal  974 . Such remote control commands may include commands, instructions and/or control data (e.g., modulated on or in wireless IR RC signal  974 , such as in packets or blocks of data) causing a host or electronic device including device  901  and/or electronically coupled to device  901  to perform an act or adjust a setting (e.g., increase/decrease volume, forward/reverse to next song track of audio play). Digital data of signal  934  may be demodulated from signal  974  by processor  924 . Also, processor  924  is shown outputting RC transmit signal  944 , such as an analog signal that when received by emitter E 1  causes emitter E 1  to emit emitted IR RC signal  954 . 
     Also, IRDA processor  926  is shown outputting signal  936 , such as a digital signal including data, such as IRDA data, received from or in IRDA signal  976 . Such IRDA data may include audio, images and/or video media (e.g., modulated on or in wireless IRDA signal  976 , such as in packets, files, or blocks of data and/or of compressed data) causing a host or electronic device including device  901  and/or electronically coupled to device  901  to store, save, play (e.g., as audio signals out of a speaker), and/or display data (or media, e.g., as an image and/or as video). According to embodiments, IRDA defines physical specifications communications protocol standards for the short range exchange of data over IR light, for uses such as personal area networks (PANs), very short-range free-space optical communications (e.g., between palmtop computers, mobile phones and the like), and/or between devices having a direct line of sight. Digital data of signal  936  may be demodulated from signal  976  by processor  926 . Also, processor  926  is shown outputting IRDA transmit signal  946 , such as an analog signal that when received by emitter E 1  causes emitter E 1  to emit emitted IRDA signal  956 . 
     Signals  930 ,  932 ,  934  and  936  are received by microcontroller  960 , such as by being multiplex or other words communicated as digital outputs  937 . Microcontroller  960  is shown, which can be coupled to host controller  962 , such as to communicate data between controller  960  and controller  962 , and/or between. For example, controller  962  may send instructions or data, and/or receive instructions or data from controller  960 . Microcontroller  960  may also communicate data between the processors and the host controller, such as to control the processors (and sensor/emitters) and receive sensed or detected analog and digital data from the sensors to report (or to report results based on) to the host. 
     Signals  940 ,  944  and  946  are shown received at the input of MUX  1 . MUX  1  may be controlled by controller  960 , such as to select any single, combination of, or all of signals  940 ,  944  and  946  to be output or transmitted to emitter E 1  during a period of time. Thus, emitter E 1  may emit any single, any combination of, or all of signals  950 ,  954  and  956  simultaneously (e.g., during or over the same period of time). In some cases, integrated sensor and emitter device  901  may be detecting signals  910 ,  972 ,  974  and  976 ; and emitting signals  950 ,  954  and/or  956  simultaneously. For instance, in  FIG. 9 , emitter E 1  may emit signals  950 ,  954  and  956  simultaneously or during different periods of time. In some embodiments, controller processors  920 ,  922 ,  924  and/or  926  may cause signals  950 ,  954  and  956  to each be emitted during the same period of time (e.g., by sending a signals to emitter E 1 ). 
     Signals  950 ,  954  and  956  may each be in a different frequency band. For example, signal  950  may be any of a number of emitted IR proximity signals having different frequencies but within a range of frequencies or frequency band. A similar concept applies to signals  954  and  956 . Likewise, signals  970 ,  972 ,  974  and  976  may each be in a different band. Also, in some cases, signal  972  may cover or have signal components in a range of bands including those in which signals  970 ,  974  and  976  exist. However, components or components of signal  972  may be subtracted from signals  970 ,  974  and  976  by processor  920 ,  924  and  926 , such as according to an ALS determination made my controller  960  or controller  962 . Such an ALS determination may include or consider an ALS visible light and/or IR light signal (e.g., such as signal  932 ) received and processed by controller  960  and/or controller  962 , such as to determine the component of signal  972  in the other IR bands (e.g., bands B 2 , B 3 , and B 4 ). 
     For instance, filter  910  may subtract signals  982 ,  984  and  986  from signal  980 , to pass signal  980 , such as when emitter device  901  is sensing proximity. Similarly, filter  922  may subtract signals  980 ,  984  and  986  from signal  982 , to pass signal  982 , such as when emitter device  901  is sensing light or ambient light. Also, filter  914  may subtract signal  980 ,  982  and  986  from signal  984 , to pass signal  984 , such as when emitter device  901  is sensing IR data or IR RC data. Finally, filter  916  may subtract signals  980 ,  982  and  984  from signal  986 , such as to pass signal  986  when emitter device  901  is sensing IR data or IRDA data. In some embodiments, IR RC signals and IRDA signals may be described as IR data signals. For example, signals  984  and  986  may be described at detected IR data signals, while signals  954  and  956  may be described as emitted IR data signals. It can be appreciated that these signals may be described as data communication signals or “data signals” because the RC and IRDA signals include data, such as RC commands and IRDA data, respectively. 
     Moreover, in some cases subtraction of signals  984  and  986 , such as to pass signal  980  or  982 , may be described as subtracting an IR data signal. A corresponding concept applies with respect to passing an IR data signal. Thus, in some embodiments, signal  980  and/or  982  may be subtracted from signals  984  and  986 , such as to pass signals  984  and  986 , which may be described as passing detected IR data signals. A similar concept also applies to emitting signals  954  and  956 . Thus, signals  954  and  956  may be emitted, such as to be described as emitted IR data signals. In fact, it can be appreciated that throughout emitter device  901 , a combination of receiving, detecting, filtering, processing, transmitting (e.g., such as signals  946  and  940 , which may be described as transmit data signals), and emitting of a data signal may describe either or both a RC signal or an IRDA signal. 
     In order to decode or demodulate data from the detected or passed signal, processors  924  and  926  may include decoders and/or demodulators. For example, processor  924  may include a decoder and/or demodulator to demodulate RC commands or instructions that are modulated on an IR carrier to form signal  974 . The demodulated signal may then be or not be decoded to produce output  934 . Likewise, for example, processor  926  may include a decoder and/or demodulator to demodulate IRDA data that are modulated on an IR carrier to form signal  976 . The demodulated signal may then be or not be decoded to produce output  936 . 
     A similar concept for demodulating and decoding using processor  924  and  926  applies to generating or creating transmit signal  940  and  946 . For example, processor  924  may or may not encode commands or instructions as a data signal and then may modulate that data signal to create transmit signal  944 . Likewise, for example, processor  926  may or may not encode commands or instructions as a data signal and then may modulate that data signal to create transmit signal  946 . 
     It can be appreciated that the term “sensor” may describe a single electronic and/or light sensing device or component, such as a sensor diode, or multiple electronic and/or light components. Such components may include an light detecting diode, photodiode, phototransistor, diode, operational amplifier (OA), resistors, other circuitry, a visible and IR light filter or cover (such as to cover the sensor diode and pass visible and IR light), an IR light filter or cover (such as to cover all or portions of the IR diode, to pass IR light, but not to pass visible light), and/or other light components. 
     Similarly, the term “emitter” may describe a single electronic and/or IR light device or component, such as an IR emitter, an IR transmitter, photodiode, phototransistor and/or an IR light emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, the term “emitter” may be used to describe more than one electronic and/or IR light device or component, such as an IR LED, a resistor, a multiplexer, an OA, a visible and IR light filter (such as to cover the IR emitter and pass visible and IR light), an IR light filter (such as to cover the IR emitter, not to pass visible light, but to pass IR light), and/or other IR light components. It is also considered that a “combined sensor and emitter device” or “integrated sensor and emitter device” may describe a single device or a single IC chip, such as chip  903  (which excludes object  990 ), including a sensor and/or IR emitter, and optionally other electronic devices or hardware. 
     Moreover, a sensor, an emitter, an apparatus, an integrated sensor and emitter, and/or an integrated device as described herein may be part of and/or electronically coupled to an electronic device or “host”, such as a computer, television, portable media player, telephone, cell phone, other portable devices, video player, MP3 player, other audio player, remote control controller and/or receiver, infrared (IR) data association emitter and/or receiver, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like. 
     Also, the terms amplitude, level, intensity, magnitude, and amount may be used to describe an intensity of an light signal (e.g., wireless), such as with respect to time, wavelength and/or frequency. In some cases, any of those terms may describe an electronic signal representation either resulting from detection of such a signal (e.g., wireless) or causing emission of such a signal (e.g., wireless). 
       FIG. 9  also shows fence  992  such as a non-IR transmissive fence between sensor S 1  and emitter E 1 . For example, fence  992  may be used in configurations where a cover (such as a plastic or protective covering) covers over sensor S 1  and emitter E 1 , and/or device  901 . Fence  992  may be disposed between the emitter and detector and may be configured to remove IR radiation emitted by the emitter (e.g., that may reflect or refract emitted signals  950 ,  954  and  956 ), such as to prohibit the emitted IR radiation from being directly incident upon sensor S 1  (e.g., reflected or refracted signals  950 ,  954  and  956 ). Thus, fence  992  may be configured to prohibit such reflected or refracted signals from entering sensor S 1 . Fence  992  may be a fence that is antireflective or non-transmissive for radiation of emitter E 1 . Fence  992  may be disposed between emitter E 1  and sensor S 1 , extending all the way up to the covering, to minimize erroneous readings caused by the sensor receiving radiation emitted by emitter E 1 , refracted by the cover. According to some embodiments, fence  992  may be excluded or not present in device  901  (e.g., optional). 
     Any or all of the components of integrated sensor and emitters device  901  may exist in or on chip  903 . For example, sensor S 1  and emitter E 1  may exist on the same IC chip, chip  903 . In addition to the sensor and emitter, various other electronic and/or light components of device  901  may exist on chip  903  as well. For example, all of the components shown for device  901  except for controller  962  and fence  992  may exist in or on chip  903 . In addition, fence  992  may be mounted on, above, or over chip  903 . Host controller  962  may be on another chip and interface through contacts to chip  903 . Moreover, sensor S 1 , emitter E 1  filters  910 ,  912 ,  914  and  916 ; processors  920 ,  922 ,  924  and  926 ; and MUX  1  (and optionally microcontroller  960 ) may exist on chip  903 . Also, various combinations of filters  910 ,  912 ,  914  and  916 ; processors  920 ,  922 ,  924  and  926 ; and/or controller  960  and MUX  1  may exist on chip  903 . In some cases, emitter E 1  may not be on chip  903  or may be on a separate chip than chip  903 . 
     Using filters  910 ,  912 ,  914  and/or  916  to pass signals  980 ,  982 ,  984  and/or  984  according to a band pass, low pass, or frequency band may be described as frequency division multiplexing, such as using the different frequency band filters (e.g., to filter or pass different signals in various frequency bands received or detected during the same period of time). 
     According to some embodiments, signals  980 ,  982 ,  984  and  986  may be filtered or passed by time division multiplexing. For example,  FIG. 10  shows a schematic of an integrated sensor and emitter in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 10  shows integrated sensor and emitter device  1002  (e.g., “an integrated device” or “device  1002 ”), including one or more electronic and/or IR light devices. In some embodiments, device  1002  may perform the same functions as device  901 . Thus, device  1002  is shown including components and signals similar to those of device  901 . However, device  1002  can include programmable filter  1018 , which can be coupled to node N 2 , programmable demodulator/amplitude detector  1028  coupled to the output of programmable filter  1018 , such as to receive signals passed by programmable filter  1018 . Timing sequence controller  1038  can be coupled to detector  1028  and microcontroller  1088 . Microcontroller  1088  can be coupled to host controller  962 . Instructions and data may be communicated between (e.g., among) controller  1038 , controller  1088  and/or controller  962 . In addition, controller  1038  may provide timing sequences for time division multiplexing (“TDM”) to be implemented by detector  1028 . 
     Detector  1028  is also shown coupled to microcontroller  1088 , such as to communicate output  937  to controller  1088 . Output  937  may include signals  930 ,  932 ,  934  and  936  as described for  FIG. 9 . 
     Controller  1038  is also shown coupled to transmit block  1090  to communicate signals  940 ,  944  and  946  to block  1090 . Transmit block  1090  may provide signal  940 ,  944  and/or  946  to emitter E 1  to be emitted as signals  950 ,  954  and  956  respectively. 
     Filter  1018 , detector  1028 , controller  1038  and block  1090  (an optional controller  1088 ) may be described as detecting, filtering, processing and/or emitting signals according to TDM, and for example, may be described as a single TDM filter. For example, filter  1018  may be used to select between a frequency band of or that includes signal  980 ,  982 ,  984  and/or  986 , such as to pass any one, any combination of, or all of signals  980 ,  982 ,  984  and  986  to detector  1028 . Detector  1028  may be used to select between the passed signals, such as by selecting between a period of time for detecting, demodulating and/or decoding signal  980 ,  982 ,  984  and/or  986 . More specifically, detector  1028  may select between periods of time for the passed signals, and then may demodulate the period of time including the selected signal, such as to demodulate the period of time of passed signal  980 ,  982 ,  984  or  986 . 
     It can be appreciated that such filtering, detecting, demodulating and/or encoding may perform the functions corresponding to those described for  FIG. 9 . Specifically, filter  1018  may output filtered signals  1011  to pass the frequencies or frequency bands as described above for filter  910 ,  912 ,  914  or  916 . Also, detector  1028  may demodulate and pass a period of time of filtered signals  1011  received from filter  1018 , as output  1037 . Output  1037  may be a period of time of any of signals  930 ,  932 ,  934  or  936 . 
     Transmit block  1090  may output signals  940 ,  944  or  946  during different periods of time to be emitted by emitter E 1 . For example, controller  1038  and/or block  1090  may control sending signal  940  to emitter E 1  to be transmitted as signal  950  when device  1002  is sensing proximity or emitting a proximity signal. Likewise, controller  1038  and/or block  1090  may send signal  944  to emitter E 1  to be transmitted as signal  954  when device  1002  is emitting IR data or an IR RC signal. Next, controller  1038  and/or block  1090  may send signal  946  to emitter E 1  to be transmitted as signal  956  when device  1002  is emitting IR data or an IRDA signal. 
     Consequently, in  FIG. 10 , emitter E 1  may emit signals  950 ,  954  and  956  simultaneously or during different periods of time. In some embodiments, controller  1038  and/or lock  1090  may cause signals  950 ,  954  and  956  to each be emitted during different periods of time (e.g., by sending a signals to emitter E 1 ). 
     It can be appreciated that the descriptions above for  FIG. 9  with respect to IR data signals, emitted IR data signals and detected IR data signals (e.g., where a data signal is a RC signal and/or an IRDA signal) apply to  FIG. 10  as well. Similarly, descriptions above with respect to any or all of the components of device  901  being on chip  903  apply to components of device  1002  being on chip  1004  (which excludes object  990 ). For example, sensor S 1  and emitter E 1  may both exist in or on chip  1004 . In addition to the sensor and emitter, various other electronic and/or light components of device  1002  may exist on chip  1004  as well. For example, all of the components shown for device  1002  except for controller  962  and fence  992  may exist in or on chip  1004 . In addition, fence  992  may be mounted on, above, or over chip  1004 . Host controller  962  may be on another chip and interface through contacts to chip  1004 . Moreover, sensor S 1 , emitter E 1  filter  1018 , detector  1028 , controller  1038 , and block  1090  (and optionally microcontroller  1088 ) may exist on chip  1004 . Also, various combinations of filter  1018 , detector  1028 , controller  1038 , and block  1090  may exist on chip  1004 . In some cases, emitter E 1  may be on a separate chip than chip  1004 . According to some embodiments, chip  903  and chip  1004  will include the components described above, except that emitter E 1  will not be on chip  903  or chip  1004 , such as by being on another chip and/or interfaced with MUX  1  and block  1090 , respectively, by electrical contact or connection. 
       FIG. 12  shows a block diagram of an integrated sensor and emitter in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 12  shows integrated sensor and emitter device  1201  (e.g., “an integrated device” or “device  1201 ”), including one or more electronic and/or IR light devices.  FIG. 12  shows device  1201  including sensor  1202  coupled through node N 2  to filter  1210 , which can be coupled to controller  1230 , which is coupled to emitter  1290 .  FIG. 12  also shows fence  992  disposed between sensor  1202  and emitter  1290 . 
     In some embodiments, device  1201  may perform the same functions as device  901  and/or  1002 . Thus, device  1201  is shown including components and signals similar to those of device  901  and/or  1002 . Specifically, device  1201  can include sensor  1202  which may be similar to sensor S 1  (e.g., and may include amplifier OA 1  and resistor R 1  circuitry/network). Thus, sensor  1201  may detect signals  970  (e.g., signal  950  reflected by object  990 ),  972 ,  974 , and/or  976  and generate corresponding signals  870 ,  872 ,  874 , and/or  876 , which are passed to filter  1210 . Filter  1210  may be or may perform the functionality of one or more filters similar to filter  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 , and/or  1018 . Thus, filter  1210  may pass signals  870 ,  872 ,  874 , and/or  876  as passed or filtered signals  1211  (e.g., such as a signals containing signals  911 ,  913 ,  915 ,  917 , and/or  1011 ) to controller  1230 , simultaneously or during different periods of time. Controller  1230  may include or may perform the functionality of one or more processors (e.g., similar to processors  920 ,  922 ,  924 , and/or  926 ), microcontrollers (e.g., similar to microcontroller  960 ,  962 , and/or  1088 ), programmable demodulator/amplitude detectors (e.g., similar to detector  1028 ), and/or timing sequence controllers (e.g., similar to controller  1038 ). Thus, controller  1230  may pass signals  940 ,  944  and/or  946  to emitter  1290  simultaneously or during different periods of time, such as to cause the emitter to emit signals  950 ,  954  and/or  956 . Emitter  1290  may be an emitter similar to or may perform the functionality of emitter E 1 , multiplexer MUX  1  and/or block  1090 . Thus, emitter  1290  may emit signals  950 ,  954  and/or  956  simultaneously or during different periods of time. It can be appreciated that device  1201  can detect and/or emit IR signals according to a frequency domain scheme (e.g., using frequency domain multiplexing) or according to a time domain scheme (e.g., using time domain multiplexing) as described herein. 
     It can be appreciated that the descriptions above for  FIG. 9  with respect to IR data signals, emitted IR data signals and detected IR data signals (e.g., where a data signal is a RC signal and/or an IRDA signal) apply to  FIG. 12  as well. Similarly, descriptions above with respect to any or all of the components of device  901  being on chip  903  apply to components of device  1201  being on chip  1205  (which excludes object  990 ). For example, sensor  1202  and emitter  1290  may both exist in or on chip  1205 . In addition to the sensor and emitter, filter  1210  and controller  1230  may exist on chip  1205  as well. According to some embodiments, chip  1205  will include the components described above, except that emitter  1290  will not be on chip  1205 , such as by being on another chip and/or interfaced with controller  1230 , by electrical contact or connection. 
     According to embodiments, chip  903 ,  1004 , and/or  1205  may include or be a single integrated circuit (IC) chip to perform any combination of detection, filtering, demodulating, de-multiplexing, processing, modulating, and emitting functions described herein (e.g., for devices  901 ,  1002  and/or  1201 ). In some cases, chip  903 ,  1004 , and/or  1205  may include a single IC chip to sense proximity, to IR data signals, and to sense light by including an emitter of an IR proximity signal, and a sensor configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity, to detect IR data signals when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and to detect ambient light when the apparatus is sensing ambient light. The detected IR data signals may include an IR RC signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the apparatus is sensing IRRC signals, and an IRDA signal that the sensor is configured to detect when the apparatus is sensing IRDA signals. Also, the emitter may be configured to emit the IR proximity signal when the apparatus is detecting proximity and emitted IR data signals when the apparatus is emitting IR data signals. The emitted IR data signals include an IR remote control (RC) signal when the apparatus is emitting an IRRC signal and an IRDA signal when the apparatus is emitting an IRDA signal. 
     Such an IC chip may further include a filter (e.g., processing logic) coupled to the emitter and/or to the sensor, configured to filter out or pass the detected signals, such as using multiple frequency division multiplexing filters (e.g., according to different frequency bands); or using a single time division multiplexing filter, as described herein. Such an IC chip may further include a processor (e.g., processing logic) coupled to the filter, configured to process the filtered signals, such as to demodulate data carried or modulated with or onto IR modulation signals. Moreover, a “chip” may describe a controller, a microcontroller, a microcontroller unit (MCU), a programmable system on a chip device, a die, an integrated circuit (IC), and/or a single monolithic semiconductor substrate. 
     According to embodiments, the functionality described above (e.g., for any combination of detection, filtering, demodulation, de-multiplexing, processing, modulating, and emitting functions described herein for devices  901 ,  1002  and/or  1201 ) may be implemented using a phone (e.g., a telephone or cell phone). In some cases, the phone may include an integrated sensor or receiver, and an integrated wireless transceiver (e.g., a wireless cellular transceiver). The transceiver may transmit and receive wireless telephony communications or data, when the phone is communicating by telephony; and the sensor may be configured to receive and detect RC commands from an RC signal to control the phone (e.g., causing the phone to changing a setting and/or perform an act). The sensor may be configured to detect IRDA signals to provide data to the phone, the phone may include personal digital assistant (PDA) capabilities. Consequently, the phone may be a portable device or a hand held phone. 
     According to embodiments, the functionality described above (e.g., for any combination of detection, filtering, demodulation, de-multiplexing, processing, modulating, and emitting functions described herein for devices  901 ,  1002  and/or  1201 ) may be implemented using an integrated device to send or receive RC commands, and to sense proximity. Such an apparatus may include an emitter of IR radiation configured to transmit an IR proximity signal; and a sensor configured to detect the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity. Either the emitter may be configured to emit IR RC signals when the apparatus is sending RC commands, and/or the sensor may be configured to detect IR RC signals when the apparatus is receiving RC commands (e.g., the apparatus has RC control functionality). Such an IR emitter may be configured to emit IRDA signals when the apparatus is sending IRDA data, and/or such a sensor may be configured to detect IRDA signals when the apparatus is receiving IRDA data (e.g., the apparatus has IRDA functionality). 
     In addition, according to embodiments, the functionality described above (e.g., for any combination of detection, filtering, demodulation, de-multiplexing, processing, modulating, and emitting functions described herein for devices  901 ,  1002  and/or  1201 ) may be implemented using an integrated device to send or receive RC commands, and to sense ambient light. Such an apparatus may include an emitter of IR radiation; and a sensor configured to detect ambient light when the apparatus is sensing ambient light. Either the emitter may be configured to emit IR RC signals when the apparatus is sending RC commands, and/or the sensor may be configured to detect IR RC signals when the apparatus is receiving RC commands. Such an IR emitter may be configured to emit IRDA signals when the apparatus is sending IRDA data, and/or such a sensor may be configured to detect IRDA signals when the apparatus is receiving IRDA data. 
     Next, according to embodiments, the functionality described above (e.g., for any combination of detection, filtering, demodulation, de-multiplexing, processing, modulating, and emitting functions described herein for devices  901 ,  1002  and/or  1201 ) may be implemented using an apparatus or device (e.g., a single device, chip, or integrated device) to sense proximity, to sense infrared (IR) data signals, and to sense ambient light, where the apparatus can include a data processor, a memory electronically coupled to the data processor, an emitter of an IR proximity signal (such as emitter E 1  emitting signal  950 ) electronically coupled to the data processor, and three sensors (each, such as sensor S 1 ). The first sensor may be electronically coupled to the data processor and configured to detect the IR proximity signal (e.g., signal  970 ) from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity. The second sensor may be electronically coupled to the data processor and configured to detect IR data signals (e.g., signal  976  and/or  974 ) when the apparatus is detecting IR data. The third sensor may be electronically coupled to the data processor and configured to detect ambient light (e.g., signal  972 ) when the apparatus is sensing ambient light. 
     In some cases, the apparatus may further include a second emitter configured to emit IR data signals when the apparatus is emitting IR data signals (such as another of emitter E 1  emitting signal  954  and/or  956 ). Also, the data processor may further include a filter configured to pass the detected IR proximity signal as a filtered proximity signals (such as filter  910 ) when the apparatus is sensing proximity, pass the detected IR data signals as a filtered IR data signals (such as filter  914  and/or  916 ) when the apparatus is sensing IR data, and pass the detected ambient light as a filtered ambient light signals (such as filter  912 ) when the apparatus is sensing ambient light. Moreover, the data processor may be configured to identify a proximity (e.g., proximity of object  990 ) using the passed IR proximity signal when the apparatus is sensing proximity, identify data (e.g., RC commands and/or IRDA data) using the passed IR data signals when the apparatus is sensing IR data, and identify an ambient light level using the passed ambient light when the apparatus is sensing ambient light. Also, the data processor may further include a plurality of frequency division multiplexing filters, or a single time division multiplexing filter to filter the detected IR proximity signal, the detected IR data signals, and the detected ambient light. 
     According to embodiments, the functionality described above (e.g., for any combination of detection, filtering, demodulation, processing, modulating, and emitting functions described herein for devices  901 ,  1002  and/or  1201 ) may be implemented using a machine readable medium containing executable program instructions which, when executed, cause a method of operating a data processing system, device  901 , device  1002 , device  1201  and/or components thereof, as described herein. For example, such program instructions may be used to perform the functionality or control the functionality of filter  910 ,  912 ,  914 ,  916 ,  1018  and/or  1210 . Similarly, such instructions may be used to perform the functionality or control the functionality of sensor  1202 , processor  920 ,  922 ,  924 ,  926 , detector  1028 , controller  1088 , controller  1230 , emitter  1290 , block  1090  and/or controller  962 , as described herein. 
     Also, a sensor, emitter, integrated device, filter, microcontroller, processor, and/or “processing logic” as described herein may describe an apparatus, an electronic device, a processor, processing logic, a state machine, passive circuitry, active circuitry, electronic hardware, software, a system, a module, a component, a processor, a memory, registers and/or a combination of any or all of the above. Moreover, according to embodiments, sensor S 1  and  1210  may be described as being “configured to detect” signals  970 ,  972 ,  974  and  976  as described herein, such as to generate or create detected signals  980 ,  982 ,  984  and  986 , respectively. Specifically, being “configured to detect” may describe the capability of a sensor to detect or sense different wavelengths, wavelength bands (e.g., visible and/or IR light), wavelength peaks, frequencies, frequency bands and/or frequency peaks of electromagnetic radiation depending on the wavelengths of emitted radiation, modulation of emitted radiation, and passed frequencies or time periods of filters. Likewise, emitter E 1  and  1290  may described as being “configured to emit” signals  950 ,  954  and  956  as described herein, such as by generating or creating those signals upon receipt of signals  940 ,  944  and  946 , respectively. Specifically, being “configured to emit” may describe the capability of an emitter to emit or transmit different wavelengths, wavelength bands (e.g., visible and/or IR light), wavelength peaks, frequencies, frequency bands and/or frequency peaks of electromagnetic radiation depending on the wavelengths of data and/or modulation signals. It can be appreciated that the concept of being “configured to” perform a function applies to filters, processors, controllers, multiplexers and other components of device  901 ,  1002  and device  1201 . In addition, the functionality described above (e.g., for any combination of detection, filtering, demodulation, de-multiplexing, processing, modulating, and emitting functions described herein for devices  901 ,  1002  and/or  1201 ) may be performed or implemented when the apparatus (e.g., devices  901 ,  1002  and/or  1201  or components thereof) are sensing and/or emitting IR proximity signals, ambient light signals, RC signals, and/or IRDA signals, as appropriate. 
     It can be appreciated that the integrated sensor and emitter concepts described above, such as to use sensor S 1  or  1210  to sense multiple visible and/or IR light signals, and are using emitter E 1  or  1290  to emit multiple IR signals as described herein may reduce hardware, costs, power consumption, geographic space or area required by device  901 ,  1002  and device  1201  as compared to non-integrated sensor and emitters. For example, as compared to sensor and emitter devices that require more than one sensor and/or more than one emitter to perform the same functionality or combination of functionalities described herein. In some cases, by using only sensor S 1  or  1210  to detect signal  980 ,  982 ,  984  and/or  986 , instead of using more than one sensor, device  901 , device  1002 , device  1201 , chip  903 , chip  1004  and/or chip  1205  may save space or area of or on the chip, such as to be used for other electronic and/or light devices. Similarly, in some cases, by using only emitter E 1  or  1290  to emit signal  950 ,  954  and/or  956 , instead of using more than one emitter, device  901 , device  1002 , device  1201 , chip  903 , chip  1004  and/or chip  1205  may save space or area of or on the chip, such as to be used for other electronic and/or light devices. 
     Moreover, using the integrated sensor and emitter reduces the number of components that may fail, and thus may reduce failure rates. For example, using a single sensor S 1  or  1210  and/or a single emitter E 1  or  1290  to perform the function as described herein as opposed to using two sensors and/or two emitters may reduce the failure rate of the sensors and/or emitters hardware by one half. 
     In addition, according to embodiments, descriptions herein with respect to portable devices (e.g., see  FIGS. 1-6 ), proximity, light levels (e.g., ambient light), generating detection of proximity and/or light levels (e.g., see  FIGS. 7A-7D ), using artificial intelligence (AI) logic on inputs from sensors to take actions (e.g., see  FIG. 8 ), and digital processing systems for sensors (e.g., see  FIG. 13 ) apply to devices  901 ,  1002  and/or  1201 , portions, components, logic, emitters and sensors thereof. Moreover, according to embodiments, descriptions herein with respect to placement and location of sensors; use of sensor data and determinations; and multiple sensors also apply to devices  901 ,  1002  and/or  1201 . For example, devices  901 ,  1002  and/or  1201  can be used at locations identified herein for a proximity sensor, RC receiver and/or emitter, IRDA receiver and/or emitter, and/or a light level sensor, such as to substitute one integrated sensor and emitter device to take the place of two or more emitters and/or sensors. Thus, each such substitution only requires the reduced space, power, processing, and openings in the surface of the portable device of one integrated device, as compared to the two or more emitters and/or sensors. 
     It will be appreciated that at least some of the sensors which are used with embodiments of the inventions may determine or provide data which represents an analog value. In other words, the data represents a value which can be any one of a set of possible values which can vary continuously or substantially continuously, rather than being discrete values which have quantum, discrete jumps from one value to the next value. Further, the value represented by the data may not be predetermined. For example, in the case of a distance measured by a proximity sensor, the distance is not predetermined, unlike values of keys on a keypad which represent a predetermined value. For example, a proximity sensor may determine or provide data that represents a distance which can vary continuously or nearly continuously in an analog fashion; in the case of such a proximity sensor, the distance may correspond to the intensity of reflected light which originated from the emitter of the proximity sensor. A temperature sensor may determine or provide data that represents a temperature, which is an analog value. A light sensor, such as an ambient light sensor, may determine or provide data that represents a light intensity which is an analog value. A motion sensor, such as an accelerometer, may determine or provide data which represents a measurement of motion (e.g. velocity or acceleration or both). A gyroscope may determine or provide data which represents a measurement of orientation (e.g. amount of pitch or yaw or roll). A sound sensor may determine or provide data which represents a measurement of sound intensity. For other types of sensors, the data determined or provided by the sensor may represent an analog value. 
       FIG. 8  shows a diagram of various inputs from sensors that can be used and actions that can be performed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the invention. Any one of the devices described herein, including the devices shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  9 - 10  and  12 - 13 , may operate in accordance with the use of artificial intelligence as represented by  FIG. 8 . One or more inputs on the left side of  FIG. 8  are received from various sensors of a device and are input into the artificial intelligence (AI) logic. One or more actions on the right side of  FIG. 8  may be implemented by the AI logic automatically in response to any combination of the inputs. In one implementation of this embodiment, the actions are implemented substantially immediately after the data is sensed by one or more sensors. 
     Exemplary inputs of  FIG. 8  may include, for example, RC data, IRDA data, proximity data, proximity data and blob detect data (e.g., from a multipoint touch input screen), proximity data and accelerometer data, accelerometer data and blob detect data, proximity data and temperature data, proximity data and ambient light data, and numerous other possible combinations. 
     Exemplary actions of  FIG. 8  may include, for example, emitting RC data, causing a host or electronic device to perform an act or adjust a setting, emitting IRDA data, causing a host or electronic device to store, save, play and/or display media, turning off the backlight of the portable device&#39;s display, suppressing the user&#39;s ability to input at the user interface (e.g., locking the input device), changing the telephone&#39;s mode, and the like. It will be appreciated that combinations of the above actions may also be implemented by the AI logic. For example, the AI logic may both turn off the display&#39;s backlight and suppress the user&#39;s ability to input at the user interface. As another example, the proximity data from a proximity sensor may be used to adjust the frequency response of the output of a receiver&#39;s amplifier section. This adjustment would allow the amplifier section to compensate for the variation of frequency response which occurs as a result of the variation of the distance between a speaker and a user&#39;s ear. This variation is caused by the variation of signal leakage introduced by a varying distance between the speaker and the user&#39;s ear. For example, when the ear is close (in close proximity) to the speaker, then the leak is low and the base response is better than when the ear is not as close to the speaker. When the speaker is farther removed from the ear, the degraded base response may be improved, in at least certain embodiments, by an equalizer which adjusts the base relative to the rest of the output signal in response to the distance, measured by the proximity sensor, between the user&#39;s ear and the speaker which provides the final output signal. 
     AI logic of  FIG. 8  performs an AI (artificial intelligence) process. In certain embodiments, the AI process may be performed without a specific, intentional user input or without user inputs having predetermined data associated therewith (e.g., key inputs). The artificial intelligence process performed by the AI logic of  FIG. 8  may use a variety of traditional AI logic processing, including pattern recognition and/or interpretation of data. For example, the AI logic may receive data from one or more sensors and compare the data to one or more threshold values and, based on those comparisons, determine how to interpret the data. In one embodiment, a threshold value may represent a distance which is compared to a value derived from a light intensity measurement in a proximity sensor. A light intensity measurement which represents a distance larger than the threshold value indicates that the object (which reflected the emitter&#39;s light) is not near, and a light intensity measurement which represents a distance smaller than the threshold value indicates that the object is near. Further, the input data may be subject to at least two interpretations (e.g. the data from a proximity sensor indicates that the user&#39;s head is near to the sensor, so turn off the back light, or the data from the proximity sensor indicates the user&#39;s head is not near, so leave the backlight under the control of a display timer), and the AI process attempts to select from the at least two interpretations to pick an interpretation that predicts a user activity. In response to the interpretation (e.g. the selection of one interpretation), the AI logic causes an action to be performed as indicated in  FIG. 8 , wherein the action may modify one or more settings of the device. 
       FIG. 13  shows another example of a device according to an embodiment of the inventions. This device may include a processor, such as microprocessor  402 , and a memory  404 , which are coupled to each other through a bus  406 . The device  400  may optionally include a cache  408  which can be coupled to the microprocessor  402 . This device may also optionally include a display controller and display device  410  which can be coupled to the other components through the bus  406 . One or more input/output controllers  412  are also coupled to the bus  406  to provide an interface for input/output devices  414  and to provide an interface for one or more sensors  416  which are for sensing user activity. The bus  406  may include one or more buses connected to each other through various bridges, controllers, and/or adapters as is well known in the art. The input/output devices  414  may include a keypad or keyboard or a cursor control device such as a touch input panel. Furthermore, the input/output devices  414  may include a network interface which is either for a wired network or a wireless network (e.g. an RF transceiver). The sensors  416  may be any one of the sensors described herein including, for example, a proximity sensor or an ambient light sensor. In at least certain implementations of the device  400 , the microprocessor  402  may receive data from one or more sensors  416  and may perform the analysis of that data in the manner described herein. For example, the data may be analyzed through an artificial intelligence process or in the other ways described herein. As a result of that analysis, the microprocessor  402  may then automatically cause an adjustment in one or more settings of the device. 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20071012
Publication Date: 20140408
Grant Date: 20140408
Priority Date: 20070309
Inventors: TAM JOHN
TUPMAN DAVID
HOTELLING STEVE
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H03K17/9631", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72412", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B10/1143", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H03K17/9631", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B10/1143", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72412", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 39741732