A Taiwan-based company, Capella Microsystems has unveiled the CM36262 smart optical lid sensor chip using a patent-pending technique to replace the use of magnetic lid sensors in smartphones, tablet computers and notebooks.
Featuring an ambient light sensor, a proximity sensor and an optical lid sensor, the smart CM36262 lid sensor enables users to easily conserve power in touch-screen technology products. Battery life is extended by adjusting the screen brightness using the ambient light sensor while dialing is turned off by the proximity sensor when a smartphone is held near the ear in a listening position.
The CM36262 chip integrates the company’s patented Filtron technology by which external optical filters meant for ambient light and proximity sensors can be eliminated completely. The chip also incorporates another optical patent-pending technology in order to detect the presence of a fabric cover or a lid, thereby replacing the use of mechanical switches or magnets. The optical approach is a cost-effective, easy and more consistent method of powering down a tablet computer, which can be achieved by closing the leather or fabric cover without having to align the embedded magnet with the sensor. The optical method also allows for instantaneous power shut-down of the device when it is placed facedown on a flat surface.
The patent-pending optical approach enables the touch-screen device to differentiate between the shadow of the consumer’s hand and that of a closed fabric cover or lid using an infrared beam of light. This feature allows the touch screen device to power down if a lid/cover is closed and remain powered when the user holds the screen and makes his/her selections.
Source: http://www.capellamicro.com/