ROHM Co., has recently announced the development of the industry’s first monolithic optical proximity/illumination sensor that supports touchless motion detection. Intended for devices utilizing a touch panel, such as smart phones and digital cameras, where an optical proximity sensor is normally integrated in order to turn ON/OFF the touch sensor and LCD when the phone is moved away from/to the ear as well as to adjust the brightness of the screen based on ambient conditions for longer battery life.
The BH1771GLC integrates a photodiode for detecting visible light along with a photodiode for infrared light detection on a single chip, enabling proximity sensing from 1 to 10cm and brightness from 0 to 65,000 lux. In addition, the industry’s first touchless motion detection function is included, whereby multiple infrared LEDs (3 max.) are driven and the phase difference of the reflected light from each LED is detected to determine the direction of movement of the reflecting object (i.e. human hand). This makes it possible to operate a display panel without directly touching it (e.g. by simply moving an object approx. 5cm above the panel), enabling motion operation in display devices not equipped with a touch panel.
ROHM also offers high power infrared LEDs optimized for use with the BH1771GLC, such as the SIM-030 featuring a height of only 0.9mm and output power of approx. 30mW, enabling configuration of high performance touchless motion sensing solutions.
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