What is the proximity sensor for and where is it located? Proximity sensor in a phone - what is it in simple words
One of the most common sensors, which almost no modern smartphone can do without, is a proximity sensor. The main function of this sensor is to register the presence/absence of objects in its field of action. Typically this feature is used to automatically lock the screen during a call, to prevent random clicks sensor with your ear or cheek.
Optical sensors
Structurally, the proximity sensor in a smartphone is close to motion detectors installed in rooms for automatic door or lighting control. It is an optical (usually infrared) transceiver that emits and records waves in a range invisible to the eye. Working on the principle laser range finder, the sensor records the time during which the signal is reflected from the object (if it is reflected at all). If there are third-party objects in the field of view, this time becomes negligible and the sensor sends a command to the smartphone, which causes it to block the screen.
Since registration of the reflected signal requires precise calibration of the receiving part of the sensor (reflection time is micro- and nanoseconds), smartphone proximity sensors use a simplified operating principle. The emitter has negligibly low power, so the signal fades very quickly over a distance. In order for the power of the reflected pulse to be sufficient for registration by the receiver, the obstacle must be very close to it. Typically, sensors are calibrated so that they can only detect the reflected signal at a distance of 1-5 cm.
Proximity sensor in a smartphone
Ultrasonic sensors
The second type of proximity sensor in a smartphone is ultrasonic. It works on a similar principle, but instead of optical radiation it uses acoustic waves, which the human ear cannot hear. Such a sensor functions similar to a sonar or echo sounder. It sends a sound signal and registers the fact of its reflection.
As in the case of a smartphone’s optical proximity sensor, to simplify the design and reduce power consumption (the weaker the pulse, the lower the charge consumption), the emitters of such sensors have very low power. If there are no objects in the range (1-5 cm), the signal is scattered and absorbed by surrounding objects. If a smartphone is brought close to the face (or other obstacle), ultrasound is instantly reflected from the surface. The controller notices this and sends a blocking command.
The ultrasonic sensor is still a relatively new invention in smartphones and is not widely used. Other sensors (capacitive, inductive, thermal) are not used in smartphones to detect proximity, as they are not very suitable for this. However, Hall sensors or magnetometers are installed to interact with accessories. And the principle of detecting proximity by recording the force of charge leakage has also found its application. It underlies the operation of capacitive touch screens, sensitive to touch force. 
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Often users mobile devices Faced with the fact that during a conversation the screen lock does not work, preventing involuntary pressing on the display. The problem in this case lies in the proximity sensor. There are several reasons why this element of the smartphone does not work correctly. Now we will figure out how to enable/disable the proximity sensor on Android, or configure it if necessary.
In this case, we are talking about a small contactless device that recognizes the approach of any object to the smartphone. As a result of the correct operation of this function, the gadget’s display will turn off automatically when you bring the phone to your ear. This will prevent you from accidentally pressing touch buttons during a conversation (for example, with your ear, finger or cheek).
In addition, the proximity sensor on Android allows you to significantly save battery power, since when the screen is turned on while communicating with another subscriber, the battery power is intensively consumed.
Enable or disable proximity sensor on Android
Typically, the sensor on the device is active by default. If in your case this is not the case, or this function was somehow disabled by accident, then enabling it will not be difficult. This is done as follows: go to “ Settings", find the section " System applications", select the item " Telephone»:
Then click " Incoming calls" and move the slider in the line " Proximity sensor"(on some gadgets you will need to check a box):
Depending on the smartphone model, activating the sensor will look slightly different, for example, by immediately opening the dialing field, we call up the call settings menu or with the “ Settings", or by pressing and holding the hardware options button. And after that, as was written above, in “ Incoming calls» turn on the sensor:
If the question is how to turn off the proximity sensor, then, accordingly, we go the same way and deactivate the function (uncheck it).
How to set up (calibrate) a proximity sensor
This element is located at the top of the smartphone, usually to the left or right of the front camera lens:
On some models of Android devices it can be seen with the naked eye, but on others it is quite difficult to detect. If, during a call, you remove the phone from your ear and then bring it closer to front camera finger, then the display, which goes out after that, will tell you the location of the sensor.
It is quite possible that the reason incorrect operation sensor was simply exposed to dust. In this case, you can restore the normal operation of the function simply by cleaning the device - turn off the smartphone and blow it with a stream of compressed air. Then you need to reboot your gadget and check whether the sensor’s functionality has been restored.
If this manipulation does not bring the desired result, then you can resort to calibrating the sensor, which is performed in several ways.
Using system capabilities
Open " Settings", select the item " Accessibility" (on some devices " Screen"), find the line " Proximity Sensor Calibration»:
Then, we follow the system prompts step by step, and watch the video more clearly:
Through the engineering menu
By using engineering menu you can check the correct operation of the sensor and, if necessary, calibrate it.
To do this, enter the following set of characters in the dialing field: *#*#3646633#*#* Now open the tab " Hardware Testing"(equipment testing) and press the button “ Sensor", select " Light/Proximity Sensor"(light/proximity sensor):
- Select " PS Data Collection» (proximity sensor data collection);
- In the next window, select “ Get One Data»;
- After the number appears " 0 "Put your palm on the proximity sensor on your smartphone and press " Get One Data»;
If as a result we see the figure 255 , this means our sensor is functioning normally.
To configure:
Select " PS Calibration", then " Calibration" After that, without covering the sensor, click on “Calculate min value”. After the message “ Calculate succeed"We bring a sheet of paper to the sensor at a distance of 2-3 centimeters and click on " Calculate Max value", after which we just have to click " Do Calibration"and reboot your smartphone:
Using third party software
If all the previous methods to normalize the sensor’s operation did not help, then you can use the “Proximity Sensor Reset” application (for rooted devices).
Download and install the program from the Play Store. After launch we activate big button « Calibrate Sensor" Now cover the proximity sensor with your hand and press “ Next»:
Next you need to remove your hand and press “ Next" and then " Calibrate" And " Confirm" We provide superuser (ROOT) rights to the system request. After completing the steps, wait for the smartphone to reboot.
Now you know how to turn on/off/configure the proximity sensor on Android. However, if in your case the problem has not been solved, then it is possible that you will need to calibrate the display or reflash the smartphone. In addition, sometimes the sensor may not work correctly due to a hardware failure, then you cannot avoid contacting a service center for help.
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Hello everyone, dear users of mobile devices based on operating system Android and, of course, the readers of this useful resource. In today's material, I will tell you how to quickly and easily disable the proximity sensor in mobile gadgets on Android.
But, first, let me define the proximity sensor and tell you why it is needed and what functions it actually performs.
A proximity sensor is a device that triggers certain actions when you approach an object. The most obvious example: the call acceptance button is automatically pressed when you bring the Android device to your ear. The proximity sensor can also serve other purposes.
It may seem that the sensor is a very useful thing, but in some cases it only gets in the way. For example, in cheap Chinese devices such a sensor works very poorly. Therefore, it would be better to disable it completely; fortunately, this is very easy to do; you just need to make a small adjustment in the Android operating system.
It is this tincture that we will talk to you about in this material. So, let's go - turn off the proximity sensor.
Shutdown
I will look at disabling the proximity sensor on Android using an example Galaxy phone S4.
On all devices, the principle of disabling the proximity sensor is different; it depends not only on the version of the operating system, but also on its adaptation to specific model smartphone from that other manufacturer. But, by and large, the principle of disabling is the same everywhere, only the names of the items may differ slightly, so keep this in mind.
Follow these steps:
- First of all, you need to go to the settings of your gadget. Settings can be placed either as a separate icon on the desktop or in an additional menu (in my case it’s at the top);
- Next, you need to go to the my devices tab, you can see this tab in the screenshot below;
- Next, you need to find the calls item among all the items and click on it. You can see what it looks like for me below;
- So, now after all the steps described above, all you have to do is uncheck the box opposite the “Turn off screen during a call” item. Thus, with this action you will disable the proximity sensor.
Additional methods
If the method described above does not work for you to disable the proximity sensor, then you can use one of the following, some will probably work for you. So, let's look and apply:
- In order to disable the sensor, if no method in the settings helps, you can use special software installed on your Android device. The application is called Smart Screen Off and you can download it from this link. In addition to the proximity sensor, this application will also allow you to configure other functions of your Android device;
- Also, on some devices a special request to disable the sensor may occur. The request looks like this: *#*#0588#*#*. Enter this code and press the call button. This method, of course, does not work on all devices, but it may work on your smartphone model.
Many modern electronics products are equipped with sensors that detect the proximity of an object, such as a finger, to a keyboard or a person's ear to a telephone. This technology is actively used in various types, which allows eliminating mechanical switching of devices, as well as extending their service life. And many may well have a question: a proximity sensor in a phone - what is it and how does it work? Next, this device will be considered from the point of view of implementation using capacitive technology.
Proximity detection
Proximity recognition using contactless technology has quickly found application in the field of portable devices powered independently. The function is actively used in the latest models of smartphones and tablets, and in music players. Its main purpose is to increase the reliability of devices and save electrical energy.
The display of the device will be in an inactive state until the approach of the user’s hand is detected; this is what the proximity sensor in the phone is responsible for. What this is will become clear if we consider the principle of its operation. When it comes to using such technology, it is worth noting that in standby mode, energy consumption is exclusively CPU. And when the approach of a palm or finger is detected, the display turns on, displaying current information. All this allows you to reduce the average power consumption of the gadget, while increasing the time battery life batteries.
Features of using the function in different technologies
In home automation, the proximity recognition function has also become very widespread. Non-contact sensors are used to turn on the opening of water supply taps when a human hand is in their field of action; The displays of refrigerators and microwave ovens will be inactive until the user's hand approaches them. New home automation systems are also equipped with this function. used for control household appliances and lighting are adjusted to serve digital photo frames. But as soon as one of the people approaches them, they immediately appear. A rather interesting technology is the proximity sensor in the phone. What this is will help you understand the description of the method by which recognition occurs.
Proximity recognition methods
When, for example, a finger approaches the sensor, the total capacity of the system changes. This is what is used to detect an object near a contactless sensor.
Capacitance change detection
How accurately and reliably a non-contact sensor will work depends entirely on the accuracy of the measurements of the changed system capacitance. For this purpose, a number of methods have been developed, among which the most famous are the methods of charge transfer, successive approximation, capacitance interaction and the sigma-delta method. Two of them are most often used. Both use a switched capacitor circuit and an external sense capacitor.
Successive approximation method
In this case, the switched capacitive circuit is charged. From this capacitor, voltage is supplied to the comparator through a low-pass filter, where it is compared with the reference voltage. The counter, synchronized with the generator, is locked using the output signal of the comparator. This particular signal is processed for a specific sensor status. The successive approximation method requires a negligible number of external components. In this case, the operation of the circuit is not affected by transient noise along the supply circuit.
Advantages and disadvantages of recognition technology
Sensor Android approximation, like others, has certain characteristics. The advantages in this case include the following:
Quite a large detection area;
High degree of sensitivity;
Relative affordability in terms of price, because the production of sensors is carried out from fairly cheap components - copper, tin oxide film, indium and printing ink, external wire sensor;
Small size;
Versatility of design;
Temperature stability;
Possibility of functioning with the use of various non-conductive coatings, for example, glasses of different thicknesses;
Durability and high reliability.
Available from this method and certain disadvantages:
The sensing element must be conductive, then it can detect the approach; however, he may not detect a hand, for example, in a rubber glove;
The capacitive sensing method works in such a way that when there are metal objects in its operating range, the range decreases.
iPhone 4
The proximity sensor works in such a way that it allows you to turn off the smartphone screen during a call to prevent accidental key presses. There are special applications that make it possible to lock the screen by simply swiping your hand over it. To turn it on, you need to press a hardware key.
Calibration
Quite often, users are faced with an unpleasant situation when the screen is not locked during a conversation. It also happens that after finishing a call, the display does not turn on, which is why the phone does not unlock. For example, the Nokia proximity sensor does not work correctly. To fix this problem, it needs to be calibrated. Typically, most manufacturers use specialized software for these purposes, which can be downloaded from the official website.
IN latest versions Android 4 calibration function is located directly in the menu. To do this, you need to go into the settings, find the screen, and then select Proximity Sensor Calibration. After covering the sensor with your hand, click OK in the window that appears. Sometimes calibration is allowed without covering the sensor.
In recent years, all modern smartphones, be it iPhones or Android devices, have been equipped with a large number of sensors and sensors. Each has its own functions in the phone - measuring heart rate and pulse, a barometer for measuring blood pressure, an accelerometer for calculating location in space, turns. Today we’ll talk about the proximity sensor in the device - what kind of device it is, what it’s intended for, the performance of the sensor. We'll also give necessary information how to disable or enable, calibrate the sensor.
Sensor location and functional features
The proximity sensor is located on the top plate of the front side of the device. Usually there is a speaker, camera, proximity and lighting sensors. In the latest models, these sensors are combined into one.
How to find out where the sensor is located? Call a friend and place your finger close to the sensor (example of location in the screenshot below). When the screen goes dark, congratulations, it’s a proximity sensor.
The main function of this sensor is to react to an object approaching the phone screen. This technology was invented to automatically lock the display during phone calls, Viber or WhatsApp. The next time you make a call, notice how the screen goes dark when you bring the device to your ear and then lights up when the call ends.
The sensor itself sends an infrared light signal to determine how far away an object is and blocks it when it approaches.
With this approach we get two big advantages:
- The screen is blocked from accidental ear presses, which prevents accidental termination of a conversation, turning on the speakerphone, you can also accidentally put the call on hold, etc.;
- The second point is saving smartphone battery power. The phone's display is the main source of power consumption; when the screen is on, consumption increases and the battery drains quickly. When making calls with the screen off, the battery lasts longer;
How to enable and configure the proximity sensor in a smartphone?
The sensor does not have any settings as such, as we discussed above - its main function is to lock the screen when making calls. IN different versions Android OS and firmware, most often you can find the item to turn on the sensor in the call menu. Click on the handset icon, then on the menu icon to go to the necessary options.
If you have a Xiaomi phone, a Redmi model or another company with the MIUI 10 or MIUI 9 shell, open the settings, click on the “Phone” item (or “Call settings” for the 10th version of MIUI), find the “Incoming calls” item and turn on the item “Proximity sensor.”
Proximity sensor does not work
If the proximity sensor does not work, check that it is in the activated position in the settings for incoming calls. Failures may occur when installing unofficial firmware, patches, and some system updates.
In such cases, the best advice would be to use only official firmware from the manufacturer and try doing a general reset.
In case of physical damage, resetting settings, flashing and other programs will not help; such damage will be identified in service center followed by replacement of the sensor.
Therefore, let’s try to calibrate the sensor using the “Fix It calibrate sensor” application.
Proximity Sensor Calibration
As we wrote above, in the event of a physical breakdown, all manipulations will be useless. However, when software glitch The “Proximity Sensor Reset, Repair” utility will help; you can download it from the link Google Play: “Fix It calibrate sensor”. After installation and launch, the application will try to reset software settings and problems.
Conclusion
Leave a review on how useful this article was to you. Have you figured out what a proximity sensor is on your phone, how to enable, disable and calibrate the sensor? If you have any questions, write them in the comments to this page or contact our group and we will try to help you.
