proximity sensor


proximity sensor

[präk′sim·əd·ē ′sen·sər] (control systems) Any device that measures short distances within a robotic system. Also known as noncontact sensor.

proximity sensor

A device that detects the presence of an object in the vicinity. There are many types of sensors for myriad applications; however, they all work by emitting a signal and analyzing the changes in the signal that may be reflected back. In a smartphone, a proximity sensor is located by the phone speaker. It turns off the touch detection during a phone call; otherwise a person's ear would activate functions when pressed against the screen. See VR headset.