The smartphone's proximity sensor is like an IR port. Linear acceleration sensor in a smartphone

Articles and Lifehacks

Many mobile device users still do not know why certain special functions are needed.

In particular, some of them have no idea what G-Sensor is and what it is used for.

And this is not surprising, because constant innovation and innovation can baffle even the most advanced members of the general public.

There is a sensor with the same name, which all car enthusiasts know about. However, why is it needed in a mobile device?

Sometimes a few days are not enough to understand all the functions of your device. Let's try to make the process a little easier for the owner of a phone with a G-sensor by telling us about this sensor in more detail.

What is G-Sensor

The G-sensor in question, also known as, is a special device that controls the position of the device in space.

Essentially, it is a motion sensor that can measure acceleration by comparing 3 spatial coordinates at the same time.

If we explain what a G-Sensor is, in other words, we get a special device that measures the difference between the projections of gravitational and absolute acceleration.

To increase the signal level in the sensor, special amplifiers are used, which are characterized by a high level of linearity. This is what makes measurements more accurate.

Some devices are also equipped with built-in systems that collect and process information. This allows you to create a complete measuring program with all the necessary components.

Why is G-Sensor needed in mobile devices?

In such devices, the device is used as a sensor to determine spatial position, as a pedometer, and also to automatically rotate the screen.

This means that when the mobile phone is rotated, for example, when taking pictures, the image will be rotated in a way that is convenient for the user.

The reaction to a blow will be the same, but when shaken while playing music, the track should change. It will be convenient to use the device as a pedometer.

It is expected that over time the scope of use of such sensors will constantly expand, because a wide variety of devices work with them.

On this moment there are many additional programs for this device, which can be used in every possible way. In addition, they are easy to download, as mentioned above.

Thus, G-Sensor is designed specifically so that everyone can operate their mobile device more comfortable.

What are the accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer and GPS used for and how do they work?

Your smartphone is a true work of engineering art. It combines the functions of at least a dozen different gadgets. And it owes most of its amazing capabilities to a variety of sensors. But what exactly and how are they arranged?

How does your phone count your steps? Does GPS use up your data? What sensors should you pay attention to when choosing a new phone? Here's everything you need to know about the modern smartphone.

Accelerometer

One of illustrative examples Accelerometer operation - animated Snapchat stickers

The accelerometer monitors changes in the speed of the device and its rotation around its axis. Such sensors are installed not only in phones, but also in fitness trackers - it is with their help that a smartphone can count your steps, even if you do not have any wearable gadgets.

By analyzing accelerometer data, apps can determine which direction the phone is facing, a technology that is increasingly used as augmented reality becomes more popular.

Exist Various types accelerometers, but the most common is piezoelectric. In such accelerometers, the sensor is a microscopic crystal that is deformed under the influence of acceleration forces. In this case, the crystal produces electricity. By analyzing the current, the system determines how fast and in what direction your phone is moving. That's why Snapchat adds a fun car sticker to your map when you're using the app while driving.

The accelerometer is one of the most important sensors on your phone: without it, you wouldn't be able to use automatic screen rotation and navigation apps wouldn't be able to detect your current speed.

Gyroscope

The gyroscope provides accurate data on the position of the smartphone in space, which is useful in games and when creating 360-degree photographs

The gyroscope helps the accelerometer determine exactly how your phone is oriented in space with much greater accuracy. That's why 360-degree panoramas look so impressive.

Whenever you open a racing game on your smartphone and tilt the screen to turn the steering wheel, it's the gyroscope that helps the app understand what you're doing. Since you are not moving in space, these conditions would not be sufficient for the accelerometer to work.

Gyroscopes aren't just used in phones. They can be found in airplanes, where they help determine altitude and position, and in stabilization systems, which allow photo and video cameras to capture smooth footage while moving.

Older gyroscopes, still found in airplane altimeters, use the mechanical motion of a flywheel, but the gyroscope in your smartphone is a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)—a tiny inertial sensor that can fit on printed circuit board.

MEMS gyroscopes were first used in the iPhone 4 in 2010 - and created a sensation: never before had a phone been able to determine its orientation in space with such accuracy. Today we take this for granted.

Magnetometer

It is thanks to the magnetometer that the compass in your phone works.

The last of the three main sensors responsible for determining the position of the phone in space is the magnetometer. Its name speaks for itself: it registers magnetic fields and thus can determine in which direction north is.

When you turn compass mode on Apple Maps or in Google Maps, it is the magnetometer that determines how to unfold the card. There are also individual applications, which emulate the operation of a compass.

Magnetometers can also be found in metal detectors - they can detect magnetic metals. There are even metal detector apps for smartphones!

By itself, this sensor is not capable of much, but if you combine its readings with data coming from the accelerometer and GPS module, you can accurately determine your location, which is very useful when building routes.

GPS satellites always know where your phone is.

Ah, GPS, where would we be without you? They would probably be wandering somewhere in the wilderness, cursing the day when they decided to replace paper maps, a compass and a sextant with electronic devices.

The GPS module in your phone communicates with satellites in orbit to determine where exactly you are on the surface of the planet. You don't even need it for this cellular network: If your phone has lost signal, you can still see your location even though you download detailed map you most likely won't succeed.

Essentially, the phone communicates with several satellites in turn and then calculates where you are based on the signal delay. If you can't communicate with satellites—for example, when you're indoors or under very heavy clouds—you won't be able to determine your position.

GPS doesn't use up data, but satellite communications and calculations can take a toll on your battery, so many guides recommend turning off GPS navigation to stay connected longer. For the same reason GPS module usually not included in smaller devices - such as most smartwatches.

GPS is not the only way determine your position on the map: it can be approximately determined by the distance to cell towers. However, high accuracy cannot be achieved without it. Modern GPS modules combine data from satellites with compass readings and network signal strength to determine your location with an accuracy of a few meters.

Best of the rest sensors

If you want, your phone will adjust the screen brightness according to the ambient light.

Modern technologies allow a person to largely experience the superiority of the present time in the materialized dreams and assumptions of the past, which are most clearly manifested in devices so familiar to us today as mobile phones.

Turning fantasy into reality

Accelerometer on a phone - what is it and what is it for? Exactly about this required function and will be discussed within this article. Today you won't surprise anyone compact size ultra-thin laptop or cell phone, the body of which is only a few millimeters thick. Unbelievable for most of us technical capabilities individual electronic devices is an obvious fact. Today, we humans operate with truly fantastic amounts of data, and the speed of information transfer has long surpassed the “light” mark. But these abilities hide the completely understandable nature of the device, the properties and functionality of which depend only on the level of technology used. A rather complex mechanism that measures gravitational acceleration, the accelerometer, has found its purpose in electronic devices. One of these devices is the modern mobile phone.

The magic of movement

So, the accelerometer in the phone - what is this device? There is a simple answer to this question: it is a sensor that determines the spatial position of the object in which it is embedded. The shape and type of information displayed by the phone display depends on the position in which the device is located. For example, a picture can change orientation relative to the X and Y axes. Due to physical impact- turning, hitting or shaking - a functional algorithm can activate one or another software process. When using a pedometer or a gaming application, the principle of measuring gravitational acceleration remains unchanged.

Accelerometer in a phone - what is this device and what are its advantages?

The versatility of the phone's spatial position sensor greatly simplifies the process of controlling a gaming application. During the game, the user moves the device relative to two planes, thereby influencing general process running program. It is worth noting that the speed at which the gamer changes angles also has a mathematical value, which is a factor in the required reaction. Of course, the accelerometer has significantly expanded the functionality of a modern mobile phone. Thanks to this device orientation, using a compass, GPS navigation and electronic toys has become much easier and more convenient.

Overview of the "utilities" of the spatial controller

Let's look at a few benefits when using the basic functionality of the accelerometer:

1. When jogging, it is advisable to use a pedometer. By exercising control through this application, you will always have information about the number of steps taken, which will become a kind of incentive to improve the results of your training and qualitatively influence the overall progress of sports.

2. The accelerometer sensor in the phone eliminates the sometimes complex, but at the same time time-consuming process of controlling the game, bringing the user closer to an understanding of absolute comfort. Natural body movements allow the gamer to get maximum pleasure. The effectiveness of the impact does not depend on the force of pressing or the correctly selected button, but solely depends on the choice of the optimal amplitude of movement and the accuracy of the positioning process. The ease and ease of the gaming moment allows you to read the accelerometer an undeniable advantage in managing the game scenario.

3. When you need to take a comfortable position, say, lie on your side, and the phone is still needed for use, the device’s spatial position sensor will turn the device’s interface upside down, making it easier to perceive the visually displayed information. Games with an accelerometer installed on the phone have now gained total popularity not only among teenagers... It has been noticed that in the circles of the older generation there has also begun to be a certain trend of passion for applications that use spatial positioning technology.

4. Watching videos will be more enjoyable if the screen electronic device will be rotated to position landscape format, which will also have a positive effect on viewing photographs, Email or writing not too succinct messages. Working with graphic tables and editing articles when using the accelerometer function also results in more efficient performance.

Device reliability issue

Accelerometer in mobile phone becomes an integral part of the hardware capabilities of a modern device. The relative simplicity of the structural elements of the spatial sensor makes it possible to respond high level reliability. Judge for yourself, technology by definition is designed to work under extreme operating conditions. Aircraft manufacturing and astronautics made it possible to bring the device to technical perfection. Indeed, in these areas of application, the technology for determining and measuring the acceleration of the spatial position of an object is mandatory element, which determines the pinpoint accuracy and correct operation of on-board control systems. Of course, a mobile phone is not an extremely reliable product. Serial production and automation of the conveyor manufacturing process often allows for defects.

What if?..

Do not shake, beat or rub the phone if the sensor suddenly stops functioning. Shamanic dances with a tambourine and reading magic mantras will also not have the desired result. The problematic situation when the accelerometer does not work can be solved in only two ways:

• Software repair (setup, firmware and phone software update).
• Hardware restoration of the spatial sensor (replacement of the control module, maintenance).

Moreover, the second option is the prerogative of electronics specialists.

However, let's look at a few more important arguments in favor of such an important device.

Station wagon is always in demand

Using a special “level” application, you can easily determine the evenness of walls and slopes or the correct installation of the cornice. It is worth noting that the presence of an accelerometer in a mobile device can significantly simplify the search for the desired object within settlement, and will also provide invaluable assistance on a hike, when the use of a compass becomes a vital means of orientation. The curious aspects of using the acceleration sensor will be fully satisfied when the user wants to know the actual acceleration parameters of the vehicle. Again, exciting races downloaded from the Internet to a phone with an accelerometer can add variety and relieve boredom in unexpected moments of anticipation. The versatility of use and the breadth of incredible possibilities of the spatial device cannot be reflected in full within the framework of this article. Therefore, you will have to experience the exciting surprise and fascinating process of learning the large-scale purpose of the electronic “vestibular” more than once.

Finally

So what is an accelerometer on a phone? What is this - new system controls or is it still a device for measuring physical parameters? I hasten to please you: both. This is another achievement of technical progress, allowing a person to feel additional comfort and increase the efficiency of using an object with the applied technology.

What components can be noted when looking at the body of a smartphone? First of all, it's quite large display, several keys below it, a microphone and several camera windows. In addition, at the ends of the device there will probably be a microUSB port, a volume rocker, a headphone output and a lock key. But does the device components end there? Of course not. Inside it there was room for several processors, many circuits and, most importantly, several different sensors. Which of them can be found in modern devices? Let's find out.

Accelerometer

According to our colleagues from phonearena, the accelerometer is one of the most common sensors. According to the classical definition, its task is to calculate the difference between the true acceleration of an object and the gravitational acceleration.
You've probably heard a lot about how to use it. Without an accelerometer, smartphones would hardly be changed portrait orientation to landscape and did without user clicks in all kinds of racing simulators.

Gyroscope

The gyroscope also provides data about the device's position in space, but does this with much greater accuracy. It is thanks to his help Photo app Sphere finds out how many degrees the smartphone was rotated and in what direction it was done.

Magnetometer

That's right, the magnetometer is designed to determine magnetic fields. Without it inside the smartphone, the compass app would hardly be able to figure out where the North Pole is.

This sensor is a combination of an infrared diode and a detector infrared radiation. The principle of its operation is incredibly simple. The diode emits radiation invisible to the human eye, and the detector tries to catch its reflection. The smartphone blocks the display exactly when the beam hits back.

Light sensor

Changing the brightness of the display yourself is another task, right? Another thing is the auto-brightness function, which changes the screen brightness level depending on the surrounding radiation. This may be, as you probably already guessed, thanks to the light sensor.
It is worth noting that some representatives Galaxy lines from the South Korean manufacturer Samsung use an updated light sensor. Its main feature is the ability to measure the proportion of white, red, green and blue light for further adjustment of the picture on the screen.

Barometer

No, this is not a mistake. Some smartphones actually have a built-in barometer to measure the level atmospheric pressure. Among the first devices with this feature were XOOM and Samsung Galaxy Nexus.
The barometer is also used to measure altitude above sea level, which increases the accuracy of the GPS navigator.

Thermometer

You may be surprised, but a thermometer is found in almost every smartphone. The only difference is that the latter is designed to measure the temperature inside the device. However, there were exceptions. The Galaxy S4 had a thermometer to measure the temperature outside.

Air humidity sensor

In this, by the way, the fourth representative of the Galaxy S line also succeeded. Thanks to this sensor, the fourth Galaxy reported the level of comfort - the ratio of temperature and humidity.

Pedometer

Despite the rather unobvious name, the task of the pedometer is to determine the number of steps taken by the user. Yes, just like most smart watch and fitness bracelets. One of the first devices with a real pedometer was the Nexus 5.

Fingerprint's scanner

You have, of course, heard about this. Thanks to the fingerprint scanner, you can not only reduce the time it takes to unlock your smartphone, but also reliably protect your data. Among the most popular devices with the notorious scanner are, HTC One Max and Samsung Galaxy S5.

Heart rate sensor

Since we're talking about the current South Korean flagship, we can't help but mention the heart rate sensor, designed to measure pulse. However, many users openly doubt the need for its implementation.

Harmful radiation sensor

It's quite hard to believe, but in this world there really is a smartphone with a built-in sensor harmful radiation. The Japanese Sharp Pantone 5 can boast of its presence. After launch special application the latter demonstrates the ambient radiation levels. Unexpected, isn't it?

As a result, there were as many as 12 sensors. Which ones do you use most often?

Sensors are a variety of devices consisting of various microelectromechanical components that allow you to receive and read various additional data. This allows you to do more convenient work with the gadget and add functionality to it.

Of course, it is a well-known fact that modern smartphones are crammed with a variety of sensors, but their use and quantity often remains a mystery, because manufacturers provide the public with information only about the most basic of them, such as proximity sensors, a gyroscope or an accelerometer.

Today we want to tell you what sensors a smartphone can have and why they are needed.

Orientation or acceleration sensor - accelerometer. This is the most common type of sensor, which is found in almost every model of smartphone or tablet. It is necessary in order to register spatial rotations of the device from portrait position to landscape position. Often, the specific accelerometer is called G-sensor. Typically, there are three axes along which the sensor records the difference between the acceleration of the object itself and the gravitational acceleration.

Subsequently, the processor calculates the difference value, analyzes it, and sends the information to the software. According to this information, it becomes known at what moment and where to turn the screen. Based on the principle of operation, we can deduce the main disadvantage of the orientation sensor. If the acceleration value is extremely small or absent, then it stops the process of registering the spatial location of the device, or the error in registration is quite high. This may have a negative impact on the accuracy of control of the gadget in mobile games or while controlling, for example, a drone. In this case, the accelerometer is assisted by the following sensor.

Gyroscope. It is also necessary to mark the spatial location of the device, but at the same time it can freely register the angle of inclination of the device along three axes even if the smartphone does not move. This increases the control accuracy when playing on a mobile phone, since developers, thanks to the gyroscope, can receive data on how much the device has deviated from any coordinates, and the error in this case is approximately one or two degrees.

Geomagnetic analysis sensor. It can respond to the magnetic fields of our planet. It is also often called an electronic compass, because with its help the device can display information about the position of the cardinal points. As an example, if there is a geomagnetic sensor, a smartphone can do without a GPS module, determining the location of an object. This is one of the main sensors of modern smartphones and other devices.

Often, in order to increase accuracy, more sensors are installed in the smartphone, operating on a similar principle, but with a simpler set of functions. Of course, the user can use a magnetometer to perform its direct functions - use it as a metal detector, find wiring in the walls of a building, or as a compass. IN mobile markets You need to look for the right software for this.

Proximity sensor. Provides the ability to identify an object and calculate the distance to it. It includes an infrared ray emitter and their receiver. If the receiving device does not receive a signal, this means that the object is missing, and when the radiation hits the receiver, this indicates that there is an object that reflected the beam. It finds wide application, for example, by turning off the display backlight when the smartphone is brought to the ear during a call. Some more advanced options can read certain gestures and then respond with a specific action. Sometimes the proximity sensor can be used in cases where it is necessary to turn off the display when closing the case.

Light sensor or light sensor. Thanks to it, the device can determine the level of illumination of the surrounding area. This allows you to automatically change the brightness of the display backlight. This is enough convenient function– you don’t have to constantly change the screen brightness level manually. More expensive smartphone models sometimes use a progressive and expanded version of the sensor, which can analyze the intensity level of the main colors (RGB) in order to subsequently adjust the colors on the display or adjust the white balance during the photography process.

Intermediate output

If a smartphone only has an accelerometer, this means that the model belongs to the most budget category and has the ability to rotate the screen. Of course, sometimes the manufacturer does not provide comprehensive information about the sensors that are available, so you should read some reviews where all the “stuffing” of the mobile device is analyzed in detail.

If all the sensors listed above are present in the smartphone, and the electronics of the device also include some of those that will be discussed below, this means that the model is quite advanced.

Sensors that are often not found in cheap smartphones

Sensor Hall. Allows you to capture and analyze magnetic fields, but has a very simplified operating mechanism. It reacts to the magnetic field only if it is strengthened, and the axial tension is not recorded. It will be convenient when using a SmartCover case - the display goes out the moment it detects the approach of the magnet built into the case. It is worth noting that if a “smart cover” is among the supported accessories, then this sensor is present in the phone. Manufacturers may not always indicate that the sensor is built into the device.

Barometer. A sensor that allows you to determine the value of atmospheric pressure. It can be used both for its intended purpose and in cases where it is necessary to determine the altitude above sea level or find out the location of the telephone.

Thermometer. Designed to accurately determine the temperature in its environment.

Hygrometer (or humidity sensor). Determines the humidity level. Like the previous sensor, it was first introduced in the Galaxy S4, but is now used in many smartphones and other devices.

Pedometer (or pedometer). Just by the name of this sensor you can guess what it is used for. Thanks to him, it is determined whether a person has taken a step. This is an autonomous sensor that identifies steps with high accuracy, relieving the accelerometer of work.

Fingerprint sensor. Of course, it would be more logical to talk about this sensor in articles that talk about how to ensure the appropriate level of security for a mobile device. But this sensor can deservedly be called one of the most necessary and important sensors in modern smartphones. It allows you not only to increase the security level of the device, but also to open specific applications, as well as confirm transactions.

A sensor that scans the retina of the eye. Allows you to count and analyze the uniqueness of the retina. In moments when it is necessary to ensure the security of your smartphone. The sensor has been around for quite some time, but so far it has been implemented in few smartphones.

A sensor that analyzes the heartbeat. It was originally built into the Galaxy S5 models and was used with the goal that the phone could become completely personal assistant and a coach. An application called S-Health was able to receive much more information about a person at all stages of training, and this made it possible to provide the user with the best individual recommendations.

A sensor that records blood oxygen saturation. It has no analogues and is also used in the above-mentioned application. If similar applications appear, then he will be able to successfully work with them.

Dosimeter. Allows you to receive and determine the dose or power of ionizing radiation. In other words, when using it, it is possible to measure the background radioactivity.

A range of smartphone auxiliary sensors

Sometimes, in order to increase the level of accuracy, smartphones are provided with additional sensors that have a similar, but more simplified set of functions.

• An auxiliary sensor that allows spatial orientation.
• Gravity sensor – indicates the magnitude as well as the direction of gravity.
• Indicating the value of acceleration along all three axes, while ignoring the level of gravity.
• Defining angle of deflection mobile device at the moment of its rotation around one of the three axis.
• A sensor that can detect a row in advance established movements, such as shaking.
• To detect gestures and movements.
• Allows you to track and identify a person.
• A sensor that can only receive a double click on the display.
• Rotation tracking not for the entire gadget, but only for its display.

Of course, there may be many other different sensors, but all the secrets and secrets of their use are known only to the developers of any software or mobile operating systems.