Patent attributes
An electronic device includes a housing. One or more processors are operable with a plurality of proximity sensor components that can be disposed behind a grille defining a plurality of reception beams having a cumulative beam reception angle. The cumulative beam reception angle of any one proximity sensor component overlaps the cumulative beam reception angle of at least one other proximity sensor component. The one or more processors can detect whether a single person or a plurality of people are within a thermal reception radius of the electronic device. Where the single person is within the thermal reception radius, the one or more processors can operate the electronic device in a first mode of operation, and where the plurality of people are within the thermal reception radius, operate the electronic device in a second mode of operation.