Method and device for identifying contactless gestures

Methods and devices for identifying contactless gestures are described. In one example, the present disclosure describes a method of detecting a contactless gesture on an electronic device. The electronic device has an electromagnetic radiation transmitter and an electromagnetic radiation receiver. The electromagnetic radiation receiver is configured for receiving electromagnetic radiation emitted from the electromagnetic radiation transmitter and reflected by an object. The method includes: monitoring an amplitude of received electromagnetic radiation at the electromagnetic radiation receiver; detecting a proximity event by comparing the amplitude to a predetermined proximity threshold; after detecting the proximity event, continuing to monitor the amplitude of the received electromagnetic radiation at the electromagnetic radiation receiver; and, in response to detecting the proximity event, performing an analysis on the received electromagnetic radiation to determine whether the received electromagnetic radiation indicates a predetermined gesture.