The optical sensor recognises a variety of gestures in a small size and available for 10x lower cost than camera-based time-of-flight systems
Sensing a broader range of gestures at extended distances is the new MAX25405. The infrared-based dynamic optical sensor detects swipe, rotation and other important gestures and can double the sensing range from 20cm to 40cm – all in small size and at 10x lower cost than time-of-flight (ToF) camera-based systems in automotive, industrial and consumer applications. These enhancements offer an alternative to voice communications, enabling drivers to focus on the road.
Besides integrated optics and a 6 x 10 infrared sensor array in MAX25405, the fusion of a glass lens increases sensitivity and improves the signal-to-noise ratio. This doubles the proximity and distance of sensing applications offering gesture-sensing entertainment displays to the co-driver and rear-seat passengers as well. A total of nine gestures, including swipe, rotation, air-click, linger to click, are recognised along with 3 x 2 proximity zones with minimal lag time. This cost-effective single-chip makes gesture-sensing affordable for multi-range automotive, consumer and industrial applications, including touch-free smart home hubs, thermostats and many more. The MAX25405’s small 20-pin, 4mm x 4mm x 1.35mm quad flat no-lead (QFN) package together with four discrete LEDs is 75 per cent smaller than ToF camera-based solutions.
“Maxim Integrated’s MAX25405 recognizes the most dynamic gestures at the lowest cost, allowing automakers to avoid the prohibitive cost of time-of-flight cameras and to help keep drivers’ eyes on the road,” said Szu-Kang Hsien, director for the Automotive Business Unit at Maxim Integrated. “The affordable gesture sensing feature adds value to low- and mid-range cars, while offering passengers the luxury of touch-free gesture control.”
The MAX25405 power management IC and associated MAX25405EVKIT# evaluation kit are available now from Maxim Integrated and authorised distributors.
