Nine-Axis MEMS Motion Sensing

At the 2012 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas, David Borison of InvenSense demonstrates the capabilities of nine-axis motion sensing using the company’s newly introduced MPU-9150 nine-axis (gyro + accelerometer + compass) MEMS MotionTracking device. The multi-axis sensor incorporates MotionFusion and run-time firmware that simplifies motion sensing in end products. To further simply the design-in process, a development dongle is available.

To watch the video, click here.

For more information about InvenSense MPU-9150, click here.

The Software Side of Touch Sensing

Proximity Sensing in a Vehicle’s Center Stack

At Convergence 2010 in Detroit Mich., Freescale Semiconductor’s Lydia Ziegler demonstrates how a software library controlled touch sensing can be used for slider and rotary switches in a vehicle’s center stack. The capacitive sensing uses simple metallic electrodes and the software completes the system. The software is an integral part of Freescale’s Xtrinsic touch sensing portfolio.

For more information on Freescale Semiconductor Xtrinsic touch sensing software click here.

To watch the video, click here.

Software Simplifies Motion Sensing

Motion sensing is one of the hottest sensing areas. Using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based accelerometers and gyroscopes, systems designers are adding motion sensing to smart phones and other handheld products, as well as games, movies and even medical applications. To simplify the use of its MEMS sensors, Kionix has developed a software engine called Gesture Designer. This tool allows developers to easily create, evaluate and implement motion-based gestures based on the algorithms built into the company’s KXTF9 tri-axial accelerometer. With the algorithms, users can access12 tap-enabled, application-specified functions.

For more information about the Gesture Designer, you need to talk to Kionix. (607-257-1080). Kionix Website.

For more information about Kionix KXTF9 accelerometer, click here.