Light Detection and Ranging or LiDAR is often used in the latest searches for ancient ruins (lost cities and walls), underwater exploration, and even treasure hunting to display 3D imaging that other techniques cannot provide. LiDAR is also one of the key technologies (besides radar and cameras) that is integrally involved in the quest for […]
Time-of-Flight
What really counts?
Sesame Street’s Count von Count loves to count things. However, depending on what needs to be counted, there are a variety of different techniques. Is it people, objects, steps, or? Counting people Turnstiles are commonly seen at events, fairgrounds, stadiums, arenas, amusement parks, or anywhere pedestrian counting and/or pedestrian crowd control is required. The simplest […]
Tiny, all-in-one direct Time-of-Flight module targeted at advanced imaging applications
STMicroelectronics announced an all-in-one, direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) module with market-leading 2.3k resolution. They revealed an early design win for the world’s smallest 500k-pixel indirect Time-of-Flight (iToF) sensor. The VL53L9, announced is a new direct ToF 3D LiDAR device with a resolution of up to 2.3k zones. Integrating a dual […]
Laser diffuse sensor integrates time-of-flight technology
Small housing, big operating range: thanks to TOF technology, the new ODT3CL1-2M compact diffuse sensor from Leuze achieves an operating range of up to two meters. The 2-in-1 sensor detects the presence of objects and at the same time transmits measurement values. With the new ODT3CL1-2M laser diffuse sensor, the Sensor People from Leuze are […]
How do diffuse, retroreflective, and through-beam ultrasonic sensors differ?
Ultrasonic frequencies are above the human audio range — higher than 20 kHz. Operating in this frequency range, ultrasonic sensors are commonly used for measuring proximity (distance), determining the level in storage tanks, detecting objects, and more. Ultrasonic sensors provide a non-contact sensing technique by measuring the time it takes for sound to travel to […]
8×8, multi-zone ToF ranging sensor operates a 1.6 mW in low-power mode
STMicroelectronics’ VL53L8CX, the latest-generation 8×8 multizone time-of-flight (ToF) ranging sensor, delivers a range of improvements including greater ambient-light immunity, lower power consumption, and enhanced optics. ST’s direct-ToF sensors combine a 940nm vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), a multizone SPAD (single-photon avalanche diode) detector array, and an optical system comprising filters and diffractive optical elements (DOE) […]
How sensors help you play ball: part 2
A FIFA-compliant match ball from Adidas has a TDK InvenSense 6-axis MotionTracking device and other electronics mounted in the center of the ball. As shown in Figure 1, the Adidas patented suspension system stabilizes the electronics module. Instead of having the sensing/communication module mounted on the surface of the ball near the inflator valve, the […]
What advanced sensing techniques are used in cobots?
Most robots incorporate a broad range of sensing technologies to better understand the operating environment and to fulfill their design purpose. These sensors provide information about position, size, orientation, velocity, distance, temperature, weight, force, and more. For collaborative robots or cobots that operate in a close proximity to and even interact with humans, additional sensing […]
Human presence detection and you
By Charles Pao, Senior Marketing Specialist at CEVA Mobile phones and tablets are getting more powerful, but if you’re serious about doing work (remotely), the dedicated work laptop still reigns supreme. Privacy and productivity have become increasingly important in this new paradigm of working anywhere. To help with both in the age of mobile computing, […]
What sensors are used in AR/VR systems?
A wide range of sensor technologies is required to support augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) systems. Today’s AR/VR implementations are mostly focused on visual and audio interfaces and rely on motion tracking and listening/voice recognition sensors. That’s beginning to change with new types of sensors and various types of haptics being introduced. This FAQ […]
