Until now, high-resolution 3D motion detection devices have required cameras or other relatively expensive components. Microchip (that’s the company’s name) is changing that with its new GestIC technology. Based on detecting disturbances in an electromagnetic field (an extension of the 1D and 2D technology used in devices including the iPod trackwheel), GestIC offers the accuracy of a mouse over an area the size of a touchpad.
There is a disturbance in the force
The GestIC (technically the Microchip MGC3130) works by sensing changes in an otherwise nearly static electromagnetic field measured by an array of electrodes. It is accurate to 150 dpi as far as six inches above the sensing surface — capturing up to 200 samples per second.
The GestIC technology came to Microchip through its acquisition of German-based Ident Technology earlier this year. The chip itself includes 32KB of flash memory and 12K of RAM to hold its programming.
Look mom, no camera
Unlike most of the existing 3D motion detecting systems, the GestIC does not require any type of camera. The electromagnetic sensors are built into a rigid or flexible surface, and can be located under a device housing. This makes the technology suitable for use in any lighting condition, and ensconced within many form factors (including smartphones).
Not needing a camera also eliminates the angle-of-view problems found in camera-based systems. The GestIC provides an even sensing field over the entire sensor area, instead of only within the field of view of a camera.
Built-in gesture recognition
To make the GestIC more OEM-friendly, Microchip has embedded a library of gesture recognition firmware, called Colibri, in the controller chip. It uses a hidden Markov model (HMM), similar to that used in voice recognition, to identify gestures. This added capability should make the device an option not just for major manufacturers, but for DIYers and hobbyists of all types. The gesture library will initially include common motions like swipe, scroll and zoom, but can be extended.
Low-power and low-cost will drive ubiquity
Microchip is hoping that the 10x power savings of the GestIC over camera-based designs like the Leap Motion device and Microsoft Kinect will pave the way for it to be used for many previously impractical applications. The chip consumes only 45 microamps (at 3.3 volts) in its self-wakeup mode — which saves power by alternating sleeping and scanning until an event is detected — and 30 milliamps when running.
The device’s low cost will also make it a natural for embedded applications like light switches, appliances, and home automation — basically anywhere that gestures are an effective way to control a device.
You can get started today
Microchip is making developer kits available for only $169. The kits include the controller chip, reference circuitry and board, both 5-inch and 7-inch sensor fields, and AUREA Windows companion software. Volume shipments are expected by April.