STMicroelectronics Proximity Sensor Solves Smartphone Hang-ups
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Geneva, February 25, 2013 -- Smartphones are set to become even more flexible
and more satisfying to use, thanks to a unique sensor system developed by
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers
across the spectrum of electronics applications. Combining three optical
elements in a single compact package, the VL6180 is the first member of ST's
FlightSense(TM) family and uses a new optical-sensing technology that reduces
the incidence of dropped calls[1] and enables innovative new user interactions
with smartphones.
The VL6180 uses a ground-breaking proximity measuring technology to offer
unprecedented accuracy and reliability in calculating the distance between the
smartphone and the user. Instead of estimating distance by measuring the amount
of light reflected back from the object, which is significantly influenced by
color and surface, the sensor precisely measures the time the light takes to
travel to the nearest object and reflect back to the sensor. This "Time-of-
Flight" approach ignores the amount of light reflected back and only considers
the time for the light to make the return journey.
"This marks the first time that Time-of-Flight technology has been made
available in a form factor small enough to integrate into the most space-
constrained smartphones," said Arnaud Laflaquière, General Manager of ST's
Imaging Division. "This technology breakthrough brings a major performance
enhancement over existing proximity sensors, solving the face hang-up issues of
current smartphone and also enabling new innovative ways for users to interact
with their devices."
The key to ST's patented new solution is an infra-red emitter that sends out
light pulses, an ultra-fast light detector that picks up the reflected pulses,
and electronic circuitry that accurately measures the time difference between
the emission of a pulse and the detection of its reflection.
Combining electronic, optical and packaging unique expertise from across the
company, the VL6180 embeds both a robust ranging time-of-flight sensor and a
wide dynamic ambient light sensor die, along with an infra-red emitter. Thanks
to its all-in-one, ready- to-use architecture, the VL6180 is easy to integrate
and saves the phone-makers long and costly optical and mechanical design
optimizations.
Addressing dropped calls is not the only benefit that ST's new technology brings
to the smartphone market. The ability to measure a reliable absolute distance
from the phone to a hand or other object opens up new user interaction scenarios
that phone manufacturers and app developers can rapidly exploit. At the World
Mobile Congress (Barcelona, Feb 25-28, Hall 7, Booth E110), ST will demonstrate
the proximity sensor performance and some innovative apps, underlining the
Company's commitment to Wireless and Imaging and the unique combination of
strengths ST brings to the market.
About STMicroelectronics
ST is a global leader in the semiconductor market serving customers across the
spectrum of sense and power and automotive products and embedded processing
solutions. From energy management and savings to trust and data security, from
healthcare and wellness to smart consumer devices, in the home, car and office,
at work and at play, ST is found everywhere microelectronics make a positive and
innovative contribution to people's life. By getting more from technology to get
more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.
In 2012, the Company's net revenues were $8.49 billion. Further information on
ST can be found at www.st.com
For Press Information Contact:
STMicroelectronics
Michael Markowitz
Director Technical Media Relations
+1 781 591 0354
michael.markowitz(at)st.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] 35% of US smartphone users experience a dropped call at least once a week,
some of which can be caused by accidental hang-ups, according to
http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2012/Mobile-phone-problems/Main-findings.aspx
STMicroelectronics Proximity Sensor_IMAGE:
http://hugin.info/152740/R/1680651/549164.jpg
STMicroelectronics Proximity Sensor:
http://hugin.info/152740/R/1680651/549163.pdf
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Source: STMicroelectronics via Thomson Reuters ONE
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Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 25.02.2013 - 09:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 232625
Anzahl Zeichen: 5236
contact information:
Town:
Geneva
Kategorie:
Business News
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