New QVGA ToF imaging evaluation kit enables more advanced human machine interfaces

Melexis has strengthened the support offered for its ground-breaking time-of-flight (ToF) sensing technology. The new EVK75023 evaluation kit accompanies its MLX75023 QVGA (320x240pixels) resolution ToF sensor with high dynamic range DepthSense pixels. This new hardware platform enables implementation of more advanced human machine interfaces (HMIs). Co-developed in association with Melexis technology partner BlueTechnix, the EVK75023 is a compact (130mm x 105mm x 60mm) board for assessment of ToF sensing capabilities under even the most challenging of application conditions, where the detrimental influence of ambient light variations must be addressed. Due to the constituent MLX75023imaging device, it can deal with up to 120klux of background light. The EVK75023 has a high bandwidth Gigabit Ethernet interface, through which real-time 3D images are output at frame rates of up to 60fps. These can be used to recognize complex gestures. Via a C-based API or via the Matlab SDK, users can easily develop their own communication interface, says the company. The platform consists four main elements: 1 - A pair of illuminating units - each with a set of 6 LEDs capable of producing a peak optical output of 10W. 2 - A sensor board - incorporating the MLX75023 sensor, a standard M12 lens mount plus objective with a field of view up to 60°, a quad-channel data converter and programmable logic (through which both the sensor and the LEDs are controlled). 3 - An ARM-based processing board - featuring an i.MX6x Freescale microprocessor, which is responsible for compiling the acquired ToF data then subsequently communicating this to a laptop, via the Gigabit Ethernet connection, for analysis. 4 - An interface board - on to which all of these different subsystems are placed. “By using Melexis’ automotive-grade ToF offering, automobile engineering teams will be able to deploy HMIs which are robust enough to deal with difficult working environments, where they are exposed to dramatic alterations in light levels, while still hitting the necessary price points to ensure economic viability,” said Kristof Lieben, ToF systems application engineer, Melexis. “The addition of this new evaluation kit, gives engineers the functionality needed to make an initial appraisal of the design set up, so that it can be optimized for the particular surroundings.”