Dynamic gesture sensing for automotive applications

Designers of automotive systems are now able to add dynamic hand-gesture controls with greater ease with the MAX25205 data acquisition system from Maxim Integrated Products. Providing integrated optics and a 6x10 IR sensor array, the device detects swipe and hand-rotation gestures without the complexity of ToF cameras at 10x lower cost and up to 75% smaller size.

Automakers predict driver safety will get better when gesture and proximity sensing replace knobs and touch screens for infotainment, phone, climate, trunk, side mirror, sunroof and reading lamp controls. Most gesture-sensing systems in current cars are based on ToF cameras that also carry high costs and complexities, which many manufacturers want to avoid.

“Although ToF-based systems enabled gesture-sensing in luxury models, automakers are hopeful to add this stylish and life-saving feature to higher volume product tiers as well,” said Sachin Garg, associate vice president at MarketsandMarkets. “What designers need is a lower-cost alternative to today’s systems in order to make the economics of gesture-sensing controls more feasible for non-luxury models.”

“Maxim Integrated’s MAX25205 is a game-changer for the automotive industry,” said Szu-Kang Hsien, executive business manager for Automotive Business Unit at Maxim Integrated. “By offering the most dynamic gesture control for automotive applications at the lowest cost, automakers can avoid the prohibitive costs of time-of-flight camera solutions and offer gesture sensing in more car models. It offers a stylish, cool factor to cars, especially for laid back drivers who prefer to use gesture for control with the added benefit of keeping their touch screens dirt-free.”