STSW-IMG035

Description

The STSW-IMG035 is a simple and robust gesture recognition solution. It runs on the VL53L5CX, the VL53L7CX, and now supports the VL53L8CX ToF sensors. The software includes a complete development ecosystem with ready-to-use example code and intuitive GUI for reduced design times.

The same, unique software supports the three sensors. The gesture recognition algorithms can detect multiple motions. They include: single and double tap, swiping in four directions (left, right, up, and down), and level control.

Thanks to the libraries available in the package, the application can run on microcontrollers that are based on Cortex® M0+, M3, M33, M4, and M7. The package includes: the GUI executable, example code for the NUCLEO-F401RE board, libraries for supported Cortex® cores, and an easy-to-read user manual.

To run the GUI, a Nucleo expansion board (X-NUCLEO-53L5A1, X-NUCLEO-53L7A1, or X-NUCLEO-53L8A1) is required, with a NUCLEO-F401RE Nucleo board. In addition, you can use the breakout boards (VL53L5CX-SATEL, SATEL-VL53L7CX, or SATEL-VL53L8) connected to the STM32 Nucleo board.

One major advantage of this gesture solution is that it provides full privacy. This is thanks to the multizone computing distance information of STMicroelectronics' ToF sensors (no image, no camera). The performances are independent of target reflectance. The solution works even with gloves or in low light conditions, unlike camera-based solutions.

The gesture recognition mode can be combined with the distance measurement mode of the ToF sensors. This allows user detection and system activation use-cases. The small size of the sensors makes them easy to integrate, and they can be hidden behind a dark cover glass.

The VL53L5CX and VL53L7CX are based on the same architecture, and are pin-to-pin compatible.

Gesture recognition can be used to enhance numerous applications and end-products. It perfectly fits to home appliances devices like coffee machines, cooking plates or ovens. In public places, it could control vending machines, elevator call buttons, and more. Personal electronics can also benefit from gesture recognition: especially in smart speakers, laptops, tablets, or AR/VR headsets.