STMicroelectronics' miniature mirrors greatly improve the accuracy of perceptual calculations

     STMicroelectronics collaborates with Intel on Perceptual Computing Initiatives; St will provide micro-mirrors and control devices for the project.In addition to the ASIC control device, ST also offers a compact miniature MEMS mirror for the Perceptual Computing program. The product is transmitted tens of thousands of times per second, reflecting infrared beams to scan the target object and drawing coordinate squares on the surface of the object that are invisible to the human eye. 3D imaging and gesture control applications capture and analyze infrared rays reflected from target objects. MEMS mirrors can achieve high performance, low power consumption and robust and reliable systems, especially suitable for a variety of consumer electronics products, creating a new situation in the field of human-computer natural interaction applications.

     MEMS devices are tiny machines that use Electrical principles to sense motion and environmental parameters or to control and drive liquids (such as thermal inkjet printouts) or objects (such as projection system mirrors) to complete predetermined mechanical movements. The "machine" is a very small mirror that uses the most familiar electrostatic principle that makes hair stand on its head.

     St's MEMS technology expertise enables the industry's smallest and thinnest Projection Engine [2], which can be embedded in the screen of a laptop or tablet to provide users with an ultra-wide field of view experience [3]. In addition, the micro mirror uses ST's smart power cutting edge technology to integrate excellent Electro-static Actuation, ultra-low power consumption, and hardware security against data intrusion or tampering on the chip.

     Sagi Ben Moshe, Director of Deep Camera Engineering at Intel, said: "The revolution of using perceptual computing to create a new mode of use for Natural User-interface (NUI) is coming, and the micro mirror technology developed by ST is a major contribution. "Intel and its partners use the best depth sensors to deliver immersive 3D visuals to PCS and tablets, and to revolutionize human-computer interaction in games, entertainment and content production."

     Benedetto Vigna, Executive Vice President and General manager, Emulator, MEMS and Sensor Products, ST, said: "By working on the seminal MEMS technology for many years, ST has contributed to significant advances in user interface technology for motion sensing, touch and voice control. Perceptual computing will add 3D vision to computers and is expected to be rapidly and definitively accepted. Only companies that master comprehensive technology like ST can solve technical problems such as power consumption, motion, inertia, jitter, develop suitable micro mirrors, and integrate analog front-end and digital logic circuits on a low-power chip to meet the size requirements of mainstream products in terms of system integration components."