Melexis Underlines Leading Position as Sensor Supplier for Next Generation Touch-Less Automotive HMIs

Company showcases highly advanced optoelectronic sensors at upcoming industry events

Melexis will be participating in two key events at which it will have live demonstrations of its sensors for touch-less human machine interfaces (HMI) technology in action. The first event is Automotive Cockpit HMI in Detroit (19-21st May), where Melexis will appear alongside worldwide automotive brands. Next will be the Image Sensors Conference in Brussels (23-25th June), in which again high level automotive attendees will also be involved.

HMIs, the ‘spaces’ where humans interact with technology, are set to become a key differentiator in the vehicle models of the future. They are making a variety of different automotive control functions easier to execute, as well as helping to ensure improved safety for passengers and road users. There are however a multitude of challenges associated with implementation of cost-effective and robust HMIs into demanding automotive environments, as the effects of ambient light variations and electro-magnetic interference need to be addressed.

Melexis is devoting a significant proportion of its engineering resources into this area in order to overcome the obstacles faced. It is already working with leading car brands to enable more sophisticated HMI deployments that will enhance the overall driving experience and reduce the risk of driver distraction. The company’s automotive grade HMI products include the MLX75030/1 ActiveLight ICs for optical gesture and proximity sensing. Via these devices simple hand movements (such as left/right or up/down swipes) can be determined - allowing operation of infotainment, communication, climate control and navigation functions without requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road ahead. This is complemented by its MLX75023 high resolution 3D time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, enabling capture of detailed real-time information relating to the driver or passenger’s hand, head and body movements.

“Incorporation of more effective HMIs will have numerous benefits for vehicle occupants” comments Gaetan Koers, Product Line Manager for ToF Sensors at Melexis. “Our ToF and ActiveLight sensing products have put Melexis at the forefront of this exciting new sector. We have the state-of-the-art technology that car manufacturers need to fully address the impending opportunities for automotive HMIs.”