Hillcrest Labs Introduces 9-Axis Freespace(R) Sensor Module
Combines MEMS gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer with Freespace MotionEngine(TM) software and a single 32-bit MCU ----- Enables precise motion control in wearable computing and HMDs for augmented reality, virtual reality, military simulation, and many other applications
Rockville, MD -- November 8, 2012 -- Hillcrest Labs, a market leader in
addition to its family of Freespace(R) Sensor Modules: the FSM-9, a
fully-integrated 9-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU). The FSM-9 is a
turnkey solution that combines MEMS sensor hardware with Hillcrest's
Freespace MotionEngine(TM) Universal sensor fusion software and a 32-bit
microcontroller (MCU) in a compact surface-mount package. The FSM-9 is
designed to enable fast development of high quality motion controlled
products.
"The FSM-9 is an off-the-shelf motion solution that delivers ultimate
performance for the rapidly growing markets where head-mounted displays and
other wearable computers are used," said Chad Lucien, senior vice president
of sales and marketing at Hillcrest Labs. "Our ultra-high performance 9-axis
sensor fusion and calibration software, low power system, and low cost
package, enables customers to easily and quickly integrate motion into
products for these markets and a wide range of other applications."
The FSM-9 combines Hillcrest's MotionEngine Universal software on an
embedded microprocessor, along with a 3-axis digital gyroscope, 3-axis
digital accelerometer and 3-axis magnetometer (compass). MotionEngine
software combined with a proprietary factory testing and calibration process
provides 360 degrees of high-performance motion data, including: heading,
linear acceleration, angular position, angular velocity, and cursor
position. Key features of the FSM-9 include: configurable sampling rates for
motion output up to 250 Hz, contextual smoothing for jitter-free
visualization, proprietary calibration methods to reduce gyro drift,
comprehensive automated calibration, and advanced magnetic field
interference tracking and filtering to improve performance in various
environmental settings. Motion data communication is through either USB or
SPI, and the module is supported by libfreespace, Hillcrest's open source
motion control API, enabling easy integration into existing applications.
Compared to Hillcrest's 6-axis module (the FSM-6), the 9-axis module
includes a heading reading, offers enhanced angular position accuracy, and
reduces gyroscope drift. As such, the FSM-9 is an ideal solution for
head-mounted displays (HMDs) and wearable computing used for
virtual/augmented reality systems, military simulation, and law enforcement
applications. In addition, the FSM-9 can be used in industrial automation,
robotics, pedestrian navigation, health and fitness, and medical diagnostic
products. Hillcrest currently works with numerous companies in these
specialty areas, and expects the FSM-9 to be used by select customers in the
coming months.
Freespace MotionEngine Universal is an extension of Hillcrest's MotionEngine
Smart TV software embedded in the line of Roku 2 streaming media players and
LG's Smart TVs. Other companies that have licensed Hillcrest's technology
for use in their products include: Atmel, Eastman Kodak, Logitech, SMK
Electronics, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., TCL Multimedia, Universal
Electronics (UEI), and others. Hillcrest's global intellectual property
portfolio includes more than 200 patent filings, covering critical methods
for motion control of Smart TVs and other motion systems.
Hillcrest has received numerous awards and recognitions including the
prestigious CES Innovations Honoree Award multiple times, EE Times' ACE
Award, PC World's 100 Best Products and Greatest Tech Designs, Popular
Mechanics' Editors Choice, ECN's Reader's Choice Tech, and many others.
Additional information about Hillcrest's broad portfolio of natural motion
control products is available at: www.HillcrestLabs.com. Follow Hillcrest on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/HillcrestLabs or Twitter at @HillcrestLabs.
About Hillcrest Labs
Hillcrest Laboratories (a.k.a. Hillcrest Labs) is a market leader in
multiplatform motion software and products. The company provides motion
solutions under the Freespace(R) brand for Smart TVs, Blu-ray and streaming
media players, smartphones and tablets, game controllers, and other markets.
For consumers, Hillcrest offers the Kylo(R) browser, a free Web browser for
TV. For additional information, visit www.hillcrestlabs.com.
Featured Product
The ERT150 - Dorner's Next Evolution of Edge Roller Technology Conveyors
The next evolution in Dorner's Edge Roller Technology conveyor platform, the ERT®150, is ideal for small and light-load assembly automation, as well as medical and medical-device assembly application. The ERT platform is the only pallet conveyor of its kind available with an ISO Standard Class 4 rating for cleanroom applications. Earning the ISO Standard 14644-1 Class 4 rating means Dorner's ERT150 will conform and not contribute to the contamination of cleanrooms to those standards. As implied by its name, the ERT150 (Edge Roller Technology) uses rollers to move pallets through the conveyor smoothly with no friction (a byproduct often seen in belt-driven platforms). The conveyor's open design eliminates concerns of small parts or screws dropping into rollers and causing conveyor damage or jamming. The ERT150 is suited to operate in cleanroom environments requiring a pallet handling conveyor. It is capable of zoning for no or low-back pressure accumulation and is ideal for automation assembly applications within industries including medical devices, electronics, consumer goods among others.
