SoftKinetic And Melexis Bring 3D Vision To Automobile Infotainment

SoftKinetic, together with global automotive semiconductor and sensor innovator Melexis announce the availability of the first Time of Flight (ToF) 3D sensor for automobile safety and infotainment markets. The MLX75023 sensor, featuring SoftKinetic technology and manufactured in Melexis’ automotive-grade CMOS mixed signal process, is the highest resolution 3D sensor available. It works in full sunlight, making it the perfect solution for a vehicle’s cockpit. It can be used for natural 3D gesture recognition and robust driver monitoring, bringing a new level of infotainment navigation control and safety features.

The MLX75023 is a QVGA (320 x 240 pixel) resolution optical ToF camera sensor. Featuring SoftKinetic’s patented DepthSense 3D Imaging technology, and in conjunction with SoftKinetic’s advanced image processing software, the sensor is capable of understanding the most subtle human gestures as well as the shape, size and behavior of objects and people inside the car. Now drivers can adjust the temperature and radio, or make a phone call, using simple gestures and without taking their eyes off the road. Additional capabilities of the sensor allow for driver behavior monitoring as well as context awareness, creating a safer environment for every passenger in the vehicle.

“Our unique Time of Flight sensor has created exciting opportunities for the gaming environment, augmented and virtual realities, and even the living room. Working together with Melexis we have now been able to create a sensor that is robust in full sunlight, perfect for the automobile environment,” said Michel Tombroff, CEO of SoftKinetic. “We are excited about the multitude of possibilities with this sensor, and look forward to the ways car manufacturers will incorporate it into the design of their vehicles’ cockpits and beyond.”

“At Melexis, we pride ourselves on bringing the most innovative and technically-advanced sensors and semiconductor systems to the highly competitive automobile manufacturing environment. SoftKinetic was an excellent fit for us, as their unique ToF sensor was unsurpassed in capabilities and function,” said Françoise Chombar, CEO at Melexis. “Our partnership has allowed us to be the first to provide 3D vision to the automotive safety and infotainment markets, and we are confident that these sensors will enhance life safety and change the way drivers and passengers enjoy the vehicle experience.”

Additional features of the MLX75023 sensor include High Ambient Light Robustness, Inherently robust 3D imaging, Scalability of resolution, range and field-of-view, High frame rate and Minimal post-processing.